Comparative study on the intervention of ‘Spice’ Mixture (SM) prepared by Natural Food Additives (NFA) alone or intervention of SM with mind calming exercise in the management on female obesity

Abstract

Obesity has become huge health problem in the entire world. In Sri Lanka, the prevalence of obesity is estimated to be 20.3% in men and 36.5% in women in four provinces. Further, the highest prevalence rate in Western Province, especially in Colombo was estimated to be 32.2%, among adults. Obesity is associated with osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, gall stones, and hiatus hernia. In addition to this obesity is related to numerous other problems, such as menstrual and mental disorders and varicose vein etc. According to the concept of Unani four treatment modalities are there; they are known as Dieto therapy (Ilaj Bil Ghiza), Pharmaco therapy (Ilaj Bil Dawa), Regimental therapy (Ilaj Bit Tadbeer) and Surgery (Ilaj Bil Yad). Biomarkers such as Lipid profile (VLDL, LDL, HDL And Serum triglycerides), Haemoglobin percentage, SGPT and SC (Serum Creatinine) were considered. Blood sample analysis was performed at NATH (National Ayurvedic Teaching Hospital), Borella, National Diabetic Centre, Rajagiriya and Asiri Hospitals Ltd. According to Unani or Greco-Arabic medical concept, improper digestion may play a main role to cause obesity. Improper digestion was corrected by using a ‘spice’ mixture made by Natural Food Additives (NFA), which possesses the actions of carminative, digestive and strengthens the gastro-intestinal tract. The preparation of ‘spice’ mixture included Natural Food Additives (NFA). They are Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), Garlic (Allium sativum), Curry Leaves (Murraya koenigii), Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and Black Pepper (Piper nigram). Studies revealed that waist circumferences (WC) is closely linked to CV disease risk factors. Also, WHO Expert Committee on Obesity in Asian and Pacific populations suggested that revised cutoff points for WC: 90 cm for men and 80 cm for women to identify patients with abdominal obesity. South Asians are more prone to insulin resistance and dyslipidaemic state of abdominal obesity. Study concluded that the intervention of ‘spice’ mixture reduces obesity and the effective mind calm exercises would give more beneficial effect in weight reduction.