Vidya Balan revealed that after years of battling her weight despite dieting and regular exercise, she discovered that inflammation—not fat—was the true culprit behind her struggles.
Published Nov 06, 2024 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 06, 2024 | 8:00 AM
Vidya Balan. (Instagram)
Actor Vidya Balan has long been recognised for her talent and on-screen versatility, yet throughout her career, she has also faced criticism and scrutiny over her body weight.
In a candid interview, Balan revealed that after years of battling her weight despite dieting and regular exercise, she discovered that inflammation—not fat—was the true culprit behind her struggles.
In 2024, Balan found success by adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, transforming her weight loss journey by focusing on her body’s unique response to certain foods and cutting back on exercise.
The actor explained that a chance meeting with Chennai-based nutritional group Amura Health introduced her to the concept of chronic inflammation as a hidden barrier to weight loss. She was advised to follow an elimination diet targeting inflammation, which not only brought her noticeable weight loss but also prompted her to rethink her views on exercise and dieting.
In her conversation with Galatta Plus, Balan shared how Amura Health helped her identify foods that, despite seeming healthy, were causing inflammation in her body. “They [Amura] said, ‘It is just inflammation; it is not fat’.”
Foods like spinach and bottle gourd, which are considered healthy and had previously been included in her vegetarian diet, were, in fact, hindering her progress. This revelation helped her switch to an anti-inflammatory diet that aligned with her body’s specific needs. The results were immediate, with her body quickly shedding weight, even without the rigorous workout routines she had maintained for years.
This shift in her routine was a drastic change from her earlier approach. Balan shared that 2024 marked the first year she avoided exercise altogether. Reflecting on this experience, she admitted that the shift in her body was evident without the need for strenuous workouts. “Everyone has been telling me, ‘Oh my God, you are your slimmest,’ and I have not worked out all year,” she noted.
Balan’s journey highlights a broader health trend, with chronic inflammation emerging as a key factor in weight management.
Research shows that inflammation can disrupt the body’s metabolic processes, making weight loss challenging even for those who maintain a healthy lifestyle. Chronic inflammation often leads to insulin resistance, disrupts energy metabolism, and can trigger a cycle where inflammation feeds further weight gain.
Hyderabad-based endocrinologist Dr Deepti Sahay told South First, “Excess body fat, particularly in cases of obesity, significantly contributes to internal inflammation.”
She further explained, “This occurs because fat cells, especially white adipose cells, release cytokines—immune-response chemicals. However, in obesity, these cytokines are produced in abnormal quantities, which fuels ongoing, low-level inflammation throughout the body.”
Dr Sahay added, “This low-grade, persistent inflammation affects organs and metabolic functions, contributing to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and even mental health disorders.”
The studies show that elevated levels of specific markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are frequently observed in individuals with higher body mass indexes (BMIs), indicating a correlation between these inflammatory markers and weight gain.
“The presence of these markers suggests a vicious cycle where inflammation perpetuates weight gain, which in turn exacerbates inflammation,” she said.
Balan’s revelation about her experience with exercise also sheds light on the often misunderstood role of physical activity in weight management. For years, she worked intensely in the gym, only to find her efforts undermined by chronic inflammation.
“I would not have believed it if someone had told me last year, ‘Stop working out’,” Balan admitted. Excessive exercise, especially without adequate recovery, can exacerbate inflammation, impairing weight loss and affecting overall health.
Dr Sahay said that while moderate exercise is beneficial, overtraining without adequate recovery can lead to a physiological stress response that triggers inflammation, muscle damage, and even immune suppression.
“High-intensity and prolonged exercise can stimulate the body’s stress response, resulting in an increase in inflammatory markers, which is a typical short-term response. However, without sufficient recovery, excessive exercise can lead to persistent inflammation.”
“While moderate exercise supports immune health, overtraining can actually weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and inflammation. Additionally, excessive training disrupts hormone levels, especially cortisol, which, when chronically elevated, can lead to ongoing inflammation,” Dr Sahay added.
“By shifting focus from intense workouts to dietary adjustments, a person can find a way to maintain their health,” she said.
Balan has long been outspoken about the pressures women face to conform to specific beauty standards, and her journey opens up a broader conversation about body positivity and acceptance.
Talking about her experiences, Balan noted the harsh societal judgments around body image and how they affected her self-esteem. “A lot of times, people put on weight for various reasons… our bodies express what we are going through emotionally,” she explained, urging others to recognize and respect individuality.
Her story has resonated widely, encouraging people to look beyond conventional weight loss advice and consider more holistic, individualised health strategies. With her newfound perspective, Balan advocates for the importance of understanding what works uniquely for one’s body rather than following generalised health trends.
For those looking to manage inflammation and achieve sustainable weight loss, Dr Sahay recommends a comprehensive approach that includes dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments:
Dietary changes: Anti-inflammatory diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation. Avoiding processed foods and those high in sugar and saturated fats is crucial.
Exercise in moderation: While regular exercise is important, moderation and recovery are essential to prevent exercise-induced inflammation.
Lifestyle modifications: Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and quality sleep can lower stress-related inflammation.
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)
