Gauahar Khan, Alia Bhatt share personal insights on postpartum weight loss

Actors embraced motherhood earlier this year

Actors Gauahar Khan and Alia Bhatt, two new mothers, have recently shared their insights on postpartum weight loss. Both of them candidly spoke about their experiences and the challenges they faced while trying to trace their footsteps back to their pre-pregnancy bodies.

Gauahar, who embraced motherhood with the arrival of her son Zehaan in May, describes the feeling of being a mom as unlike any other experience in life. In a conversation with Hindustan Times, she encouraged those aspiring to be mothers, and stated, "Just do it! Motherhood is a feeling that no other feeling can match up to. The feeling of motherhood makes you feel complete."

However, Gauahar's postpartum weight loss also attracted attention, particularly on social media, after she revealed that she had lost 10 kilograms in just 10 days. Surprised herself, she shared, "I thought that I would take a while to lose the pregnancy weight. Keeping the baby weight aside, you still lose a couple of kilos in five to six weeks, but I don't know how I suddenly dropped 10 kg."

The Begum Jaan actor attributes her weight loss to her active lifestyle and caring for her baby from the early days. Despite her progress, Gauahar humbly acknowledges that she still has a few more kilograms to lose to reach her pre-pregnancy body. When asked about the reactions she received on social media, Gauahar said she is only focused on her own journey and its purpose.

"I am not aware of it. No time to see reactions," said the star. "I put it (story) out there to inspire everyone who was seeking to be on the similar emotional and physical journey that I'm on. I definitely acknowledge the fact that everyone's journey is personal, and positivity is the only way forward."

Looking ahead, Gauahar plans to resume her work commitments gradually, but not before giving the first three months exclusively to her baby. She emphasised the importance of dedicating quality time to her child during these early stages, ensuring that she doesn't have any regrets about not being fully present during this precious time.

Similarly, Alia, who welcomed her daughter Raha with her husband Ranbir Kapoor, also shared her perspective on postpartum weight loss – especially after the release of her song Tum Kya Mile from Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

During an interactive session on Instagram, Alia addressed the challenges of returning to work as a new mother. Acknowledging the complex emotions and physical changes that come with this transition, she posted a picture from her first shoot after having Raha. “I look tired but satisfied! I am very grateful and feel very privileged and supported by a team and crew that was understanding. I feel for new mothers everywhere, especially those who have to resume work immediately postpartum [because] it's never easy,” she wrote.

Furthermore, she added, “Going back to work as a new mom in any profession will never be easy; you feel various emotions all at once, not to mention the major physical difference in your energy.” Alia also thanked her family and crew for making the experience comfortable for her as a nursing mother. “It was my baby girl’s first trip to Kashmir and seeing the mountains through her eyes was just everything,” she said.

Alia's postpartum weight loss journey has also drawn attention, with many wondering how she rapidly managed to shed the pounds. The RRR actor advised fellow mothers to listen to their bodies and not rush the process. "Take your time - appreciate what your body has done. After what my body did this year, I have taken a vow to never be hard on myself again." The Gangubai Kathiawadi star also emphasised the significance of childbirth as a miraculous experience and urged mothers to show their bodies the love and support they deserve.

Both Gauahar and Alia’s insights provide valuable perspectives on postpartum weight loss and the challenges faced by new mothers. The two stars advocated for self-care, listening to one's body, and celebrating the miraculous journey of motherhood. Their stories serve as a reminder that every woman's postpartum journey is unique and that it's essential to prioritise one's physical and mental well-being during this transformative time.