Arjun Kapoor is widely known today for his dedication to fitness, but his transformation was anything but easy.
Before making his Bollywood debut in 2012, the Two States actor had to overcome a major personal hurdle — his weight. As a teenager, Arjun once weighed 140 kg.
Determined to turn his life around, he lost a staggering 50 kg before stepping into the film industry with Ishaqzaade, opposite Parineeti Chopra.
His weight loss journey, marked by months of discipline and effort, reportedly took around 15 months. In a now-deleted Instagram post, Arjun had opened up about the challenges and commitment it took to reach his goals.
In an interview with The Times of India, Arjun credited walking as one of the simplest yet most effective parts of his routine.
"When I was overweight as a kid, I believed in one thing: there’s nothing better than walking. Even now, when I need to shed weight, I make sure to stay physically active. You can’t just sit around eating and complain about not losing weight,” he said.
According to The Indian Express, Arjun, who once described himself as a foodie, gave up junk food and controlled his portion sizes.
He eliminated high-carb and sugary foods from his diet, opting instead for fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-protein meals.
The actor, now in his 40s, had once shared his daily routine on Instagram. His mornings begin with a high-protein breakfast, typically eggs, followed by a gym session.
Lunch is usually around 1:30 p.m., often consisting of a Greek Souvlaki Wrap. After attending meetings and calls until 5 p.m., he has an evening snack of Turkey Sushi, a nutrient-rich option packed with energy, protein, and fiber.
His dinners are hearty yet healthy — often Turkish kebabs with muhammara sauce, mint chutney, and pickled vegetables. His fitness regime includes weight training, circuit training, CrossFit, and cardio.
In 2024, Arjun revealed that he has been battling Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland and slows metabolism, often leading to weight gain.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, he opened up about the toll the condition has taken on his body and mental health.
"I haven’t always spoken about it, but I also have Hashimoto’s disease. It’s almost like taking a flight can make me gain weight because my body goes into distress — into fight-or-flight mode,” he explained. Diagnosed at 30, Arjun said he was initially in denial.
The condition runs in his family, affecting both his mother, Mona Shourie Kapoor, and his sister, Anshula Kapoor.
He also admitted to seeking therapy for mild depression, triggered by the physical toll of the disease and a string of underperforming films.
“If I look back today, I can see the way my body changed through the course of my career. That period from 2015 to 2016 was especially hard — seven to eight years of carrying that trauma.”
Despite shedding over 50 kg, Arjun Kapoor considers his transformation a “work in progress.” He continues to focus on health, mindful living, and overcoming the challenges that come with both his condition and public scrutiny.
