Actor Vidya Balan has captivated audiences with her talent and confidence, yet her journey with weight and body image has been one of enduring challenges. Known for her candidness, Balan recently shared insights into her transformative weight loss experience. In an interview with Galatta India, she opened up about the emotional weight of societal judgments and the pressures she faced to conform to a certain body type. “People used to call me fat, and that would hurt my self-esteem,” she admitted. Balan revealed that her breakthrough moment came when she went to a Chennai-based nutritional group, who identified chronic inflammation, not fat, as the cause of her struggles. “They said, ‘It is just inflammation; it is not fat.’ So, they put me on a diet to get rid of the inflammation, elimination of inflammation it is called, and it worked beautifully for me.” Her experience highlights the importance of understanding what’s best for one’s body, as she noted, “I have been a vegetarian all my life, (yet) I didn’t know palak and doodhi (spinach and bottle gourd) don’t suit me.” In addition, she noted that the decision to stop exercising altogether was another reason for her weight loss. “They asked me to stop working out,” Balan said, admitting that initially, she was very skeptical about this. “Even I would not have believed last year if I had been told, ‘Stop working out.’ I used to be a beast in the gym.” She reflected on how she feels much better and healthier. “Now, people tell me, ‘So what are you doing?’ and I am like, ‘No, I don’t do anything.’ I am just enjoying myself and feeling healthier than ever.” But what’s the reason behind this? To understand it better, we spoke to Kanikka Malhotra, a consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator. How does inflammation contribute to weight gain, and why might it be mistaken for fat? Malhotra explains, "When inflammation becomes chronic, it can interfere with insulin function, leading to insulin resistance. This, in turn, elevates blood sugar levels and promotes fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. Additionally, it can stimulate appetite by increasing the production of ghrelin, a hunger hormone. Moreover, it can alter the body's metabolism, making it less efficient at burning calories and storing fat. This metabolic shift can hinder weight loss efforts.” Furthermore, she adds, inflammation can cause water retention, making individuals appear heavier than their actual weight. This occurs as inflammatory markers trigger blood vessels to dilate, leading to fluid leakage into surrounding tissues. “This fluid buildup can cause bloating and a puffy appearance. To effectively manage weight and improve overall health, addressing chronic inflammation is essential.” Common foods that may trigger inflammation Foods that may trigger inflammation can vary from person to person, Malhotra says, but some common culprits include: Processed foods: These foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and added sugars, all of which can contribute to inflammation. Refined carbohydrates: These foods, such as white bread and maida-based pasta, are quickly digested and can cause spikes in blood sugar, leading to inflammation. Red meat: While red meat can be a good source of protein, it can also contribute to inflammation, mainly if it is processed or cooked at high temperatures. Dairy products: Some people may be sensitive to dairy products, which can trigger inflammation. Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to inflammation. Is exercise always essential for weight loss? Malhotra mentions that exercise, while beneficial for weight loss, is not always essential. “Overtraining can lead to fatigue, injury, and hinder recovery. Injuries necessitate rest to facilitate healing. Additionally, exercise can exacerbate stress levels, particularly for individuals struggling with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. In these cases, prioritising mental health through activities like yoga, meditation, or nature immersion can be more beneficial,” she says. 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.
