We have seen a lot of actors undergoing physical transformations. The latest in the list is Parineeti Chopra. She gained 16 kilos to play Amarjot to Diljit Dosanjh’s Amar Singh in Imtiaz Ali-directed Chamkila.
In a YouTube chat with podcaster Raj Shamani, Chopra opened up about the weight gain. “It is not healthy at all. In fact, when I signed Chamkila, I was really fit. I had been working out for two years and I almost had abs. I went to Imtiaz (Ali) sir with a very fit body. I was dying to do this movie. Imtiaz Sir offered me this film. But, he said that I don’t look like her. So, it swished in my mind. I put on 16 kilos,” she said.
Elaborating on her diet, Chopra said, “I used to eat heavy meals and go off to sleep so that my face would look puffy the next morning, and have a double chin. I also wanted my eyes to look small. I used to eat rice and roti in numbers three or four. It was not pizza and games. It took me almost six months. It was six months of very unhealthy eating.”
“My sleep got affected. I could not sleep properly. My mood was affected because after a couple of months when you are not eating clean, it affects your mood and you feel low. My stamina was zero. No workouts for six months. This was me who was doing weight training four times a week and cardio twice a week. I was in my prime. I was drinking beverages like milkshakes that I don’t like,” Chopra said.
Your gut health gets affected (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
How unhealthy eating habits affect body and mind
Understanding the intricate relationship between what we eat and how we feel and function is key to appreciating the importance of healthy dietary habits.
Without regular exercise, muscle mass may decrease, leading to muscle atrophy and loss of strength and endurance, explained clinical dietitian Garima Goyal. “This can result in decreased mobility and overall physical fitness,” said Goyal.
“A bad diet characterised by excessive consumption of unhealthy fats, processed foods, and sugary snacks can lead to weight gain, particularly in the form of visceral fat. Visceral fat, which accumulates around organs in the abdominal cavity, is associated with an increased risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome,” said Goyal.
A diet lacking essential nutrients can lead to nutrient deficiencies, impaired immune function, and inflammation in the body. “Chronic inflammation has been linked to a range of health problems, including autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, and cardiovascular disease,” shared Goyal.
Poor dietary choices can also negatively impact mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. “Consuming high-sugar and high-fat foods can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, contributing to mood swings, fatigue, and brain fog,” said Goyal.
Without regular physical activity and a balanced diet, overall cardiovascular health may suffer. According to Goyal, sedentary behaviour combined with a diet high in processed foods and trans fats can elevate cholesterol levels, increase blood pressure, and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
