Nimisha Sajayan has opened up about the physical and emotional challenges she experienced while transforming her body for her latest film Babita Singh Reporting. The actress revealed that she gained nearly 14 kg, increasing her weight from 58 kg to 72 kg for her role, before embarking on a demanding weight-loss journey. Sharing photographs of her transformation on Instagram, Sajayan described the first 10 days of losing weight as particularly difficult. She said she experienced poor sleep, mood swings, exhaustion and frustration, and admitted there were moments when she felt she could no longer continue.
The actress also revealed that she sometimes became emotional during training sessions and credited her trainer, Ali Shifas, for helping her stay committed to the process. “Looking back, I realise the journey wasn’t just about losing the weight… It was about patience, trusting the process and most importantly having the right person beside you,” she wrote
Weight loss can affect sleep and mood
While weight loss is often discussed in terms of calories, exercise and changes on the weighing scale, major changes in body weight can also affect a person’s energy levels, sleep, mood and overall wellbeing
Very restrictive diets or sudden reductions in food intake can leave people feeling tired and irritable. Insufficient calorie or nutrient intake may also make it harder to maintain energy during workouts and daily activities. For some people, the psychological pressure associated with rapidly changing their appearance can further contribute to frustration or emotional distress
Sajayan’s experience highlights why weight-loss journeys should ideally focus on health and sustainable habits rather than rapid results
Why sleep matters during weight loss
Adequate sleep is an important part of maintaining physical and mental health. Poor sleep can contribute to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood. It can also make healthy eating and regular exercise more difficult to maintain
People attempting to lose weight should therefore avoid treating sleep as something that can be sacrificed for faster results. A balanced approach generally includes adequate rest, nutritious meals and an exercise routine appropriate for the individual’s fitness level
Avoid extreme weight-loss methods
Sajayan’s transformation was undertaken specifically for a film role, meaning her circumstances may be very different from those of someone trying to lose weight for general health
Experts generally recommend avoiding crash diets, extreme calorie restriction or excessive exercise without professional guidance. A sustainable weight-loss plan should provide adequate nutrition while allowing gradual changes that can be maintained over time. Anyone experiencing persistent exhaustion, severe mood changes, dizziness, sleep problems or other concerning symptoms during weight loss should consider speaking with a doctor or qualified dietitian
The importance of support
Sajayan said her trainer played an important role by encouraging her through difficult days without making her feel guilty about struggling. Her comments underline another important aspect of healthy weight management: support and accountability can make challenging lifestyle changes easier to sustain
For people looking to lose weight, the goal should not simply be a lower number on the scale. Maintaining adequate nutrition, protecting sleep, supporting mental wellbeing and building sustainable habits are equally important
Ashima Sharda Mahindraauthor
Is a prolific writer with a varied experience of over two decades of journalism under her belt. She writes passionately about diverse health topics wi… View More
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