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Journalism of Courage
Actor Aamir Khan recently appeared at the 4th Season of Ajivasan Act in Mumbai, where he not only performed on stage but also drew attention for his visible weight gain. Dressed in a printed blue kurta and trousers, the actor’s photos and videos from the event quickly went viral. A clip of him was reshared on a Reddit sub, where fans expressed both concern and empathy.
Many even speculated whether the actor had gained weight intentionally for his next project, rumoured to be a biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke. But Aamir himself addressed the issue in a recent interview with Deccan Chronicle, clarifying, “I have been having migraines for some time, and for that I need to be on steroid treatment. That causes me to put on weight; I can’t help it. In fact, I’ve started my diet and workout because I need to get back into shape for whatever my next film is.”
When asked if his condition had been treated, he responded, “No, because they’re not able to figure out why it’s happening. The steroid is taking the headaches away, but I can’t keep taking steroids. Sometimes, you know, it’s difficult to diagnose exactly why things are happening. I understand it’s complicated.”
Dr Jagadish Hiremath, a public health intellectual, tells indianexpress.com, “Steroids influence the body in several ways. They increase appetite, alter how the body stores fat, and can cause fluid retention, all of which contribute to weight gain. They also affect metabolism and muscle strength over time.”
He adds, “The good news is that once the steroid course is tapered or stopped, many of these effects can be managed and, in most cases, reversed with proper lifestyle adjustments. However, the timeline for recovery depends on the duration of steroid use, the dosage, and the individual’s overall health.”
According to Dr Hiremath, steroids are usually prescribed for short-term relief when symptoms are severe, but they are not a sustainable long-term solution. For migraines, several other treatments are available, including preventive medications, lifestyle management, dietary regulation, stress reduction techniques, and non-steroidal drugs such as triptans or CGRP inhibitors.
In many cases, he says that identifying and addressing triggers like “poor sleep, dehydration, or hormonal fluctuations” can also help reduce dependency on steroids. The focus should always be on building a long-term plan that balances symptom control with patient safety.
When steroids are necessary, careful monitoring can significantly reduce risks. Patients should undergo regular checks for blood sugar, blood pressure, and bone health, since these can be affected.
Dr Hiremath notes, “On the lifestyle front, adopting a balanced diet rich in protein and low in processed sugars, staying physically active with weight-bearing exercises, and maintaining proper sleep patterns can all help. Working closely with the treating doctor to adjust the dosage and duration of therapy, while combining it with healthy habits, goes a long way in minimising side effects.”
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.
