In a deeply personal conversation with Raj Shamani on his podcast, filmmaker Karan Johar opened up about a lifetime of battling body image issues, revealing how years of insecurity and silent struggle have shaped his self-perception. “I have always been battling the bulge,” he admitted. “I have done almost 1000 types of diets and workouts. I would do everything that would be trending.”
Karan explained that despite trying every possible weight-loss trend, it wasn’t until he underwent detailed blood work that he discovered underlying health issues. “I found out the issues that I have. I’ve been correcting my thyroid,” he said. Addressing public speculation about the use of weight-loss injections like Ozempic, he added, “When people ask me about Ozempic and all, I am tired of answering. You don’t know me and I don’t want to tell you. I know the truth.”
Now 52, Karan says he finally feels at peace with his body. “I am lighter, I am healthy and I have never felt better. I have never ever felt more confident in my skin,” he shared. “It gives me nothing but joy.”
He also revealed living with body dysmorphia—a mental health condition marked by a distorted perception of one’s body. “I have body dysmorphia. I used to hate my body. I would never wear anything tight and always hid behind oversized clothes.”
Recalling moments of intense shame, Karan said, “When I would go swimming, I would quickly wrap myself in a towel so no one sees me. Even now, I wouldn’t be able to.” His candidness sheds light on how success and fame don’t always shield one from personal battles, especially those fought in front of a mirror.
Talking about his recent transformation, he said, “The scale just wouldn’t budge. I have even gone to health spas but my weight was just not coming down. When I corrected my levels and took up OMAD (one meal a day), for seven months, I practiced it. First 7 days were very difficult. I would have my dinner between 8-8.30 pm and it was no-sugar and lactose free. I did it rigorously and relentlessly.”
Karan has been looking fitter than ever in his recent looks.
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