Tina Ahuja recently opened up about how her father, veteran actor Govinda, was very particular about her figure and weight during her teenage years. She shared how he would comment on the slightest changes, urging her to stay fit and maintain a healthy appearance. “From my teens, my father was very particular about my figure and weight. Every time he would see a paunch, he'd be like. ‘Dikh raha hai kuch.bahaar nikal raha hai pet, kam karo,’” she mentioned in an interview with Hauterrfly. She then recalled a trip where she gained a lot of weight. “I remember I had gone to Switzerland, for a shoot for him and I don’t know I loved the milk there. He was shooting and I was drinking milk and hot chocolate and all of that. And by the time we went from Switzerland to London, my pants were not fitting me. He said, ‘Ek ladki sundar lagni chahiye, weight acha hona chahiye.” “I used to discuss it with him, saying, ‘Papa, I don’t know what has happened to me. I’ve put on so much weight I just can't walk also. It was him who was like start with one baby step at a time. Slowly getting there but I love my body. Aisa nahi hai ki main khaati nahi hu… main sab khaati hu. I feel very good when I fit into good clothes,” Ahuja said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HAUTERRFLY | A Fork Media Group Co. (@hauterrfly) While she credits these remarks for helping her stay conscious about her health, it raises an important question about the fine line between motivating someone and potentially causing harm with such comments. How to approach this topic in a positive way Dr Arohi Vardhan, consultant adult and child and adolescent psychiatrist at Cadabams Mindtalk, tells indianexpress.com, “Parents should emphasise the health benefits of fitness and balanced nutrition rather than appearance. For instance, discussions can center on feeling energetic, improving strength, or preventing illnesses rather than ‘looking slim.’” Children often mirror their parents’ habits, she adds. Children are more likely to adopt these practices if parents lead active lifestyles and eat balanced meals. “Engage in family activities like hiking, yoga, or cooking healthy meals together to make health enjoyable.” Avoid labelling foods as “good” or “bad”; instead, explain their nutritional value. “A study in Journal of Adolescent Health highlights that parental encouragement when framed positively, improves children’s health behaviours without lowering self-esteem. Avoid using language that implies judgment,” she asserts. Strategies to develop a positive body image Dr Vardhan suggests the following: Adopt a Growth Mindset: Focus on progress over perfection. Celebrate small victories, such as improved stamina or choosing nutritious snacks, rather than fixating on numbers like weight. Practice Mindful Eating: Savor food, recognise hunger cues, and avoid emotional eating to promote a healthier relationship with food. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Follow social media accounts that promote body positivity and health rather than unrealistic ideals. Focus on your personal health goals, avoiding comparisons. Set Holistic Goals: Set goals that include improving energy levels, sleeping better, or reducing stress through activities like yoga or meditation. Engage in Regular Exercise: Regular strength training and cardio exercises can improve mood by releasing endorphins, as the Journal of Behavioral Medicine notes. Seek Professional Guidance: Consult a registered dietitian or fitness coach for a personalised plan tailored to your needs, reducing the risk of adopting harmful practices.
