At the beginning of 2018, Orbis Research released their Global Weight Loss and Weight Management Market report which found that the weight loss industry accounted for $168.95 billion in global spending in 2016. With the industry forecasted to reach a staggering $278.95 billion, weight loss products and advice have never been more readily available—or confusing to navigate. Here’s what you need to know about alternative and unconventional weight loss methods.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian spiritual healing system that combines holistic medicines and treatments to connect mind and body to prevent diseases. Methods for aiding weight loss using Ayurveda include eating your largest meal at lunchtime, sipping on warm water throughout the day, practising mindful, slow eating and exercising upon awakening between six and 10am. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2005 found that subjects who used Ayurvedic herbal preparations experienced greater weight loss than those who did not. Currently, Ayurveda is considered a complementary medicine in the UK, so it should be used alongside traditional methods of weight loss only.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture—inserting long, fine needles into pressure points in the body—is a traditional Chinese medical practice typically used to relieve chronic pain. There has been no major significant research to suggest acupuncture is an effective weight loss strategy; however, a study published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2005 found acupuncture application was associated with a significant reduction of body weight.
Supplements
It is key to note that weight loss supplements on the market today are not actually able to eradicate fat directly. However, they can indirectly aid weight loss by providing consumers with more energy to help you feel motivated to work out and may contain hunger-curbing ingredients that make you feel fuller and more able to resist snacking. If you are unsure about whether supplements are right for you, consult with your doctor.
Diet & exercise
A combination of diet and exercise is still the most effective natural weight loss solution. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables—and low in saturated fats—and exercise 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week.
This article was originally published in Live to 100 with Dr Hilary Jones. Read the digital edition, here.
