In modern days obesity is defined in terms of Body Mass Index. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a mathematical calculation used to determine whether a patient is overweight or not. It is calculated by dividing a person's body weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared (weight [kg] / height [m]2). Being obese and being overweightare two different things. A BMI of 30 or more is considered obese and a BMI between 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. The tendency toward obesity is encouraged by two bad habits namely:

1. Lack of physical activity2. High-calorie, low-cost foods. In ayurveda the swastha-vritta guidelines are very useful in preventing obesity: Food Guidelines1. The selection of food items should be intelligently done. Any obsession or compulsion in food matters should strictly be controlled.

2. Moong and Masoor in one’s diet are a good means to treat obesity.

3. Obese people should avoid very sweet, salty or oily food especially at night.

4. One should avoid curd and take buttermilk instead.

5. One should always try and drink warm water.6. Guduchi, Triphala or Musta should be taken mixed with honey. Takrarishta is also advisable. Triphala churna is best advisable at bedtime.

7. Bruhat Panchamoola powder taken mixed with honey may be beneficial too.

8. Amla powder is also useful in reducing obesity.

Other Guidelines

1. Diet control and regular exercises like swimming, jogging, cycling, yoga or a combination of more than one of these is the key in controlling obesity.

2. Sleeping during the daytime should be avoided at all costs.

3. One should join a group that can encourage weight loss in a positive and motivating manner.

4. Initial weight loss should not be the therapeutic goal. The major challenge should be to find out an effective way to sustain this weight loss.

5. It is very important for obese people to get their lipid and sugar levels routinely checked along with blood pressure and other tests related to heart.

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