Home Remedies and Herbs for Overweight

Overweight is a term used to describe weight gain which can also lead to obesity. Specifically, being overweight means that the weight was gained in an unhealthy way. ¹ Weight gain and an excessive accumulation of fat can eventually lead to chronic health conditions.²

Obesity and being overweight is usually measured by Body Mass Index (BMI) which is calculated using a height to weight ratio. ¹ It is estimated that more than 1.9 billion adults worldwide of overweight. Weight gain and obesity can affect adults and even children as young as 5 years old. ²

What Causes Overweight?

The primary cause of becoming overweight is an imbalance between caloric intake and physical activity. Weight gain occurs when: ²

• There is an increase in the amount of foods eaten, specifically high fat foods.
• There is a decrease or a limited amount of physical activity due to sedentary lifestyles

When people consume more fatty foods than they can burn off through exercise, they may begin to see an increase in weight gain. Overtime and without proper health practices, being overweight can lead to obesity.

Overweight Symptoms

If you suspect you are overweight or experiencing weight gain, look for the following symptoms:¹

• Tighter fitting clothing
• Weight gain indicated by weighing yourself on a scale
• Noticing extra fat around the abdomen and hips
• Having a high body mass index reading

Being overweight or suffering from obesity comes with an increased risk of other chronic health conditions such as:²

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Possibility of developing osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal disorders
• Cancers such as colon, gall bladder, prostate, liver, kidney or breast cancer

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Overweight

While practicing a healthy lifestyle such as proper diet and adequate physical activity are the best ways to treat and prevent weight gain and becoming overweight, there are natural herbs for weight loss.

Here are some of the best home remedies for overweight patients:

• Cucumber - Cucumber has a high water content which adds hydration to the body. Add cucumber to your diet to help as an overweight treatment to hydrate and naturally detoxify the body.
• Green Tea - Green tea is a natural antioxidant that s shown to help as a weight loss supplement. By drinking green tea daily you can help prevent obesity.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: - Apple cider vinegar is one of the best remedies for overweight patients because of its natural detoxifying health benefits.
• Fish Oil - Fish oils contain a high amount of omega 3 fatty acids, which are shown to have anti-inflammatory health benefits. To help reduce symptoms of weight gain, add fatty fish to your diet or take fish oil supplements.
• Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is natural home remedy for weight loss. Coconut oil is thought to help target and eliminate belly fat.
• Chia Seed - Chia seeds are high in fiber and protein content which can help with weight loss. Chia seeds absorb large amounts of water which can help with food absorption and with creating feelings of being full.

References

1. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/obe
2. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/