Obesity is a physical ailment where an individual gets overweight. His body weight becomes more than normal. The weight of a person’s body should be proportionate to his height and age. It his body weight is more than the required proportion then he is called an obese person. Obesity leads to many problems in a person. His fitness level is reduced as compared to a normal person. An obese person cannot do the tasks a normal person does with the same ease. There are also various problems like B.P., cholesterol, heart diseases etc. due to excess body fat.
CAUSES OF OBESITYThere are many factors leading to obesity like excessive eating, lack of exercise, genetic factors, intake of certain drugs, hypothalamic disorders, etc. The main cause of obesity is the irregular lifestyle of modern man. There is no particular time of meals or no fixed and nutritious diet. People also prefer to have junk food due to lack of time to prepare at home. Some also like to have spicy and oily food. As a result due to lack of exercise and activities excess fat gets accumulated in the body and it leads to obesity. Obesity can also be inherited sometimes. Whatever the reason for weight gain it should be sorted out and solved through proper guidance.
CONTROLLING OBESITY WITH YOGAYoga gives a solid foundation to a person’s lifestyle. The most important factor in weight loss is will power of an individual. One should be able to control his senses and say no to food that can cause harm. Also the capacity to regularly exercise also comes from the mind. In yoga breathing techniques improve concentration and strength and will power automatically increases. Everyday practice of meditation and relaxation does wonders to the mind. A person who practices yoga daily develops a positive attitude towards life and is ready to achieve any goal.
People who have depression or experience fatigue also tends to gain weight easily. But yoga lifts one’s spirits, improves blood circulation, increases energy and helps reduce lethargy. Yoga also strengthens muscles and improves metabolism which is an important factor in controlling body weight. Body becomes more flexible and day to day activities can be done easily which drives the laziness out of one’s mind. Physical activities increase and automatically the weight of an obese person comes under control. Yoga asanas also improve the posture of an individual and one gains an impressive personality that also boosts the positive attitude. Selected asanas practiced under the expert guidance of an expert yoga guru helps reduce weight. Yoga helps a person to live a healthier and longer life.
HOW TO OVERCOME OBESITYThe two important and primary methods or treating obesity is by eating controlled and balanced diet and by regular exercises. If an individual reduces his daily intake of calories by controlling the amount of food and the type of food he can control his body weight to a certain extent. One has to avoid fatty, oily and spicy food. Intake of dairy products should be limited. Fresh fruits and vegetables should form a regular part of one’s diet. Foods rich in fibre should be consumed more often. Regular exercise holds a more important role in preventing weight gain. Exercises promote not only physical health but also mental health.
Clinical treatment helps in curing obesity to a certain extent but it is not a permanent solution. The age old treatment of yoga certainly helps in reducing weight.
OBESITY IN YOUNGSTERSObesity has become the No. 1 problem faced by children and youngsters in today’s world. Excess body weight in children at early age means health problems at an early age. There are many factors that lead to obesity at a young age. But there is a solution for these also. Creating awareness in children and motivating them to be healthy can overcome this problem.
FACTORS LEADING TO OBESITY IN CHILDREN
• Obesity can sometimes be genetic and runs in families.
• Habit of consuming junk food has become common and gradually tends to make children obese at a young age.
• Lack of exercise and activities with improper diet also leads to obesity.
• Due to some hormonal and chemical imbalances in the body a child can become obese.
• Some medicines also can cause obesity in youngsters.
EFFECTS OF OBESITY IN CHILDREN
• Obesity leads to medical problems like heart disease, high cholesterol levels, high BP in children, diabetes and even sleep apnea.
• Also there are psychological effects of obesity like social discrimination and low self-esteem.
YOGIC CURE FOR OBESITY IN YOUNGSTERSYoga has always proved beneficial for children dealing with the problem of obesity. Yoga not only treats the body but the mind also. Yoga is a combination of asanas, pranayam and meditation. All these together plays a role in treating obesity. Yoga does not have any side effects and nor is it strenuous. Yoga leaves children refreshed and full of positivity. Yogic exercices involves a lot of stretching, bending and folding postures. It tones the complete body. The basic posture is improved and corrected. It also increases self-confidence. Pranayam helps children to breathe properly and also corrects any breathing troubles. Meditation helps children cope with stress and anxiety. Will power and concentration is also increased.
Yoga also helps to have control on the senses. So problems related to over eating and disorders of eating are tackled. The hormonal imbalances are corrected and also some genetic disorders can be maintained through regular practice of yoga. Yoga is a complete disciplined form of life. It is a lifestyle. Once a child learns yoga discipline he can overcome all his wrong methods and lead a healthy life.
…………………….. Yogratna Yogacharya Vijayan C. Raman
Note: Yoga should be practiced under the strict guidance of an expert yoga guru only.
 |
 |
