Battling the bulge
Care to shed that extra fat? Esther Williams takes a look at some of the slimming options in Colombo
"Lose 10 kilograms in a month - NO diet, NO exercise," the advertisements say, beckoning all those over-sized individuals. On the lookout for an easy way of shedding weight, figure conscious people are probably wondering what to try out next. If it is something that would enable them to carry on their current lifestyles and yet lose weight, all the better.

For Nayantara even a simple diet has been difficult to manage. She cheats on the routine and the reading on her scales reveals no change, significant or otherwise.

"I'm a working mother," she repeats, as if it explains everything. Her family is always ridiculing her attempts, which are often unsuccessful. Therefore she keeps a constant watch for new and inexpensive ways of losing weight. It has been a losing battle for her, thus far.

The biggest problem however, for the millions who diet and exercise strenuously is that they lose weight and then pile it right back on again.

There are many remedies, therapies, pills and potions that guarantee instant weight loss, some of which may be genuine and Colombo has a number of places that offer weight reduction programmes.Here are a few places The Sunday Times visited.

Inch loss and contouring
Krishani Hewavisenti runs an exclusive unit for ladies on Gregory's Road that offers a maximum inch loss programme through detoxification. The treatment offered there addresses a certain type of fat called cellulite. This is the rippling layer of fat that is usually concentrated around the hips and thighs.

One of the techniques used is called "Nemesis" that uses micro current to dislodge fat. Electrodes from the machine are fixed on to the body through patches. This causes vibration, a sensation that causes muscles to be tightened, 1/2 hour of which is equivalent to 5-6 aerobic workouts. It can target specific areas and tones them unlike exercise that is tiring, and causes sweating, that is so very difficult!

Inch loss and contouring is also achieved through the Universal Contour Wrap. 8" thick bandages are boiled in a Frigi Thalgo solution (French), made from marine mixes such as sea clay, micronised marine algae, etc., and wrapped tight around the entire body, using a special technique. This is kept on for an hour. A body suit worn over the bandages keeps the moisture in and aids in compacting the tissues. Instant inch loss of 1-3 inches will be noticed after removing the bandages, although it may not be reflected on the scales. Clients are advised to take plenty of water during the day to ensure that the toxins are flushed out.

In most of the treatments, natural elements from the deep-seabed are used for skin care. Warm and cold body wraps (made of Dead Sea minerals and other mixes) are applied on the body in a treatment called the Thalgo Bodytherm. They work on the surface of the skin to increase circulation, detoxify and dislodge toxins and direct them into the system. The cold dislodges the fat and the hot helps it to travel into the system before it is flushed out. Suitable for localised hard fat deposits, the treatment is ideal for models and soon to-be-weds as it works well in certain parts like the waistline, chest and hips.

Krishani also supplies French slimming teas, which among other ingredients contain chromium and marine magnesium. "These are trace elements that our bodies need, but we don't actually take," she says. In addition, spices and herbs that we do not take enough of in our food are used liberally in her other products, that contribute to making the digestive system work better.

Ayurvedic medicine plus yoga
A fairly easy routine is outlined for patients by Dr. Kumudu Dasanayaka of Moratuwa, who combines ayurvedic medicine with yoga for a weight loss of approximately eight kilograms per month. The qualified ayurvedic and homoeopathic practitioner with a knowledge of acupuncture prescribes fat burning herbal pills based on an individual's body composition.

After a thorough medical check she issues pills made from ayurvedic medicine that she has specially brought from India and mixes them at home to suit the patient's requirements. The doctor is of the firm belief that yoga goes with nature. As it focuses mind and body, it can cure various body ailments such as arthritis and gastritis.
"It has a lot to do with taking in oxygen that creates more energy and assists in the bodily functions," she explains. Since yoga is not so strenuous or difficult and is done at a slower pace, it is also suitable for older people and yet is very effective, she adds. To her clients she demonstrates around 1/2 dozen exercises that need to be done 3-4 times a day for approximately 10 minutes each time that are simple enough to follow.

Chinese medicine
The Chinese Eastern Hospital is famous for its authentic Chinese treatment for arthritis, joint pain and spondylitis, besides the fat burning therapy. This special method uses Chinese herbal medicine and magnetic equipment for slimming that causes external burning of extra fat. "The weight loss is achieved gradually over a period of a month that can result in a 5" reduction in the waist measurement and a 10 pound weight loss," Dr Chu Zhong Tian explains. The herbal pills that need to be taken orally, the doctor assures, have no side effects.

Nutritional programme
Sheri Louise offers a nutritional programme for effective weight loss. Their in-house doctor after a proper medical check issues a diet chart that a client has to strictly adhere to. A patient can get told off if she fails to follow the diet plan. The weight of the patient is closely monitored to ensure that the weight reduction is constant. A high fibre fruit drink is administered as a food supplement that contributes to detoxifying the body.

Change in eating habits and lifestyle
"There is no magical way of losing weight! Fat comes from food and it is your eating habits that need to be changed," says German dietician Sigrid Samuelsen - de Silva who sees patients at Asha Central Hospital and Durdans. Over the years, our our food intake has changed for the worse, she feels. People have become obese and hence feel the need for some kind of magical fix. However, they continue to eat like before but want to lose weight quickly.

A member of the Dietitians' Association of Germany, she helps patients with medical conditions and also those who genuinely want to lose weight and are willing to make an effort to do so. Ms. de Silva together with her clients/patients plans a course of action that would induce a gradual weight reduction. Once you decide you want to lose weight you need to look for a well balanced diet, not for a one to seven month period but for always. "It should be a change of eating habits preferably for life," she says.

The best way would be for a person to set a first target, even a small one as long as it is realistic. A second target can be set based on the ideal weight which takes into account the age and height of a person. An attitudinal change is of utmost importance. If a mother resolves to take on the change, it would benefit the entire family. Members of the family would soon notice a change in the contents of their refrigerator, leading to a healthier lifestyle for the whole family. It would not require special or extra cooking but small changes in the quantity and frequency of eating what is already there or being served in the house. In other words it would be integrated into the family diet. "If you make special food, eat different from other members of the family, it makes you an outsider," Ms. de Silva says.

"You can't keep at a rigorous programme for an extended period of time unless you have medical problems like heart or kidney ailment in which case it would be imperative," says she. Further, a weight reduction programme should be made in consultation with a doctor and has to be problem specific. It is common knowledge that obesity always comes along with diabetes, hypertension, hyper-lipidaemia (high cholesterol level), gallstones or orthopaedic complications (like arthritis), psychological depression, etc. Explaining that weight lost over a longer period of time stays off, Ms. de Silva says, "You notice a difference in your body and health when your lifestyle changes and it is then that you realise how bad your eating habits were before. It is then that you have really made it!" She strongly feels the need to educate people about their eating habits.

Ms. de Silva who has had prior experience in England has been practising in Sri Lanka for the past five years and today has many satisfied clients, content with their new lifestyle. "They give me credit for their weight loss, but it is actually their achievement.

They need to be congratulated. I just guide them," she smiles.

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