Nitin Gadkari lost weight from 135 kg to 89 kg: Why exercise routine works to sustain it

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently shared that he lost weight from approximately 135 kg to 89 kg through an intense daily exercise routine of nearly two-and-a-half hours. While shedding the weight was a significant achievement, maintaining it long-term poses a greater challenge. This is especially true for individuals who lose weight through bariatric surgery or newer obesity medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide.

Despite these treatments facilitating weight loss, they do not obliterate the biology of obesity. Following weight loss, the body tends to conserve energy, leading to increased hunger, altered fullness signals, and a decline in energy expenditure. This metabolic adaptation, influenced by hormones such as leptin, ghrelin, and gut hormones, makes maintaining the new weight difficult.

Although bariatric surgery changes the body's biology, it does not automatically guarantee weight maintenance. Over time, some patients regain lost weight, and diabetes remission can return, particularly with weight regain. Thus, surgical intervention should be seen as just the beginning of long-term obesity management. To maintain weight loss, factors like food quality, portion size, adequate protein intake, physical activity, sleep, and regular medical follow-ups remain crucial.

For instance, regular aerobic activity enhances insulin sensitivity, promotes glucose uptake in muscles, and reduces visceral fat. Resistance exercise helps preserve or rebuild muscle, which is vital during substantial weight loss since some lean tissue is lost alongside fat. Exercise also boosts total daily energy expenditure, offering greater flexibility with food intake while maintaining energy balance.

However, exercise should not be the sole factor in weight maintenance; it cannot compensate for an unhealthy diet. A sustainable eating pattern, including adequate protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and minimally processed foods, makes adhering to a calorie target easier. The key is finding an exercise routine that can become a part of everyday life and not just a temporary regimen.