Concept of Siman Mufrit(Obesity) in Greeco-Arab Medicine: A Review

Obesity is a chronic and highly prevalent medical condition associated with increased risk of developing numerous comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Obesity is a state of excess adipose tissue mass or characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the subcutaneous and deep tissue of the body, usually 20% or more of an individual’s body weight. The current clinical definition of obesity, as defined by expert committees, is based on body mass index (B.M.I) which is simply derived by dividing weight by height in meters squared. It results from an excessive intake of calories in relation to energy expenditure over a long period of time. Obesity is more prevalent in developed than developing countries. It has been increasing at an alarming rate throughout the world  over  the past two decades to the extent that it a now a pandemic, affecting millions of people globally, and it is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States. As per unani philosophy, Siman Mufrit is a balghami disease.  Khilte balgham predominates in the body of obese persons and hence is considered the predisposing factor in the causation of obesity because shahem and sameen(fats) are having barid ratab mizaj. The people having barid mizaj have a slower metabolic rate and finally suffer from obesity. Unani system of medicine recommends different regimens and a large number of drugs that can be successfully used in the treatment of obesity. Some single drugs as well as compound formulations mentioned by unani physicians are being used in the treatment of obesity, particularly the drugs which are endowed with properties like  mufatteh sudad, musakhin,mudir, muhazzil and mulattif.