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, , 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 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.
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