Obesity is a complex medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that can negatively impact overall health. It is commonly assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI), along with factors such as waist circumference and metabolic markers. Obesity develops when there is a long-term imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure, but it is also influenced by genetics, hormones, lifestyle, medications, and environmental factors.
Beyond weight alone, obesity is closely associated with metabolic dysfunction, including insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. It increases the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
Modern management focuses on a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, behavioral support, and, when necessary, medical or pharmaceutical interventions—aiming not only at weight reduction but at improving overall metabolic health and long-term wellbeing.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, obesity is commonly associated with patterns such as Qi and Blood Stagnation with Phlegm Retention and Stomach Heat, where impaired Qi movement leads to accumulation, increased appetite, and internal Heat, and Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency, where weakened metabolic fire slows fluid transformation, resulting in Dampness, fatigue, and weight gain despite low energy.
A 20% increase above ideal body weight, excessive appetite, dry stools or constipation, abdominal distension, feeling sluggish and heavy, puffy face, dizziness, bad breath, reflux.
Recommended formulas to use:
Oedema, digestive weakness, low energy, severe abdominal bloating, chronic diarrhoea, urinary frequency, nocturia, cold hands and feet. Patient ‘hardly eats’ yet can’t lose weight. Often seen in older individuals, around menopause or in hypothyroidism.
Recommended formulas to use:
R226.00
R226.00
