While the impressive guest list, magnificent decorations and world-renowned performers at the Ambani wedding have us searching the internet for glimpses of the world class celebrations, there has also been a significant interest in Anant Ambani’s weight loss journey. Many have been wondering how the business tycoon lost more than 100 Kg of weight in one year. It was in 2017 that Anant’s mother Nita Ambani spoke about his battle with asthma, and how he was put on steroids due to the critical nature of his illness. However, this resulted in massive weight gain once again.

In 2016,  Anant shocked all those who had been following his journey by losing 108 kilos in 18 months. This transformation is one for the books as the the industrialist reportedly did everything to reduce his weight. News reports suggest that he had dedicated five to six hours of his day to his fitness regime that included a 21 km walk every day, yoga, weight training and high-intensity cardio exercises, apart from dietary changes. He was also put on a highly personalised, low-carb, no-sugar, high-protein balanced and nutritious diet that emphasised on portion control and mindful eating.

Anant Ambani suffers from asthma

Asthma refers to a condition where the airways in your lungs are affected. This chronic disease makes your airways inflamed as well as narrow. Therefore, it is very difficult for air to flow out of your airways. While there is no cure for asthma, there are treatments as well as medications that can help you manage your symptoms. One such treatment is steroids. In 2017, Nita Ambani, spoke about how this steroid-medication had led to obesity and the two went to a Los Angeles children’s obesity hospital to set the ball rolling in his weight-loss journey.

A study published in The Journal of Clinical Medicine, observes the prevalence of obesity and weight gain in asthma patients. It states that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among patients with asthma is 31.1% and 46.0% higher than others.

When are steroids prescribed for asthma?

Asthma is often treated with steroids to decrease inflammation of the airways and that way helps prevent or manage symptoms associated with asthma. “For any asthma exacerbation, giving a burst of steroids for a few days is the standard of care. They are also used in people whose asthma condition is moderate or severe especially when other medicines cannot effectively control their symptoms, or in case of an exacerbation of the disease where the speedily reduced inflammation of bronchial passages is warranted,” explains pulmonologist Dr Srivatsa Lokeshwaran.

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Why do steroids lead to weight gain?

The reason why steroids can cause weight gain is because their intake can lead to an increased appetite, water retention, as well as altered fat distribution across the body. “These medications can affect how glucose is stored and released by cells, how fats are metabolized, and proteins synthesized leading to an increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue,” says Dr Lokeshwaran. According to this study, published in The Journal of Asthma, the potency of inhaled corticosteroids, used for the treatment of asthma, can impact the BMI of a patient. The higher the dose, the higher the increase in BMI.

Fitness routine of Anant Ambani

Anant Ambani’s weight loss journey was inspiring. While it is not an easy feat to lose 100 kg, it is also important to note that this weight was lost over one year. According to reports, he used to work out for five to six hours a day, which would include cardio, yoga, weight training as well as long walks. Besides following a personalised diet, he also made several lifestyle changes such as getting adequate sleep and managing his stress levels.

If you also suffer from asthma, it is important to note that brief use of steroids for asthma has no significant bearing on weight gain, explains Dr Lokeshwaran. “To lose weight after taking steroids, it is essential to focus on a balanced diet composed of fruits rich in vitamins and minerals, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains,”  he says. Physical exercise is crucial which may include aerobic exercises and strength training.

“Continued use of steroids without addressing weight-related factors can lead to ongoing weight gain due to the same mechanisms that caused the initial increase,” explains Dr Lokeshwaran.

Seeking advice from a healthcare provider or nutritionist will offer you an individualised direction and encouragement.

Anant Ambani’s weight loss diet

Besides working on his fitness levels, Anant’s personalised diet centred around  holistic well being. He focussed on consuming no-sugar, high protein and low-carb options, not eating more than 1200-1400 calories a day. Sprouts, lentils, fresh green vegetables and dairy products consisted of his diet. His clean-diet and natural weight loss regime contributed to him maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

How to avoid weight gain on steroids?

The first step is to talk to your doctor regarding the kind of steroid you are on, the disorder as well as your medication schedule. The doctor may also put you on a different dosage schedule. There can be alternate medication as well. Dr Lokeshwaran says, “Do not fear the usage of steroids in asthma. Rather discuss with your physician the alternatives to steroids. There are a host of new molecules that reduce the need for frequent use of steroid bursts.”

Curbing weight gain would also require the same steps that we would ideally take to lose weight. Low-calorie fruits and vegetables, and a fibre-rich diet may help. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also states that 25-30g of protein helps to control weight and control appetite. Besides this, drinking adequate water, staying active, and getting enough sleep may help as well.

What are the other side effects of steroids given for asthma?

According to this study published in Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, weight gain is the most common side effect of steroid use. However, besides increasing weight, several additional side effects result from using corticosteroids for treating asthma including hyperglycemia, hypertension, predisposing one to frequent infections due to compromised immune system or skin functions, mood swings, osteoporosis and ultimately cataracts/glaucoma, prolonged use occurs.

The American Lung Association also talks about the vicious association of weight with asthma. It states that a high BMI (higher than 30), can increase your risk of having asthma. Also, it states that people with high BMI do not respond to asthma medications in the same way as people with low BMI respond. Other complications such as depression as well as obstructive sleep apnea in asthma also correlate with higher BMI.

Summary

While steroids are extremely important in treating many inflammation-related diseases such as asthma, they can have many adverse effects as well, weight gain being one of the biggest ones. However, one lesson from Anant Ambani’s weight loss journey is that one needs to be consistent. Losing the weight that you put on due to steroids can take months or even years. Preventing weight gain can be one way to work around it while eating a balanced diet, working out and making necessary lifestyle changes will help you as well.