Obesity	<< Page 9 of 11 >>

Other names: Weight problems, overweight

Description:
Obesity is defined as the accumulation of excessive body fat and is governed by the size and number of fat cells. This weight problem results from taking in more calories than the body needs or uses. Generally, people who are 20% or more above their ideal weight (on a height-weight table) are considered obese. Approximately 30% of the US population suffers from obesity.

Obesity contributes to health problems and is very common in today’s society. Being overweight makes the body more prone to high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and increased cholesterol levels. Obesity can lead to kidney, heart, and liver failure. Furthermore, more serious psychological problems include low self-esteem and emotional isolation.

Obesity can cause lower back pain, osteoarthritis, skin disorders, swelling, and even difficulty in breathing. All of these problems are due to excess fat in the body that places undue weight and stress on the system.

In some cases, obesity is due to abnormal eating patterns such as binge eating and night-eating syndromes. Binge eating involves eating large amounts of food (as in bulimia) except that there is no self-induced vomiting. Night-eating syndrome involves eating large amounts of food in the evening or night and therefore lacking an appetite in the morning.

Weight gain can also be due to the aging process and not an increase in body fat. As a person becomes older, the body increases the amount of water it retains. This excess water usually accumulates in the abdomen and legs. Genetic and environmental factors can also contribute to excess body weight.

Currently, it is believed that body weight is regulated much like body temperature. A set point in the body regulates body weight, and overweight people may simply have a higher than normal set point.

Overweight persons may have up to five times more fat cells than people of normal weight. Since the number of fat cells cannot be reduced, the only way to lose weight is to reduce the amount of fat in each cell.

Herbs Used:
Betula pendula (Silver Birch), Equisetum arvense (Horsetail), Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort), Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion), Cuminum cyminum (Cumin), Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel), and petrofilin extract.

HS Products:
Weitlin Tincture.

Recommendations:
There are many reasons for gaining weight but the most common one is liver malfunction. The Weitlin product is designed to regulate digestion and liver function. We recommend using Weitlin 2 to 3 times a day approximately two hours after a meal. This is important since some of the herbs in the tincture can actually open one's appetite while they regulate the digestive system.