SAMAN MUFRIT (OBESITY) CONCEPT AND MANAGEMENT IN THE LIGHT OF UNANI LITERATURES

Abstract

Obesity is a term used to describe body weight that is much higher than what is thought to be healthy for his or her height. It has become a serious public health problem. It affects 32.2% of the population. The worldwide prevalence of obesity is 1.6 billion and is reached epidemic proportions mostly in high income groups. Changes in dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles are known to be associated with changes in health and increased prevalence of chronic diseases. During the past decades efficacious strategies have been developed for prevention of these changes. These strategies involve general lifestyle changes, which include healthy diet, optimal weight, physical activity, no alcohol consumption. In the management strategies, Unani medicine plays an important role. Details about Saman Mufrit (Obesity) are described in various classic literatures of Unani medicine. For example Ibn Sina has mentioned a chapter on the disadvantages of obesity (Oyub al-Saman al-Mufrit) and a chapter on regimen of weight decrease (Tahzeel). Number of herbs is documented in Unani classics to reduce weight which includes Luk-e-Maghsool, Muqil (Commiphora mukul Linn.), Kharkhask (Tribulus terrestris Linn.), Haldi (Curcuma longa Linn.) and Zeera Siyah (Carum carvi, Linn.) etc. These herbs are the most common traditional Unani medicines used for weight loss, but there is a need to explore the efficacy of these drugs in a scientific manner. This paper focuses on the management of obesity through three basic fundamentals which are Ilaj bil Ghiza (diet therapy), Ilaj bil Tadbeer (regimental therapy) and Ilaj bil Dawa (drug therapy).