Yoga and obesity
Obesity may be described as surplus weight or accumulation of surplus fats on body, which gives rise to various ailments such as diabetes, heart problems, hypertension, reduced pulmonary functions and also reduces life expectancy.
In medical term, it may be characterized as an irregular development of the adipose tissue owing to growth of fat cell size i.e. Hypertrophic or a rise in fat cell number i.e. Hyperplastic.
There are two kinds of obesity namely abdominal obesity and Gluteal obesity. Commonly 20 % surplus weight is regarded as a threat to health.
Obesity may result from lack of proper exercise, improper eating habits, taking food in between meals, fondness for sweets, refined food, fats and food that is preserved. Obesity also depends on composition of meals and intervals between meals, psychological reasons, emotional disorder, depression and nervousness, dejection and loneliness, problems related to endocrine glands, family history,
Males are exposed to the threat of obesity in the period between 29 to 35 years and female are subjected to the problem between the ages 45 to 49 years.
It is common knowledge that the threat of obesity increases with age.
- Yoga plays a crucial role in the treatment of Obesity.
- The techniques incorporated in Yoga has a beneficial effect on the body, internal organs, endocrine glands, brain, mind and additional aspects involving the complexities of the Body Mind system.
- A number of Yoga techniques can be performed to suitably diminish weight and attain normal condition for a strong Body and Mind.
Positions or postures that are recommended in the system of Yoga are particularly beneficial in diminishing the fats in several parts of the body. Specifically forward bending, twisting and backward bending asanas assist in diminishing the fats close to abdomen, hips and other parts. Asanas also enhance the performance of internal organs, fortifying the heart, lungs, and kidneys, excretory & reproductive organs. Habitual practice develops muscle strength.
Performed with quick speed similar to exercise, asanas can yield good results in combating obesity. Individuals performing the asanas may enhance repetitions in place of performing the asana for a long duration of time.
Sun salutations are exceedingly advantageous in coping with obesity. 24 sun salutations daily with a pace of 4 rounds in each minute offers immense advantages of Yoga Asanas and exercise too. The performance of Sun salutation is a series of 7 asanas that have to be done one after the other maintaining a proper sequence. It strengthens nearly all the muscles and in addition stretches the internal organs thereby enhancing blood & oxygen source to these parts. If frequently practiced, sun salutation in addition to breathing provides adequate exercise to the lungs. Mantras have a soothing impact on the mind. The well being of the body is maintained which in turn prevents obesity.
