‘Main burger pizze khaa ke wazan ghata sakta hoon’: Vicky Kaushal talks about how difficult it is for him to gain weight

When Bachchan asked him what he does to increase his weight, Kaushal replied: “Phir sir bohot boring sa khaana khana padhta hai. I have to eat all grilled, increase my quantity and workout to gain weight. Log gym jaate hai wazan ghatane ke liye, mujhe gym jaana padhta hai wazan badhane ke liye,” he added.

What could be the possible reasons?

According to CV Aishwarya, a clinical nutritionist and lecturer at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai,  some individuals with high junk food intake may have poor appetite regulation and actually eat less in total calories. When switching to healthy eating, they might start eating more regularly leading to a net caloric surplus, hence weight gain.

“Genetics also has a role in this scenario. People with a fast metabolism or ectomorphic body type can remain thin despite poor diets. When they start eating healthy and exercising, their body finally gets the raw material to build tissue, leading to weight gain as muscle or bone density,” she said.

What does it mean to have a fast metabolism?

Deepalakshmi, a registered dietitian at Shree Balaji Medical Centre in Chennai, agreed, adding that people with a fast metabolism, like Vicky Kaushal, often find it difficult to gain weight—even if they eat calorie-dense foods like junk food. This is because their bodies burn calories quickly, even while at rest.

He can eat burgers and pizza and still not gain weight. (Source: Freepik)

“A high metabolic rate means the energy from food is used up faster, leaving little behind to store as fat or build muscle. As a result, eating more doesn’t always lead to weight gain, especially if the extra calories come from processed or sugary foods. These might add temporary weight but don’t support long-term or healthy growth,” she clarified.

How can such people gain weight?

For someone with a fast metabolism, gaining weight requires a consistent intake of nutrient-rich, high-calorie foods. Instead of relying on junk food, which lacks essential nutrients, she said that it’s better to choose traditional options like groundnuts, sesame seeds, dry fruit laddoos, whole milk, paneer, ghee, avocados, bananas, and homemade shakes. “These not only help increase calories but also support the body with proteins, healthy fats, and micronutrients that are essential for strength and immunity,” said Deepalakshmi.

She mentioned that eating more frequently is also important. Having five to six small meals or snacks throughout the day can help maintain a steady calorie surplus without feeling too full at once. “Indian foods like parathas with butter, besan chilla with peanut chutney, curd rice with ghee, poha with peanuts, or ragi malt are easy ways to increase energy intake. Smoothies made with banana, oats, milk, and peanut butter are also good options for those with a low appetite,” she suggested.

In fact, exercise also plays a key role in gaining weight. Strength or resistance training helps in ensuring that the weight gained is mostly lean muscle. It also helps improve appetite and makes the body more efficient at using nutrients. “Skipping exercise may lead to fat gain rather than muscle. Including high-protein foods like eggs, chana, rajma, curd, paneer, or chicken curry after workouts can support muscle building and recovery,” said the expert.

And most importantly, gaining weight with a fast metabolism takes time and consistency. Deepalakshmi believes quick fixes through junk food might seem effective at first but rarely lead to lasting results. A planned approach with balanced meals, regular strength training, adequate sleep, and patience is the best way to build healthy weight—even for those who find it naturally hard to gain.

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