Television actor Karan Kundrra has proven that losing does not have to come with countless promises of quick fixes, fad diets, and imported food plans. Sometimes, the simplest changes prove to be the most effective.
In an interview with The Times of India, he shared that he shed 12 kilos in just one month, not by following extreme routines, but by reverting to traditional practices. “I simply went back to the basics, I ate ghee, something that’s been part of my life since childhood, and I practised fasting,” he revealed.
Karan explained that he consciously avoided diets that didn’t align with his roots. “Our genetics and lifestyle are very different from Western or Mediterranean cultures. I returned to my roots, and it worked for me,” he said. For him, this was not just about looking a certain way, but about achieving balance in his life and energy. “It changes your entire being, your energy, your personality, even the way you see life. At the end of the day, nothing lasts forever, not fame, not money, not success. What truly remains is health,” he told TOI.
His reflections also highlight how health becomes a shared responsibility as families grow. He mentioned that he feels a “sense of responsibility” toward his parents, and this is one of the major reasons behind his focus on health.
So, is such rapid weight loss sustainable and safe, even when using traditional methods?
Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and diabetes educator, tells indianexpress.com, “Being able to lose 12 kg in a month (approximately 3 kg/week) is a significant increase to the scientifically recommended rate of 0.5-1 kg/week of fat loss, which is sustainable. This fast weight loss — even by traditional ways such as fasting and ghee — can cause gallstones and nutritional deficiencies and can be a strain to the kidneys and heart, particularly when not under the supervision of a doctor.”
The most effective way to ensure safe, effective, and sustainable weight management is a mixed strategy that respects the roots and utilises evidence and individualised nutrition (Source: Freepik)
Although there are scientifically proven benefits in relation to fasting, she adds that it is not always safe, especially in the case of diabetic, cardiovascular, or chronically ill patients. “Ghee, in moderation, may be included in a balanced diet, whereas overconsumption of saturated fat may aggravate lipid profiles and cardiovascular risks in genetically predisposed groups. Therefore, dietary strategies leading to extreme weight loss cannot be universal and require the supervision of specialists,” notes the expert.
How important is it to align one’s diet with cultural and genetic backgrounds when planning weight loss?
Diet culturalisation and genetic individualisation are becoming increasingly acknowledged in nutrition science. Malhotra mentions that genetics has a “direct impact on metabolism, food tolerance, and the presence of chronic diseases”; therefore, the nutrition roadmap, the type of fat, and the amount of fat in a fasting system should take these variations into consideration.
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“Cultural diets may promote adherence and psychological well-being, which in the long term may influence success, although this must be offset by scientific advice to reduce risk factors common in the Indian populations, including insulin resistance and heart disease. The most effective way to ensure safe, effective, and sustainable weight management is a mixed strategy that respects the roots and utilises evidence and individualised nutrition,” suggests Malhotra.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
