Karan Johar quashes Ozempic claims, opens up about thyroid fluctuations, eating one meal a day: ‘Maine kuch 1000 diets, 500 workout kiye hai’

However, he added that he would have shared his experience had he used weight loss drugs. “If you do emotional mathematics in my life, I am a single parent. I have two children. I have written a book where I have poured my heart out. I have disclosed all the big truths in my life. So, why will I deny if I did take Ozempic? You do the emotional mathematics yourself. Why will I hide it? I would have accepted it if I had taken it, and I would even have recommended it to others. Maybe I could become the brand ambassador? So, if you want to comment ‘Ozempic, Ozempic, Ozempic’…do comment…anyway, something is being written on my comments section…so let it be one more thing…I can’t find a solution to a new problem every day. So, I don’t look for any solution.”

He emphasised that he now feels much healthier and confident in his skin. “I now know I am very healthy. I feel better. I have never felt more confident in my skin. It gives me nothing but joy. After 52 years, I feel confident. I am more concerned about my inner happiness.”

He also opened up about suffering from body dysmorphia. “It is when you feel ashamed of your own body. I still feel awkward without clothes. When I used to go swimming, I quickly changed and got inside the pool so that nobody could see me. I have never been to a sauna where there are people in towels. It won’t be possible for me. I have reduced weight now, but I still can’t go,” the Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani director expressed.

Karan Johar admitted that he started taking thyroid medication and worked on his weight and lifestyle only after getting his bloodwork done. “There was genuinely a thyroid fluctuation, which I did a full blood work for. I realised I had to take something to control the level, which I didn’t even realise for the past 15-20 years. I was living with this problem. Because I always wondered why I did so many things, yet I was not losing weight. I used to wonder why the weighing scale needle doesn’t move?”

That’s when he “corrected the levels” and started having OMAD or One Meal A Day. “The first seven days were really difficult. Then I did it for seven months. I ate one meal. I used to eat at 7.30-8.30 pm every day. I used to eat without lactose, gluten, and sugar. I did it for six-seven months at a stretch, rigorously and relentlessly,” Johar said.

But he still sticks to the no-gluten, sugar, or lactose rule. “I am mildly lactose intolerant. So, now, I drink almond milk but no sugar. For the past 1-1.5 months, I feel I need to put on some weight, so I have brought in a little bit of lactose and carbohydrates in the form of rice. I still don’t eat gluten,” said Johar, adding that he has “started doing weight training and playing padel“.

How exactly does OMAD work?

OMAD is a form of intermittent fasting in which you eat all your daily calories in a single meal within a one-hour window and fast for the remaining 23 hours, said Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology at Zandra Healthcare and co-founder of Rang De Neela Initiative.

“OMAD without sugar, gluten, lactose and dairy for 6 to 8 months helps lose weight as during the fasting period with no caloric intake, only water, black coffee, tea, or zero-calorie drinks, the body shifts to burning stored fat for energy, which is called lipolysis after glycogen (carb stores) are depleted. So there is a switch in metabolism. Insulin levels drop, promoting fat burning and thus reducing hunger and appetite,” explained Dr Kovil.

Here’s what you should know (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

You consume all your daily nutrients during the eating window in one sitting. “Meals are usually high in protein, healthy fats, fibre, and complex carbs to ensure satiety and adequate nutrition,” said Dr Kovil.

Potential benefits

*Weight loss due to calorie restriction and prolonged fasting.
*Improved insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar.
*Simplicity, only one meal to plan.

There are risks, too.

*Nutrient deficiencies if meals aren’t well-balanced.
*May cause fatigue, irritability, or overeating for some.
*Not suitable for everyone, especially those with diabetes, eating disorders, or pregnant women, said Dr Kovil.
*It can result in ketosis and cause complications.

When introducing dairy after a few months of OMAD, it’s essential to do the following

*Introduce the right type of dairy
*Avoid high lactose, like whole-fat milk

*Introduce easy-to-digest products like fermented dairy, like Greek yogurt, and hard cheese like Parmesan
*Add a smaller quantity.

What to note?

During this dietary approach, meticulous planning of the single meal is crucial to ensure adequate nutrient intake, including sufficient protein, healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, said dietitian Vidhi Chawla, founder of Fisico Diet and Aesthetic Clinic.

Hydration is paramount throughout the fasting period. “Electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, magnesium) should be monitored, especially during the initial adaptation phase, to avoid fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps,” said Chawla.

Pay close attention to your body’s signals – extreme hunger, persistent fatigue, or other adverse effects warrant re-evaluation. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels (if applicable) and overall well-being is important, said Chawla.

Consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before starting such a restrictive diet is strongly recommended to assess individual suitability and potential risks, experts urge.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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