ABSTRACT
In today's lifestyle and tense working routines maintaining weight is more difficult than losing weight. Highly processed food items, Fastrack lifestyle, lack of nutritional diets, and toxic work environments all lead to disturbed weight levels. Sticking to a diet and losing weight is okay but what bothers people is to maintain that diet and lifestyle for life. Often short-term weight loss can be seen and then there is again weight gain. In this article, we are going to have a look at some aspects of weight maintenance including the introduction, the pros and cons of weight gain and loss, the BMI and Waist Circumference concept, measures to maintain weight, homeopathic, ayurvedic, and modern options for the same.
INTRODUCTION
On average, it is observed that a person weighing within the normal ranges of his/her BMI is considered healthy. As we age, we see a lot of fluctuations in our metabolism, some struggle to lose weight, and some struggle to gain it. Weight gain and weight loss, both are having its pros and cons but what is most difficult is maintainning the weight. People who suffer from weight gain and weight loss are also often associated with some sort of psychosocial abnormalities and eating disorders.
BMI CONCEPT
BMI or Body Mass Index is considered an important parameter in the medical field to assess body fatness and helps to check for weight gain or loss that might be causing any health issues. BMI helps in measuring the ratio of weight to height by taking weight in kilograms and height in meter square. If the BMI is low then there are high-risk chances of an individual suffering from: -
- Infertility
- Malnutrition
- Anaemia
- Osteoporosis
- Weak Immunity
If the BMI is high, an individual is having a high risk of having: -
- Osteoarthritis
- Heart Diseases
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Gallstones
BMI can help classify weight into the following types: -
- Underweight is having BMI less than 18.5
- The Optimum/Healthy Range BMI is 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight BMI is 25 to 29
- Class 1 Obesity is having a BMI of 30 to 34.9
- Class 2 Obesity is having a BMI of 35 to 39.9
- Class 3 Obesity is having a BMI of more than 40
WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE CONCEPT
The value of waist circumference can be used to assess the girth of a person's abdomen. It is usually measured from the hips to the narrowest point between the rib cage and shows if the person is having adequate abdominal fat or not and can be seen being measured at school or workplaces. Waist circumference is said to be having following normal values: -
- >35 inches or 88 cm for females
- >40 inches or 102 cm for males
Having a high waist circumference can be a risk factor or indicative of heart diseases, metabolic syndromes, and hormonal disturbances.
THE PROS AND CONS OF WEIGHT LOSS
Weight loss is always associated with being healthy and having a great physical appearance but this is not always true as there might be some health issues underlying weight loss. If someone loses a dramatic amount of weight in the short term that might lead to excessive weight gain later and also along with this comes a range of health issues that trouble the person.
Pros
- Improved blood pressure
- Improved mood
- Less risk of heart disease
- Low levels of triglyceride level
- Improved insulin resistance
- Low risk for cancers
- Confidence boosts up
Cons
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Hair and Muscle loss
- Constipation
- Menstrual Irregularities
- Gallstones
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Electrolyte Imbalances
THE PROS AND CONS OF WEIGHT GAIN
Weight gain is considered when there is an absolute increase in body weight that can be temporary or permanent spending on the underlying cause of weight gain. Gaining excessive weight can lead to very bad effects on overall health including an increase in morbidity and mortality.
Pros
- Increased immunity
- Increased energy levels
- Increases strength
- Increases bulk
Cons
- Diabetes
- Heart diseases (Stroke, CHD, Hypertension)
- High Cholesterol
- Osteoarthritis,
- Gallbladder diseases,
- Difficulty in body functioning,
- Cancers
- Low life quality
- Mental illnesses like Depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
MEASURES TO MAINTAIN WEIGHT
Both weight gain and weight loss are very important and what is more important is to maintain the results. The following measures can be taken to maintain the weight gain or loss: -
Weight Loss
Gaining weight is as difficult as it is losing it. Skinny people are often mistaken to be healthy but that is not true always as there might be some underlying cause to them being skinny and unable to gain weight. The following measures can be taken to avoid losing weight after gaining it: -
- Getting examined for any underlying pathology that might be leading to weight loss like thyroid disorders, mental disorders Gastrointestinal disorders, etc.
- Eating 5-6 small frequent meals.
- Adding olive oil, cheese, butter, ghee, and nut butter to the food increases the calories.
- Opting for high-fat snacks.
- Consumption of nutrient-rich smoothies and shakes.
- Performing strength training exercises that can help in building up muscles.
HOMOEOPATHIC SOLUTIONS FOR MAINTAINING WEIGHT
Weight Loss
The following medications can be consumed to lose weight: -
- Natrum muriaticum - This medicine is very effective in people who have lower body fat accumulation, especially in the thigh and buttocks. Great results are observed in people who have heat radiation along with uneasiness, are depressed, and are anaemic.
- Calcarea carbonica - People who suffer from abdominal fat accumulation due to chronic constipation or thyroid disorders have been observed to lose weight with this remedy. Obese children, children who get hungry after eating and have shortness of breath are often treated with this remedy.
- Natrum phosphoricum - This helps to lose weight in patients who have constant acidity and sour taste along with belching.
- Phytolacca - This remedy improves the metabolism of the body and normalises the hunger pattern which leads to better digestion and normal pH.
- Lycopodium - This remedy helps people who gain weight due to overeating very easily, especially in their buttocks and legs.
- Fucus vesiculosus - This remedy can help to improve digestion and relieves constipation thereby reducing the extra weight.
Weight Gain
The following remedies can be followed to gain weight: -
- Ignatia - This is the best remedy for those suffering from chronic eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia as it improves the mental status of the patient and takes away their fear of eating.
- Alfalfa Tonic - This medication helps to fight malnutrition, indigestion due to nervousness, and eating disorders.
- Sepia - This remedy helps to improve appetite loss due to hormonal imbalance by restoring it and leading to weight gain.
- Calacarea phosphorica - This helps to gain weight post any chronic illness. It also cures weak digestive systems, weak bones, and anemia in children.
- Aloe socotrina - This medicine helps to gain weight in patients who have a very small appetite and feel full after intake of a very small portion of meals.
MODERN SOLUTIONS FOR MAINTAINING WEIGHT
Modern science provides multiple solutions for maintaining weight. These solutions can be required for people who want to lose weight or gain it but there are many risks associated with these. These shall always be consumed under the guidance of expert doctors. These solutions include: -
- Anabolic Steroids - These are the most illegally used kind of medications by bodybuilders and athletes for enhancing their performance and are prescribed when there is weight loss due to any chronic illnesses. Abuse can lead to multiple organ damages that can also include kidney and liver problems, testes shrinkage, etc.
- Surgical procedures - Many surgical procedures can be performed to enhance the body structure of those who have excessive weight loss or weight gain. Brazilian butt lift is one of the procedures that can be performed for those who want to sculpt specific areas by adding fat removed from other body parts. Surgeries for weight loss also known as bariatric surgeries (Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, Adjustable gastric band, and Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch) are performed when one is not able to lose weight in any other ways but is having lots and lots of side effects in the long run which can be very threatening to life also.
- Weight Loss Pills - These pills help in weight loss by reducing fat absorption and increasing its burning. It also blocks excessive appetite. These include:-
- Hydroxycut
- Caffeine
- Raspberry ketones
- Glucomannan
- Green tea extracts
- Meratrim, etc.
This sounds like an easy solution but it has multiple side effects like withdrawal symptoms, eating disorders, malnutrition, depression, and anxiety.
AYURVEDIC SOLUTIONS FOR WEIGHT MAINTENANCE
In ayurveda, weight gain and loss are directly linked to the Vata dosha. In people who are vata dominant, weight loss or underweight is the major issue that is observed whereas in overweight people kapha is more dominant. Therefore, balancing out doshas is very necessary to achieve the desired weight.
Weight Loss
Obesity is also termed Sutholyam in Ayurveda and is believed to be caused by a collection of ama in the body which leads to low agni and disturbed the Medo dhattu functioning. This can in turn block the body channels and increases appetite by disturbing the vata. Over time excess intake of junk food, oversleeping, eating at the wrong times, excess slats or sweets intake, sedentary lifestyle leads to fat deposition due to kapha dosha vitiation. The following herbal medications can be taken for losing weight:-
- Garcinia Cambogia - This herb also known as Malabar Tamarind helps to lose weight and is widely used all over the world due to its ca[acity to block fat production and decreases excessive appetite. It also helps to keep diabetes and cholesterol levels under control.
- Guggul - It is also known as Commiphora mukul helps to break down fats and decreases the number of deposited fatty tissues in the body. It also affects ghrelin and leptin which are appetite-regulating hormones and keep their levels under check. It also decreases unhealthy cravings for foods and removes toxins from the body.
- Amla - It is also known as Indian Gooseberry and is considered as the best source of vitamin C which is an antioxidant and helps to decrease toxin accumulation and clean the digestive system and leads to weight loss. It is rich in fiber, keeping the stomach full for long hours and protecting the body from unhealthy cravings and excess food intake. It also protects the gut and keeps it healthy.
- Brahmi - It is also known as Bacopa monnieri and it helps to detoxify the liver and digestive system which in turn leads to better weight management. Brahmi keeps the hormones under control and thus prevents excessive weight gain due to thyroid disorders, or mental conditions like depression and anxiety.
- Punarnava - Punarnava also known as Boerhaavia diffusa has anti-obesity and antihyperlipidemic properties that helps reduce weight by removing the excess fluid that gets accumulated in the body leading to weight gain and also detoxifies the body and reduces appetite.
Weight Gain
Being underweight is considered the result of vata dosha vitiation which is required to be balanced along with providing proper nourishment to balance the agni to improve the nutrient assimilation that is being consumed. The following remedies can be consumed to gain healthy weight:-
- Ashwagandha - It is also known as Indian ginseng and has multiple benefits and works on the root cause of being underweight. It is known to reduce stress and anxiety that lead to loss of weight. It also provides strength to the body by improving muscle mass and improves libido. Ashwagandha also boosts digestion and metabolism.
- Shatavari - It is also known as Asparagus racemosus and is called as queen of the herbs and most female-friendly herb. It improves digestion and eating disorders that can lead to weight gain. Shatavari optimizes fluid regulation and prevents weight gain due to fluid retention as well. When mixed with milk it leads to better results for those who try to gain weight.
- Yashtimadhu - This herb is also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra (also known by the names of licorice root and mulethi). It helps to provide strength to the digestive system which thereby promotes proper assimilation of nutrients and ultimately weight gain. It also improves immunity and prevents disease which can also lead to weight loss if frequent.
- Safed Musli - This is also known as Chlorophytum borivilianum and works by reducing mental conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression that can lead to eating disorders and weight loss. It also removes muscular weakness and provides then strength.
- Triphala - Triphala contains Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) that help to clear the toxins and improve the assimilation of all the vitamins and nutrients. It also helps to improve the metabolism which leads to weight gain.
PLANET AYURVEDA'S SOLUTIONS FOR WEIGHT MAINTENANCE
Planet Ayurveda is a known organisation that provides Ayurvedic treatment based on strict Ayurvedic principles mentioned in ancient texts and are formulated by MD Ayurveda experts from the last 20 years. Planet Ayurveda provides great solutions for managing weight without any side effects as they contain only natural ingredients and make one look healthy and fit.
The following solutions are available at Planet Ayurveda for Losing Weight:-
Thinner You Pack
- Trim Support
- Stholyantak Churna
- Garcinia Capsules
- Guggul Capsules
Thinner You Pack
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. Stholyantak Churna
This is a powder blend of 14 ingredients that include Triphala, Arjuna, Chitrak, Kalmegh, Sonth, Dalchini, etc which when taken in combination helps to balance the tridoshas and improves digestion and lose weight by removing the fat deposits and improving the blood flow.
Dosage: 1 tsp, twice daily with warm water after meals. Its decoction can also be prepared by mixing 1 tsp of the powder in a glass of water and boiling it to one-fourth the quantity.
2. Garcinia Capsules
These are formed with the purest extracts of Malabar Tamarind that are known to help with long-term weight loss as they help to suppress the appetite and burn the fats. It also helps to keep cholesterol and blood sugar levels in control.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water half an hour after meals.
3. Guggul Capsules
These capsules are formed with the purest extracts of Commiphora mukul (guggulsterone) and work as a fat-burning supplement and help to melt down the excess fat and maintain body fat ratio. It also balances the tridoshas and improves blood circulation.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water half an hour after meals.
4. Trim Support
These capsules contain Garcinia, Cyperus rotundus, and Myrobalans which in combination helps to remove fat from the body and stops lipogenesis and balances all three doshas. It also helps in the cases of cellulite.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water half an hour after meals.
The following solutions are available at Planet Ayurveda for Gaining Weight:-
Products List
- Weight Gain Formula
- Shatavari Powder
- Shatavari Capsules
- Immune Booster
Herbal Remedies For Gaining Weight
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. Weight Gain Formula
These are capsules that are helpful in gaining weight as they contain extracts of Triphala, Ashwagandha, Jeerak, Saunf, Vidanga, etc which help in improving digestion and promote proper assimilation of nutrients. It also helps to improve the overall strength and stamina of the patient as well. It also helps to convert fats into muscles and gain weight.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.
2. Shatavari Powder & Shatavari Capsules
Shatavari helps to remove toxins from the body and promotes better digestion. It also helps to reduce stress and anxiety that might be the cause of being underweight. It also helps to build great immunity which leads to a strong body and prevention of diseases.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water and 1 teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water.
4. Immune Booster
These capsules help to improve immunity and prevent falling sick again and again which is one of the major causes of being underweight. It contains Grape seeds, Bhumi amla, Go-Piyush, and Amalaki that are provided to the immune system.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.
CONCLUSION
Both weight gain and weight loss is a difficult process and requires great determination, strength, and mental stability. Mental stresses from jobs and relationships, sedentary lifestyles, bad eating habits, and underlying health issues make it difficult to maintain BMI and adequate body weight. Easier goals in weight gain and weight loss will help one stick by them and not give up easily. The market is full of supplements from Modern science, Ayurveda, and homoeopathy but it is necessary to make a correct choice by weighing both pros and cons of each. Planet Ayurveda provides a 100% safe solution for maintaining weight without any side effects, addictions, and after-effects as all solutions provided are herbal and based on ancient wisdom. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com
