Jaideep Ahlawat sheds 8-9 kilos in a month for ‘Maharaj’: Is rapid weight loss really safe?

Actor Jaideep Ahlawat recently revealed his impressive weight loss journey for Maharaj, shedding from 109.7 kg to 83 kg in just five months. Speaking with Netflix India, Ahlawat said he lost 8-9 kg in the first month alone, under the guidance of fitness coach Prajwal Shetty.

“Within a month, I lost almost 8-9 kilos. But it was very painful. He has videos of me where I am crying,” the actor told the streaming platform.

To understand the health implications of such rapid weight loss, and the precautions one should take, indianexpress.com spoke to clinical experts.

 

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What happens when you lose weight drastically?

According to Sampada Shinde, clinical nutritionist and certified diabetes educator, shedding eight to 10 kg in a month is considered rapid weight loss, which can strain the body even with a proper workout regimen and diet. “Rapid weight loss can result in deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals, as some food groups are completely eliminated from calorie-restricted diets,” she said.

This drastic reduction in food intake can also impact mood, hunger hormones, sleep patterns, and stress levels due to nutrient deficiencies and calorie restrictions, Shinde explained, noting that it may compromise immunity and increase susceptibility to infections.

Anushree Sharma, a registered dietitian at Health1 hospitals in Ahmedabad, said, “Such quick weight loss is often seen in patients practicing water fasting or on very low-calorie diets, which are insufficient for normal bodily functions.” She warned that rapid weight fluctuations can lead to gallstones and loss of muscle proteins if heavy exercises aren’t complemented by a proper diet.

Patients may get results but could face issues like dull skin and hair fall later due to deficiency of micronutrients, she said.

What is the ideal weight one should lose in a month?

Sharma recommended that patients may aim to lose two to three kg per month. Shinde suggested that a healthy target for weight loss is 0.5 to 1 kg per week, leading to approximately two to four kg of weight loss per month, depending on individual diet and lifestyle factors.

What’s the safest way to go about it?

For rapid weight loss, Sharma advised seeking guidance from a qualified dietician to manage portion sizes of meals while ensuring nutrient adequacy in the diet. “Effective weight loss requires a holistic approach that includes proper diet, exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep,” Sharma emphasised.

Shinde stressed the importance of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet comprising whole grains, pulses, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats. “Regular exercise of at least 30 minutes daily should be a priority. Combining exercise with diet supports optimal fat loss and muscle development,” she recommended.

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