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Hindustan Times
17-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
PCOS made me gain postpartum weight and lose my mental peace: Working mom shares her weight loss story
Pregnancy brings about a host of changes in a woman's body. Latika Bhargava, a mother of a 3-year-old, experienced it all during her postpartum phase. For someone who always weighed less than 55 kgs, seeing the weighing scale touch 68 kgs was mentally disturbing. She was diagnosed with hormonal disorder PCOS, which became her trigger to make drastic dietary and fitness changes in her lifestyle. A 30-year-old public relations professional, Latika tells HT Health Shots that her transformation journey began in a doctor's clinic during a routine postpartum checkup. "What was supposed to be a simple medical consultation turned out to be a reality check moment. After giving birth, my gynecologist informed me that I had gained an alarming amount of weight during and after my pregnancy. At my peak, I weighed 68 kgs, which was an unusual and uncomfortable number for someone who had always kept her weight under 55 kilograms. For the first time in my life, I was confronted with serious physical and emotional challenges associated with weight gain." Her mental peace was shaken. "I suffered from anxiety and depression. The realization that my body had changed so dramatically was not only obvious to me, but also to my friends and acquaintances, making me feel even more vulnerable," she recounts. Beyond the visible changes in her body, she realized she was dealing with a more serious health issue: PCOS. "This diagnosis added another layer of distress, especially since I was already dealing with the new responsibilities of motherhood. However, rather than allowing the situation to take control of me, I decided to take charge. That decision was the start of my inspirational weight loss journey," says Latika. That's when she committed to a strict and consistent routine, with support from her mother Sunita Bhargava. What was the weight loss diet you followed? "The diet emphasized high-protein foods and healthy fats, as well as a variety of nuts and nutrient-dense meals which included Panjiri, a Punjabi dish rich in nuts and nutrition. I avoided crash diets in favour of long-term nutrition that would help with both my recovery as a new mother and my health goals," shares Latika. Did you take professional help for your weight loss transformation? "No, I didn't really take professional help... I took blood test reports, showed it to my family physician and he guided me to include few food items that were necessary to improve my health. During this process, I was also confronted with a gut health issue, which was caused by low water level in my body. Due to this, I suffered itching and rashes all over my body for almost a week," she says. Often women find it hard to balance motherhood and self-care. So how did you strike the balance? "It was not an easy task. As a new mother, my time was extremely limited. Nonetheless, I set aside 30 minutes each day just for exercise. While it may not seem like much, that was all I could manage and I made the most of every minute. Whether it was a brisk walk, strength training, or plank, I remained consistent. This daily discipline, combined with my dietary changes, gradually began to show results not only physically, but also mentally," says Latika. "Over time, I noticed my weight dropping and my confidence increasing. My PCOS symptoms improved, and most importantly, I felt like myself again. I not just the lost weight, but gained strength," she reflects. The deeper realization for Latika Bhargava was that true change comes from within. "It is not about fitting into a specific size or matching a number on a scale, but about regaining one's sense of self, particularly after major life changes such as pregnancy." Determination and resilience became her superpowers in working towards her weight loss goals, says Latika, who believes her story could be inspiring for many other women who are dealing with postpartum changes.
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘It concerns me to see the chid-chid they do:' Sonali Kulkarni talks about her friends taking weight loss drugs and its unseen side-effects
Sonali Kulkarni strongly believes that being thin should not come at the cost of one's health. The Love, Sitara actor recently shared her thoughts on the industry practice of drastically losing weight and its impact on people and their relationships with close ones. The 50-year-old added that she is at a point in life where she supports and tells herself that she is unique and happy with her size. 'I don't think that at the cost of my health, I want to be thin. There is a fashion of becoming thin and thinner. I understand there is a demand for that because I work on the screen. The leaner you are, the better you look on screen. But it is so common to have friends who have the problem of throwing up what they eat (bulimia nervosa), and they are also consuming weight loss drugs,' she told HT Health Shots. The Dil Chahta Hai actor expressed concerns over her industry friends taking weight loss drugs and experiencing side effects. 'It concerns me to see the 'chid-chid' they do, the way they treat their personal staff, the way they react to co-stars… all agitated 'ki khatam karo'. It is also a sight to see many people without make-up. I feel at the cost of what we are taking these? Until and unless it is prescribed by your physician (for a problem), why are you going for it?' Deepalakshmi, registered dietitian at Shree Balaji Medical Centre, Chennai, said that Ozempic has become widely popular for medically assisted weight loss, often producing dramatic results, especially in people who struggle with obesity or insulin resistance. Essentially, it is semaglutide, a prescription medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. 'It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimics the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps regulate blood sugar levels, slows gastric emptying (so food stays in your stomach longer), and reduces appetite by signaling fullness to the brain,' she explained. In line with Kulkarni's comments, Dr Yogesh Shah, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore shared that weight loss medications, particularly newer options like semaglutide (commonly known as Wegovy or Ozempic) and liraglutide, reportedly show side effects such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, mild abdominal discomfort and loss of appetite. According to him, irritability, anger, or mood swings are not commonly reported side effects of these medications. However, Dr Shah said that, while rare, mood-related side effects cannot be completely ruled out, especially when a person is undergoing significant physiological changes such as rapid weight loss or dietary adjustments. These changes can sometimes indirectly affect mental well-being due to altered energy levels, body image perceptions, or hormonal shifts related to fat loss. He added that individuals with a history of mood disorders should discuss this with their doctor before starting any weight-loss medication. According to Dr Shah, it is essential always to use these drugs under medical supervision, especially since they may also impact blood sugar levels, particularly in diabetic patients. Beyond weight loss, they can also offer added benefits such as reducing cardiovascular risks and protecting kidney function, making them a valuable tool when prescribed appropriately. He emphasised that while mood changes like anger or irritability are not standard side effects of weight-loss medications, any unusual symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider promptly. A tailored, supervised approach is crucial for safe and sustainable results. 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.
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Sonali Kulkarni, 50, doesn't want to be thin at the cost of her health; says slimming drugs are common in Bollywood
For actress Sonali Kulkarni, eating healthy, exercising daily and indulging in her favourite outdoor activity - biking - are her non-negotiables to remain physically and mentally fit at the age of 50. While she understands that showbiz demands people with a 'leaner' frame, what she has always been unwilling to compromise on is her holistic health. That, unfortunately, may not hold true for many in the film industry. Sonali Kulkarni says that off-screen, many people are battling eating disorders and resorting to weight loss drugs to maintain their onscreen persona. In an interview to HT Health Shots, she shares, 'I am at a point in life where I support myself and I tell myself 'I am unique. My size is my size'. I don't think that at the cost of my health, I want to be thin. There is a fashion of becoming thin and thinner. I understand there is a demand for that because I work on screen. The leaner you are, the better you look on screen. But it is so common to have friends who have the problem of throwing up what they eat (bulimia nervosa), and they are also consuming weight loss drugs.' Sonali is particularly concerned about the way these weight management practices are impacting the overall quality of life of the people consuming them. 'It concerns me to see the 'chid-chid' they do, the way they treat their personal staff, the way they react to co-stars… all agitated 'ki khatam karo'. It is also a sight to see many people without make-up. I feel at the cost of what we are taking these? Until and unless, it is prescribed by your physician (for a problem), why are you going for it? The brunt is always borne by your close ones, your family. People sometimes forget they have a family and only start living for the persona on screen,' she adds. The National Award-winning actress, who has featured in critically acclaimed Hindi and Marathi films, considers herself in a 'happy place'. Her work kitty has projects, she is actively involved in social causes she believes in, she prioritises fitness, and loves the company of her husband and daughter. 'I want to realise what I have. Unless I value what I have, I will also pursue what I don't have,' Sonali says on a philosophical note. As far as her own health and fitness is concerned, Sonali Kulkarni is trying to listen to her body and make necessary changes to how she exercises and what she eats. 'Since the past five years, I can see that there are a lot of changes in my physique and body. Touching 50 has definitely made me a little more humble towards my health and everybody else's health. I see my parents aging, and how they are trying to keep fit even though they are 80-plus. That is a huge inspiration. I take the changes in my body as a warning that is telling me that 'You're probably crossing one phase of your life and you're ready for a new one'. So, fitness at present, is the most expensive thing… and I definitely want to be rich in that sense,' she asserts. Are there any specific wellness rituals that you follow? 'I am an actor and I am aware that I need to take care of my mental and physical fitness. I weight train every alternate day. I jog every alternate day. Seasonally, I change my workouts. Until the end of 2024, I was doing yoga. Presently, I am doing different exercises. I also like walking a lot. I just try not to have excuses about not having time for fitness,' Sonali says. On the diet front, she practices mindful eating. 'I am a major foodie and there are times when I have wished that there was an hour in our lives where we could happily enjoy everything - mangoes, puran poli and gulab jamuns! Having said that, I do mind what I eat. I am on nachni (ragi or finger millet) these days because it is summer. Nachni is very light and good for digestion,' advises Sonali. ALSO READ: What is the best cereal for weight loss? Doctor reveals why you should eat ragi flour, quinoa, oats, barley, kuttu atta In all of this, there's just one thing she cannot give up. And that is her cup of tea! 'I have followed lifestyle coach Dr Sarita Davare's diet for the longest time. But whenever I discuss my diet or obstacles with her or anyone else, they say, 'Why don't you stop chai?' So I ask them, 'What is the problem with one cup chai?' I see some people say, 'Let us turn vegan, let us not have milk (dairy)'… I have an eternal fight with people who are trying to make a complete and drastic shift in their diet to be thin, which I am very scared of. I like to maintain a normal routine because I like to maintain my mental fitness as well.' Talking of mental wellness, Sonali says we live in challenging times. 'We are trying to find 'What I should be' rather than 'Who am I'. We are always comparing. I personally like to be a little considerate about the challenges that we face and the lack of community that we are becoming. We are all becoming islands.' 'It is mandatory to workout. We have to give at least 45 minutes a day for our fitness. It has to be a dedicated effort - be it a Surya Namaskar, Yoga session, cardiovascular activities such as walking and running, weight training, or anything people like. And when it comes to food habits, normalise having early dinner and eating with your family. Life reminds you you are in a good place if you follow these little things,' she concludes.
