TREATMENT OF ABDOMINAL OBESITY IN WOMEN USING FOLK MEDICINE METHODS

Abstract

This article examines abdominal obesity in women and discusses the place of folk medicine in its management. Abdominal obesity is a clinically important condition because central fat accumulation is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk, and in women a waist circumference above 88 cm is widely used as a high-risk threshold. The problem is especially relevant in peri-menopausal and postmenopausal women, as hormonal changes during menopause are associated with changes in body composition and increased cardiovascular risk.  The study was conducted as a narrative literature review based on reliable medical and public health sources. The analysis focused on the relationship between abdominal obesity and women’s health, as well as on traditional and herbal methods commonly used for weight control. The review showed that although folk medicine methods such as herbal teas, green tea products, and bitter orange are widely used, current authoritative sources do not support them as effective stand-alone treatments for weight loss. In addition, some products promoted for weight control may have side effects or uncertain safety profiles. The findings suggest that folk medicine may have only a supportive role when it encourages healthier behavior, but it should not replace evidence-based treatment. Effective management of abdominal obesity in women should be based on lifestyle modification, regular monitoring, and medical supervision, while any traditional remedies should be used cautiously and critically evaluated for safety and effectiveness.