This article is based on a transcript by Shivangi Desai, a certified health and nutrition coach and founder of Fit Bharat Mission.
The Real Reason You’re Struggling to Lose Weight: A Health Coach’s Brutal Truth
How restrictive diets and quick fixes are making India sicker—and what actually works
If you’ve ever thought, “My friend lost 6 kgs on keto, so I’ll do it too,” or “Can’t I just drink green tea to lose belly fat?”—this article is your wake-up call. In a powerful video transcript that’s now gone viral, certified health coach Shivangi Desai dismantles the dangerous myths surrounding weight loss in India and reveals why our obsession with rapid results is fueling a national health crisis.
India’s Obesity Epidemic: The Crisis We’re Ignoring
Shivangi doesn’t sugar-coat the truth. Obesity in India has tripled since 1975, and according to the National Family Health Survey, it has doubled in just the last 10 years. Perhaps most alarmingly, childhood obesity is skyrocketing—kids as young as 8, 10, and 15 are now battling weight issues and related diseases that were virtually non-existent in previous generations.
“We need to create a family culture where being even slightly overweight is unacceptable,” she asserts. The harsh reality? Every lifestyle disorder—from diabetes and hypertension to PCOD and thyroid problems—starts with obesity.
The Shocking Physiology of Fat
Here’s a mind-blowing fact: For every 1 kg of fat you gain, your body needs to build 1 kilometer of veins just to supply blood and keep that tissue alive. Imagine being 20 kg overweight—that’s 60 km of extra blood vessels your heart must pump through, dramatically increasing blood pressure and straining your cardiovascular system.
The damage doesn’t stop there. Excess weight:
- Crushes internal organs (liver, kidneys, pancreas)
- Triggers leptin and insulin resistance (hello, diabetes)
- Causes inevitable hormonal imbalances that manifest as PCOD, thyroid issues, and severe menopause symptoms
The 6 Deadly Mistakes That Sabotage Your Weight Loss
Shivangi identifies six critical errors that keep people trapped in the yo-yo diet cycle:
Mistake #1: Taking Obesity Lightly
The delusion: “A little extra weight is fine.”
Reality check: Obesity is not a cosmetic issue—it’s a disease trigger. Every kilo matters. Every kilo costs your body resources. If you want lifelong health, weight reduction is non-negotiable.
Mistake #2: The “Quick Weight Loss” Obsession
“Tell me how to lose 7-8 kgs this month for my cousin’s wedding.”
This is the biggest mistake Shivangi sees. Rapid weight loss guarantees three things:
- You’ll lose weight the wrong way
- You’ll gain it back with interest
- You’ll invite new diseases into your body
Remove “fast” from your dictionary. Your goal shouldn’t be weight loss—it should be building a strong, fit, healthy body. Weight loss will be the natural side effect.
Mistake #3: Blindly Following Named Diets (Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Intermittent Fasting)
“If it worked for them, it’ll work for me.”
Shivangi’s analogy is brilliant: “If you see someone wearing a small-size t-shirt and think ‘I want to look like that,’ you can’t just wear their shirt. It won’t fit, suit, or flatter your unique body.”
Every body is different. These diets serve specific purposes, but following them blindly creates dangerous nutrient deficiencies. Ask yourself:
- Can I follow this for life?
- Will I genuinely enjoy this food?
If the answer is no, it’s not sustainable.
Mistake #4: Skipping Meals and Slashing Calories
“I’ll just eat less—fewer calories means less weight, right?”
Wrong. Starvation makes you sick, not healthy. When you severely restrict calories:
- Your cells stay hungry despite weight dropping
- Your internal organs suffer from nutrient deprivation
- You lose health along with weight
Your body needs nutrition to function. Sick and skinny is not the goal—strong and healthy is.
Mistake #5: Trying to Lose Weight Without Exercise
“Can’t I just diet and avoid working out?”
Shivangi is unequivocal: “Yes, it’s possible, but you shouldn’t do it.”
Here’s why exercise is non-negotiable:
- Diet changes stop future fat accumulation
- Exercise burns existing fat from years of poor habits
- It builds muscle and strength
- It boosts metabolism and improves insulin sensitivity
Effortless weight loss is a lie. Your weight might drop, but your health will crumble.
Mistake #6: The Defeatist Mindset (“I Have PCOD/Thyroid, So Weight Loss Is Impossible”)
“My doctor said I’ll never lose weight with my condition.”
Shivangi’s response is empowering: “When you make mistakes in a relationship, does it mean the other person will never forgive you? No—you work harder, apologize sincerely, and rebuild trust.”
Your body is the same. Yes, conditions like PCOD, thyroid, and diabetes make weight loss harder, but they don’t make it impossible. Consistency and the right approach conquer all obstacles.
The 4 Pillars of Sustainable Weight Loss: What Actually Works
Shivangi shifts from what NOT to do to what you MUST do. Her formula isn’t sexy, but it’s scientifically sound and works permanently.
Pillar #1: Prioritize Nutrition Over Calories
The golden rule: Stop counting calories, start counting nutrients.
Eat MORE of these:
- Whole foods (minimal processing)
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Variety of pulses and legumes
Eat LESS of these:
- Packaged and ultra-processed foods
- Excessive sugar and refined oils
- Soft drinks and packaged beverages
The science is clear: The more processed food you eat, the more weight you gain. The more whole foods you add, the more health (and natural weight loss) you gain.
Pillar #2: Move Your Body Daily (30-40 Minutes, High Intensity)
“Whatever exercise you enjoy, do it—but do it consistently.”
Shivangi recommends:
- High or medium-intensity workouts (not casual walking)
- 5 days a week minimum
- Resistance training, weight training, HIIT, dance, Zumba—anything that pushes your limits
Bonus tip: Even if you exercise for an hour, don’t sit for the rest of the day. Move every 30 minutes—stretch, walk, or do 3-minute mini-workouts. This keeps food from converting to fat and supercharges your metabolism.
Pillar #3: Sleep Like Your Life Depends On It (Because It Does)
“Sleep less, gain more fat.”
This shocks most people, but sleep is when your body:
- Repairs and rebuilds from exercise
- Burns fat most efficiently
- Regulates hunger hormones
Target: 7-8 hours of quality sleep. Sleeping late is as fattening as eating junk food. Prioritize both sleep quantity and quality.
Pillar #4: Stress Less, Live More
Cortisol = Fat Gain
When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, which:
- Blocks fat burning
- Promotes fat storage (especially belly fat)
- Sabotages even perfect diets
You could eat air and still gain weight if you’re chronically stressed. Prioritize relaxation, mindfulness, and joy.
Final Thoughts: Weight Loss Is a Side Effect, Not a Goal
Shivangi’s core message is revolutionary in its simplicity: Stop chasing weight loss. Chase health.
When you:
- Nourish your body with whole foods
- Strengthen it with consistent exercise
- Restore it with adequate sleep
- Protect it from stress
Weight loss becomes the natural, effortless side effect of a life well-lived. No shortcuts. No quick fixes. Just sustainable, science-backed wellness.
The question isn’t “How fast can I lose weight?” It’s “How healthy can I become?” Start answering that, and the weight will take care of itself.
About the Author: This article is based on a transcript by Shivangi Desai, a certified health and nutrition coach and founder of Fit Bharat Mission. Her evidence-based approach has helped thousands break free from yo-yo dieting and achieve lasting wellness.