I have not worked out all year: Vidya Balan reveals her ‘no workout’ secret to weight loss

In a candid interview with Galatta India, Bollywood actor Vidya Balan shared the journey behind her recent weight loss and opened up about her long struggle with body image.

The 44-year-old actor, who has often been outspoken about body positivity, revealed her surprising transformation journey, which came with a new approach to diet and a complete halt to her rigorous workouts.

It’s just inflammation, not fat

Vidya shared that her struggles with weight had been lifelong, with years spent dieting and exercising to maintain a smaller frame. But it wasn’t until this year that she discovered a new path.

"All my life, I’ve struggled to be thin. I have dieted and exercised like crazy, and sometimes, I would lose weight, and it would come back," she explained.

The change came when she consulted with Amura Health, a nutrition group in Chennai, who told her the issue wasn’t fat but inflammation.

"They said, ‘It is just inflammation; it is not fat,’” Vidya recalled.

“They put me on a diet to get rid of the inflammation. It’s called the elimination of inflammation, and it worked beautifully for me.”

This tailored approach targeted foods that didn’t suit her body, transforming her health.

“I have been a vegetarian all my life.. I didn’t know spinach and bottle gourd don’t suit me,” she added. “We think all vegetables are good for us, but that’s not always the case.”

"This year, I haven’t worked out at all"

Vidya’s most surprising revelation was that her weight loss happened without exercise. In fact, her health advisors suggested she stop working out altogether.

“They asked me to stop working out,” Vidya said.

“Everyone’s been telling me, ‘Oh my God, you are your slimmest,’ and I have not worked out all year,” she added.

She admitted that she used to be a “beast in the gym” and had people doubting her workout efforts, but today, she feels healthier than ever without intense exercise. 

"I am not saying you shouldn’t exercise... but remember, no two people are the same,” she emphasised. “We must respect our individuality.”

Facing 'fat' labels with confidence

Vidya also addressed her journey with body image, sharing how she grew up with the label of being a “fat girl.” She recalled how the media, and people around her, frequently commented on her size, which affected her self-esteem. Now, she no longer lets such labels define her self-worth.

"Fat almost seems like abuse today, but I choose to keep using the word because there are thin people, and there are fat people. I don’t think it’s shameful in any way.”

She pointed out that while many use “fat” to shame, she views it as a neutral description of body size.

“All the judgment around the terms needs to go away,” she said.

On the work front, her latest film 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' is et to hit theatres on November 1. Directed by Anees Bazmee and produced by Bhushan Kumar, 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, combining horror and comedy. The film also stars Madhuri Dixit, Kartik Aaryan and Triptii Dimri.