Beat obesity the yoga way

People gain weight because of unhealthy food choices and family habits (such as eating in front of the television instead of around a table), and less active lifestyles. Also, sometimes people eat more than they need due to emotional reasons such as stress and anxiety. All of these contribute to the obesity epidemic.

Yoga techniques

Yoga techniques affect the body, internal organs, endocrine glands, brain, mind and other factors impacting the body-mind complex. Yoga techniques can be practised to reduce weight and achieve normal health.

Asanas (yoga postures) help reduce fat in various parts of the body. The recommended postures are: Head to Knee, Mountain, Spinal Twist, Bow, Child, Boat, Warrior poses and Plough pose.

Sun Salutation is also very effective. It is a sequence of 12 positions practised in order, which tones almost all muscles. Also, the internal organs are stretched, increasing blood and oxygen supply to these parts.

General guidelines

• Gradual weight loss promotes long-term loss of body fat.
• Fast once a week. Diet should include liquids, fruit and vegetable juices, warm skimmed milk, light soups.
• Foods especially beneficial are ginger, papaya, mango, pineapple, bitter melons and bitter greens.
• Drinking warm water throughout the day enhances digestion.
• Cut down on foods high in fats and sugar.
• Consume wheat products more than rice.
• Incorporate measures to burn calories such as after-dinner walks, using the stairs, parking the car farther away, etc.