Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body's skeletal and physical standards. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase in 20 percent or more above your ideal body weight is the point at which excess weight becomes a health risk. Today 97 million Americans, more than one-third of the adult population, are overweight or obese. An estimated 5 to 10 million of those are considered morbidly obese.

The main causes of being overweight or obese are eating too much and/or not being active enough. If you eat more calories than your body burns up, the extra calories are stored as fat. Everyone has some stored fat. Too much fat results in being overweight or obese. Other factors that may affect your weight include your genes (obesity tends to run in families), your metabolism (how your body processes food), your racial/ethnic group, and your age. Sometimes an illness or medicine can contribute to weight gain. Researchers are studying the causes of obesity to learn more about how to prevent and reverse it.

Lime juice and honey are a great combination to lose weight. Juice of half a lime and a teaspoon of honey should be taken with a glass of lukewarm water at regular intervals. It suppresses hunger pangs without any loss of energy.

Leaves of the Indian plum also have fat burning properties. For best results, soak some leaves overnight in water and drink the water, after straining, on an empty stomach every morning.

Green tea has excellent properties that can help in weight loss by increasing the body’s metabolism. A better metabolic rate results in faster expending of energy. An apple and a cup of green tea provide enough oxidation and energy to replace one meal

On an empty stomach in the morning, drink 1 glass of warm water mixed with juice of half a lime and 1 tsp honey.

Prepare chutney of mint leaves. This must be taken with every single meal. It helps in the proper breaking down of the fats. Also begin your day with a cup of mint tea.

Fasting on honey and lime- juice is highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity without the loss of energy and appetite. For this, mix one teaspoon of fresh honey with the juice of half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water. Dosage: Take several times a day at regular intervals.

Drink 3 cups of green Chinese tea to deal with the extra weight.