Obesity, the condition of being overweight, has become an alarming global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1980. In 2016, an estimated 1.9 billion adults (aged 18 and over) were overweight, and out of these, over 650 million were clinically obese. Obesity is associated with many chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers.

Many people struggle to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Despite the availability of numerous weight loss supplements and medications, people continue to seek alternative, natural remedies for weight loss. One such alternative is Unani medicine.

What is Unani Medicine?

Unani medicine is a traditional system of medicine that originated in Greece and gained popularity in the Arab world during the medieval era. It is based on the principles of Hippocrates and Galen, and incorporates elements of traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine and Persian medicine.

Unani medicine views the human body as a complex system made up of four basic elements: earth, air, fire, and water. In order to maintain good health, Unani medicine restores balance to the body’s humors – the four essential fluids that regulate bodily functions.

Unani Medicine and Obesity

According to Unani medicine, obesity is caused by an imbalance in the body’s humors, particularly excessive phlegm (balgham) and black bile (sauda). This excess causes the body’s metabolism to slow down, leading to weight gain.

To treat obesity, Unani medicine incorporates a holistic approach that includes lifestyle modifications, dietary recommendations, and herbal remedies. The aim is to restore balance to the body’s humors and enhance the body’s natural metabolism.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Unani medicine recommends regular exercise, particularly physical activities such as brisk walking, cycling, and swimming. It also advises on lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding sedentary activities and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Dietary Recommendations:

Unani medicine recommends a healthy and balanced diet that avoids processed and fatty foods. The diet should be rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting the intake of sweets, soft drinks, and fried foods.

Herbal Remedies:

Unani medicine uses herbs and natural ingredients to treat obesity. For example, one popular remedy is the use of black cumin (kalonji) seeds. Black cumin seeds have been shown to have anti-obesity effects by reducing body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Additionally, the seeds also have a positive effect on blood lipid levels, reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Another popular herbal remedy is the use of fenugreek seeds (methi). Fenugreek seeds contain soluble fiber, which can help reduce appetite and prevent overeating. Additionally, they also have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, making them a useful remedy for people with diabetes and obesity.

Conclusion

Unani medicine provides an alternative approach to treating obesity that involves natural remedies that have been used for centuries. This approach does not have any significant side effects as compared to most weight loss medications. The lifestyle modifications, dietary recommendations, and herbal remedies prescribed by Unani medicine can work together to help reduce weight and maintain a healthy BMI. Unani medicine for obesity treatment should be approached with caution and with the guidance of a qualified practitioner.