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Jyotika lost 9 kgs in 3 months, but more importantly, she rediscovered her strength and confidence through mindful lifestyle shifts and strength training.
Jyotika also credited Vidya Balan for her weight loss.
When actor Jyotika shared her transformation story in March 2025, it was about much more than just shedding pounds — it was a rediscovery of her emotional and physical well-being. Her Instagram post, equal parts reflective and inspiring, revealed how she lost 9 kgs in three months and found a renewed sense of self.
At the heart of her journey was a shout-out to actor Vidya Balan, whose own wellness transformation — sans gym workouts — had gone viral in late 2024. “To begin with, a big thank you to actor Vidya Balan…” Jyotika wrote, crediting her for the spark that inspired change.
Following Vidya’s path, Jyotika turned to the same wellness experts at Chennai’s Amura Health. For years, she had struggled with weight management. Despite trying everything from rigorous gym sessions to strict diets and intermittent fasting, nothing seemed to stick — until now.
“This was different,” she said. “For the first time, I understood my body — from gut health to inflammation triggers. It wasn’t just about weight loss anymore, but about healing and balance.”
What truly transformed her perspective was the introduction of strength training — a practice she had long overlooked. With the guidance of her trainer Mahesh, Jyotika embraced a new fitness mantra: “Strength training is the key to an independent future, especially for women.”
She emphasized that real wellness lies in nurturing self-love and reducing stress — the weight loss, she insisted, is simply a by-product of those deeper changes.
Why strength training made the difference
Shazia Shadab, Lead Physiotherapist at Cloudnine Hospitals in Bengaluru, says Jyotika’s shift in focus is right on target — especially for women over 40.
“As we age, metabolism slows down and hormonal changes kick in, making it harder to lose weight,” explains Shadab. “Strength training helps by building lean muscle, which boosts your resting calorie burn. It’s one of the most effective long-term strategies.”
Shazia also debunks a common myth: “Cardio alone won’t cut it. For sustainable weight loss, especially after 40, resistance work is essential — even if it’s with light weights, bands, or your own body weight.”
Weight loss after 40: What changes?
Losing weight in your 40s comes with its own set of challenges — slower metabolism, hormonal shifts (like menopause or testosterone dips), muscle loss (sarcopenia), and higher stress levels all play a role. Added to that are busy lifestyles that often sideline personal health.
But it’s far from impossible. Here are Shazia’s recommendations:
Prioritise strength training 2–3 times a week
Incorporate light cardio like walking, yoga, or cycling
Boost your protein intake to support muscle repair
Get quality sleep and factor in rest days
Be patient and compassionate with yourself — it’s a marathon, not a sprint
For Jyotika, the transformation was about more than just numbers on a scale. “I feel more energised and confident than I have in years,” she shared. And her story is a reminder that every season of life brings an opportunity to rewrite your wellness narrative — one mindful step at a time.
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