Dilip Joshi, the beloved actor known for playing Jethalal in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, once revealed a surprising detail about his fitness journey — he lost 16 kg in just one and a half months.
In an interview with Mashable India in 2023, Joshi recalled his daily running routine during the early days of his acting career. “I used to jog along Marine Drive in the rain, from the swimming club to the Oberoi Hotel and back, before heading to work. It took me 45 minutes to complete the distance,” he shared.
The actor said he was getting in shape for the 1992 Gujarati film Hun Hunshi Hunshilal. Reminiscing fondly, he added, “There would be a mild drizzle, the sun setting, and the sky filled with beautiful clouds — it used to be so much fun.”
Is Losing 16 Kg in 45 Days Safe?
While Dilip Joshi’s story is undeniably motivating, is such a dramatic transformation healthy or sustainable?
Fitness and nutrition expert Varun Rattan, co-founder of Evolve Fitness, weighed in: “Losing 16 kg in 45 days is about 350 grams per day. While it seems extreme, it can be possible for someone with a high starting weight — say over 100 kg. With an aggressive calorie deficit, a low-calorie diet, and consistent jogging, such rapid weight loss can happen initially.”
However, Rattan warns against using this as a one-size-fits-all approach.
“A person weighing 75 kg will not lose weight at the same rate with the same routine. Even if they did, the results could be harmful — including muscle loss, bone density reduction, and nutritional deficiencies”
He explained that when the body is underfed for too long, it begins to break down muscle tissue for energy and even leaches calcium from bones, which can have long-term health consequences.
Dilip Joshi’s dedication is admirable, but as experts suggest, extreme weight loss methods may not be suitable for everyone. Always consult a medical or fitness professional before starting any aggressive fitness routine.
