Obesity is defined as having an abnormal amount of body fat; being 20 to 30 percent over the ideal weight for age, sex and height.

Aside from being a major cosmetic concern, obesity is a great risk factor for serious medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney troubles, prostate enlargement, female infertility, uterine fibroids, pregnancy disorders, gallstones, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and cancer. Excessive body weight also puts great stress on joints increasing the chances of arthritis.

How many calories do you burn? Everyone's metabolism (the rate at which the body burns calories) is different and is influenced by many factors, including genetics. Regularly eating even a few more calories than your body needs can lead to weight gain. By consuming only 100 extra calories a day, for example, you'll gain a pound in approximately a month (a pound of body fat equals 3,500 calories). Some experts think a sedentary lifestyle influences weight gain even more than eating too many calories. Exercise burns calories and builds muscle. And the more muscle mass you have, the greater number of calories your body burns at rest.

Aside from aggressive dieting and exercising, some herbal products may aid in raising metabolism or suppressing the appetite. But at the same time, you should also be wary of their side effects. Always check with your health care provider first.

Herbs & Effects: Aloe Vera, improves digestion and cleans the digestive tract

Astralgus, increases energy and improves nutrient absorption

Bee pollen, stimulates metabolism and quickly satisfy craving for sweets

Bladderwrack, contains iodine which helps enhance thyroid function

Brewer's yeast, reduces various cravings for food and drink

Cayenne, reduces hunger after meals and increases calorie burning by the body

Chitosan, slows the absorption of fat in the intestine

Chromium, helps the body use fat for energy and builds muscles

Dandelion, flushes out kidneys, boosts metabolism, and offsets cravings for sweets

Ephedra, also known as ma huang, suppresses appetite

Fennel, suppresses appetite and removes mucus and fat from the intestinal tract

Garcinia cambogia, quells hunger pangs

Green tea, increases energy expenditure and enhances the ability of the body to burn fat

Guaraná, contains caffeine which curbs appetite, increases metabolic rates and has a mild diuretic effect

Guggul, lowers cholesterol and promotes weight control

Kelp, boosts metabolism

Licorice, sustains regulated blood sugar level and reduces cravings for sweets

Malabar tamarind, helps prevents the production of fat and suppresses appetite

Siberian ginseng, stabilizes blood sugar and reduces cravings for sweets

Yohimbine, raises metabolic rates, reduces appetite and increases fat burning

These herbs are not recommended to replace regular diet. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the key.