In Australia, 50% of women and 66% of men are regarded as overweight or obese.

Excess weight gain is defined as being more than 20% above normal weight, having body-fat percentage greater than 30% or a body mass index (MBI) of 27-35+. BMI is calculated by dividing body weight in kg by height in meters squared.

Weight regulation depends on genetics, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors. Imbalances between these factors can disrupt the healthy function of the following:
Fat cells – white adipose tissue (WAT) stores energy as fat and brown adipose tissue (BAT) releases energy through thermogenesis (energy expenditure). Overweight people have higher numbers of WAT and lower numbers of BAT.
Blood glucose – insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, which facilitates the uptake of glucose by the liver and muscles to convert it to glycogen and energy. Overweight people frequently have insulin resistance resulting in metabolic problems including elevated blood glucose, high cholesterol and blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.
Appetite & calories - leptin is a hormone which regulates appetite and thermogenesis. Overweight people have high leptin levels and leptin resistance resulting in an increased food intake and the squirreling away of fat.
Metabolic rate - thyroid hormones regulate basal metabolic rate (resting energy) and facilitate thermogenesis, brain serotonin production and regulation of food cravings. Overweight people commonly have low serotonin levels which contribute to disturbances in appetite, body temperature, moods and sleep.
Stress response – chronic stress causes high cortisol levels, stimulates appetite, raises blood glucose, alters thyroxine conversion, induces insulin and leptin resistance, inhibits fat breakdown and increases weight gain.
General health – excessive weight gain is associated with the development of insulin resistance, diabetes, atherosclerosis, inflammation, toxicity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Lifestyle – overwork, lack of exercise, reduced rest, chronic tension and irregular eating habits – especially eating late at night when calories go straight to fat – along with inadequate or poor quality sleep make effective weight loss impossible.
Age – muscle mass, metabolic rate and physical activity decline with age and contributes to weight gain.

Treatment
Achieving weight loss is one of the greatest health challenges. Lasting results frequently require people do more than eat less calorie-rich food and exercise regularly.

In fact, appropriate herbal therapy can enhance the results of a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise to support healthy weight loss and body composition for overweight people and those wanting to maintain healthy metabolic function.

Specific herbs are evidenced to help improve fat metabolism, support normal thyroid function, and promote normal blood sugar regulation. In addition, appropriate herbal therapy can help reduce stress, enhance restful sleep and increase energy.

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