Fatima Sana Shaikh opens up about her struggle with binge eating, bulimia, and body image issues after gaining weight for Dangal. She shares her journey from extremes to finding balance and mental well-being.
Bollywood actor Fatima Sana Shaikh has shared an intimate account of her struggle with binge eating, bulimia, and body image issues following her physical transformation for the blockbuster film Dangal. On the ‘Chapter 2 with Rhea Chakraborty’ podcast, Fatima candidly revealed how extreme fitness routines and dietary discipline turned into emotional challenges and unhealthy habits.
The Discipline Behind ‘Dangal’
For her role in Dangal, Fatima trained intensively, often spending three hours a day in workouts, while consuming 2,500 to 3,000 calories daily to gain weight. “When I am goal-oriented, I will do everything,” she explained, highlighting the structured mindset she adopted during the film. However, after the shoot, the intense regimen ended, but the high-calorie intake continued, eventually leading to a cycle of bingeing and guilt.
Struggling with Extremes
Fatima admitted, “I have two extremes. If I am not holistic, I go towards extremes.” She described the emotional nature of her eating, noting that it was not hunger but insecurity and self-doubt driving her behaviors. The cycle of overeating, restriction, and obsessive calorie counting became a daily struggle.
A Year Battling Bulimia in Silence
One of the most revealing parts of her conversation was admitting that she suffered from bulimia for a year. Fatima disclosed that she would induce vomiting after binge episodes, a secret ritual driven by shame and self-criticism. She explained, “When anyone has a mental health disorder, everything seems fine on the outside. But all the demons are in the mind.” Despite appearing fit and disciplined externally, internally she battled deep emotional turmoil.
also read:- Dal Chawal vs Dal Roti: Which is Better for Weight Loss?…
The Pressure of Image and Social Media
Fatima also spoke about the pressure of maintaining a “perfect” image in Bollywood, intensified by social media and public scrutiny. She admitted having a love-hate relationship with her body, constantly thinking about food and appearance. But over time, she developed self-awareness, learning to distinguish between choice and compulsion.
Finding Balance Through Support and Mindful Eating
Her journey to recovery was gradual. Friends played a pivotal role by offering gentle guidance and introducing her to a more balanced approach to food, including smoothies, nourishing meals, and guilt-free eating. Today, Fatima prioritizes sustainable fitness and mental well-being over strict regimes or punishment.
Why Fatima’s Story Resonates
Fatima’s candid revelations highlight a vital message: extreme fitness and visible health do not always reflect inner well-being. True strength, she emphasizes, comes from confronting emotional struggles, healing the mind, and embracing balance rather than chasing perfection. Her story challenges cultural assumptions linking thinness with discipline and excess with failure, offering a refreshingly honest perspective on health, recovery, and self-acceptance.
For More Hindi News:- http://newz24india.com