BB19's Ashnoor Kaur Opens Up About Her Weight Struggle; Why Stress and Hormones Play a Bigger Role Than You Think

In the latest episode of Bigg Boss 19 Weekend Ka Vaar with Salman Khan, contestants Tanya Mittal and Neelam were called out for body-shaming Ashnoor Kaur. The incident visibly affected Ashnoor who broke down and opened up about her long battle with weight gain and body image issues. “I have been dealing with hormonal imbalance since I was 14. Some people lose weight because of stress, while some gain it. I had lost about nine kilos before entering the house, but the stress of this environment has made me bloat again.”Her words struck a chord with many women, not for her honesty alone but because they reflect a reality millions of women silently live with. Hormonal imbalances can make weight management incredibly difficult, no matter how disciplined

one is with diet or exercise.

The Stress and Weight Connection

Nutritionist Kavita Devgan explains that stress is one of the biggest yet most overlooked contributors to weight fluctuations. “Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that signals the body to conserve energy and store fat. That’s why even with proper diet and workouts, people often don’t see results unless they learn to manage stress,” she says. Wellness consultant Rahul adds, “I always tell people to find something that helps them destress. For me, it’s playing the guitar, it’s my therapy. For others, it could be sports, reading or even cooking. Regulating your stress levels isn’t optional, it’s a part of self-care.”ALSO READ: Real-Life Weight Loss Story: Woman Loses 30 Kilos With Stepping A Foot in the Gym; 5 Lifestyle Changes She Made

How Hormonal Imbalance Affects Weight

Hormones control everything from metabolism and appetite to fat storage. When they go off balance, which can happen due to genetics, lifestyle, medications or chronic stress, the body’s internal processes get disrupted. The Cleveland Clinic defines hormonal imbalance as having too much or too little of one or more hormones in the bloodstream, leading to conditions such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), thyroid dysfunction, diabetes and insomnia. A senior doctor explains, "Each of these conditions impacts weight differently. For example, in PCOS, elevated insulin and androgens can cause the body to store more fat around the abdomen. In hypothyroidism, the metabolism slows down, making weight loss difficult. Even sleep-related hormonal disruptions can increase hunger hormones like ghrelin.”Ashnoor also revealed that her body image issues had led her to isolate herself socially. “I would starve myself so much. Sometimes I avoided meeting friends because I didn’t feel good about my body." Experts say that is not uncommon. “Weight struggles often affect mental health, leading to anxiety, guilt and shame. That’s why it’s important to approach weight loss holistically. It is not just about food, but about emotional well-being, hormonal balance and self-acceptance.”Ashnoor’s openness brings an important reminder to the spotlight- weight gain is not always a result of poor choices, sometimes it’s the body’s response to stress and hormonal shifts. Addressing these underlying factors through lifestyle changes, stress management, adequate sleep and medical guidance is the real key to sustainable health. As the BB19 episode showed, empathy and awareness are just as vital as fitness goals. Because behind every weight struggle is often a deeper story waiting to be understood.