Filmmaker Karan Johar has been in the spotlight over the past year not just for his films but also for his striking physical transformation. As speculation around his dramatic weight loss intensified,
with many netizens alleging the use of Ozempic, Johar has once again firmly shut down the rumours. In a recent podcast appearance, the director-producer revisited his long and complicated relationship with weight, health, and body image, tracing it all the way back to his college years.
‘Routine Is Impossible In Our Profession’
Speaking candidly, Karan explained that weight loss, while often made to sound straightforward, has never been easy for him given the chaotic nature of his profession. He admitted that maintaining discipline is nearly impossible in an industry that runs on irregular schedules, constant stress, and zero downtime.
“It’s all very simple if you regiment your life. If you give it some kind of routine,” he said, before adding that such structure simply doesn’t exist in his line of work. With no weekends, no national holidays, and continuous work calls, Johar revealed that stress has often played a major role in disrupting his health journey.
Parents, Perception And Brutal Honesty At Home
Reflecting on his upbringing, Karan shared a revealing contrast between his parents’ perspectives. While his father, the late Yash Johar, remained optimistic about his looks and even dreamed of him becoming an actor, his mother Hiroo Johar was far more blunt.
“My dad thought I had puppy fat, that it would go away,” Karan recalled. “But my mother used to say, ‘What are you saying, Yash? He is so fat, so large.’” He added with humour and honesty that Punjabi mothers, unlike others, are rarely delusional when it comes to calling things as they are.
College Years And The First Wake-Up Call
Karan revealed that his first real confrontation with his body image came during his college days. Accustomed to school uniforms that masked physical differences, he found himself suddenly exposed in an environment where everyone seemed fitter and slimmer.
“You blend into uniforms at school. In college, everyone is thinner than you,” he said, adding that the realisation shook him deeply and pushed him toward his first serious attempt at weight loss.
Failed Diets, Fainting Spells And Health Scares
Over the years, Karan experimented with multiple diets, many of which proved disastrous. He recalled repeatedly trying the General Motors diet, once even following it for a month before falling seriously ill. His attempt at the Atkins diet ended even more dramatically.
“I fainted in my Accounts class,” he revealed, explaining that the extreme high-protein, no-carb approach took a severe toll on his health. That incident prompted his mother to immediately ban him from dieting, especially after discovering he had been doing it secretly.
Ozempic Rumours And The Real Medical Truth
Addressing the persistent Ozempic speculation head-on, Karan categorically denied ever using the drug. Instead, he credited his transformation to medical discoveries made during his visit to Vivamayr, a wellness retreat.
Through extensive testing, he learned that he was acutely intolerant to gluten and lactose—something he had unknowingly been consuming for years. “Rice and potato are my friends,” he said, explaining how eliminating rotis and dairy made a significant difference.
Thyroid Diagnosis And Lifestyle Changes
In addition to dietary changes, Karan revealed that his thyroid levels were severely imbalanced, a condition he was previously unaware of. Once placed on appropriate thyroid medication, the weight began to drop naturally.
He also removed sugar entirely from his diet and switched to alternatives like almond milk, which suited his body better. While exercise hasn’t always been consistent, he shared that swimming and paddle ball are now part of his routine.
‘I Always Wondered Why Nothing Was Working’
Looking back, Karan admitted that the most frustrating part of his journey was not understanding why his efforts never paid off earlier. “I was doing everything I could, but nothing was happening,” he said, adding that the medical clarity finally helped him make peace with his body and health.
At 53, Johar’s transformation is less about appearance and more about understanding his body—something he says he wishes he had known years ago.
