| schema:text
| - Last Updated on July 19, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
An Instagram post claims that drinking jeera water can cause miraculous weight loss within 15 days. We did the fact check and termed it as Mostly False.
The Claim
We came across an Instagram video that suggests drinking cumin or jeera water with lemon and honey can cause significant weight loss. The post claims that you can lose weight in just 15 days.
Fact Check
Why does obesity happen?
Obesity is a complex condition characterised by an excessive accumulation of body fat. It results from a combination of genetic, behavioural, metabolic, and hormonal influences. At its core, obesity occurs when energy intake from food and drink exceeds energy expenditure from physical activities and metabolic processes. Contributing factors include poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, genetic predisposition, and certain medical conditions or medications.
How is obesity different from being overweight?
Being overweight means having more body weight than the normal or healthy range for a particular height, which can come from muscle, bone, fat, and water. Obesity, on the other hand, specifically refers to having an excessive amount of body fat. We commonly use the Body Mass Index (BMI) to classify these conditions, with a BMI of 25-29.9 categorised as overweight and a BMI of 30 or above as obese. Both conditions carry health risks, but, obesity comes with a higher risk of serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Can jeera water with lemon-honey act as a miracle drink for weight loss?
No, not really. The notion that jeera water with lemon and honey can cause miraculous weight loss within a short period is not supported by scientific evidence. Jeera (cumin) has some health benefits, such as helping in digestion and possessing antioxidant properties. But, there is no conclusive evidence that it can lead to significant weight loss on its own.
Some studies show that cumin can help with modest weight loss when included as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. For example, a 2016 study found that high-dose cumin and lime supplements led to significant weight loss and improved metabolic health in overweight individuals without changes in diet or exercise. This weight reduction occurred over 8 weeks, not just 15 days. However, the study had limitations such as a small sample size and short duration. Another 2014 study found that overweight women who took cumin powder lost more weight than those who did not. But this weight loss was modest and occurred over a longer period than 15 days. To add more, these studies used the extracts instead of cumin or jeera water.
Similarly, lemon and honey have their health benefits. Lemon is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and honey has antibacterial properties. However, there is no scientific basis for the claim that combining these ingredients with jeera water will result in sudden weight loss.
We asked Chaitali Bharatia, M.Sc (Specialized Dietetics in Diabetes and Cardiac Nutrition), Senior Nutritionist at Balance Nutrition, for her take on jeera water for weight loss. She states, “Jeera water with lemon and honey may offer health benefits such as improved digestion and boosted metabolism, but it is not a miracle solution for weight loss. Scientific evidence suggesting that jeera water alone can directly cause weight loss is limited. However, when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, it may support weight loss as part of a healthy lifestyle. Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes. In conclusion, while jeera water with lemon and honey may aid in weight loss, it is not a standalone solution.”
Why is obesity bad for health?
Obesity is harmful to health because of a range of serious health consequences. These include:
- Chronic diseases: It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and certain cancers.
- Cardiovascular health: Leads to plaque buildup in arteries, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Metabolic disorders: Causes metabolic syndrome, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Respiratory issues: Can lead to sleep apnea and other breathing problems.
- Joint problems: Extra weight stresses joints, leading to osteoarthritis.
- Mental health: Linked to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem due to social stigma.
- Quality of life: Limits physical activity, reduces energy, and impairs daily tasks.
What is the best way to lose weight?
The best way to lose weight is through a comprehensive approach that includes dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioural adjustments. Here are some key strategies:
- Balanced diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of unhealthy fats and sugars.
- Regular exercise: Incorporate both aerobic exercises (like walking, running, cycling) and strength training exercises (like weightlifting, resistance bands) into your routine. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week.
- Behavioural changes: Adopt healthy eating habits, such as mindful eating and portion control. Keep track of your food intake and physical activity, set realistic goals, and seek support from healthcare providers, friends, or weight loss groups.
- Adequate sleep and stress management: Ensure you get enough sleep, as poor sleep can contribute to weight gain. Managing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can also help maintain a healthy weight.
- Medical support: For some individuals, weight loss medications or surgery might be recommended, but these options should be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
In conclusion, jeera water with lemon and honey can be a healthy addition to your diet, but it is not a miracle solution for weight loss. Sustainable weight loss requires a complete approach involving diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes rather than just relying upon miraculous cures like coconut water for weight loss or doing a single exercise for reducing weight. The internet is brimmed with claims like cumin and fennel water can result in weight loss. However, these remain largely false due to a lack of confirmatory scientific studies, as of now. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new weight loss regimen.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)