Shobhaa De's daughter loses 40 kilos, shares how high cortisol level affects weight and what changed after weight drop

Every weight loss journey has its own inspirational story. Every day we come across young and old adults who are embarking on this wonderful journey and enduring hardships to achieve the desired fitness. One such story is that of columnist Shobhaa De's daughter Anandita De.

In a long post, Anandita has shared her remarkable journey and how she lost 40 kilos and transformed her lifestyle in just 7.5 months.

"My cortisol levels were going through the roof. I could barely walk a few steps without getting out of breath, thankfully due to my DE-LY steps routine I walk at the speed of lightning today. Earlier I most certainly couldn’t climb stairs," she has posted on social media platform Instagram along with few pictures of hers before and after the weight loss.

"I could mark the huge difference in my speed of getting up and down without feeling as if ill have a cardiac arrest anytime there and then. Until I began my wellness journey I had severe sleep apnea, an insomniac. I would constantly have a persistent cough. Due to being diabetic I had developed skin tags and the colour of my complexion had become several shades darker than my original skin colour," she has posted.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIYUF3IINXw/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DIYUF3IINXw/

See more: Weight Loss Tips to Lose Inches of Stubborn Belly Fat in a Healthy Way

Anandita shares how this transformation changed her physically and mentally. With cortisol under control she has become more empathetic in nature. She shares how she has become more tolerant towards kids and babies and how she helped a fellow passenger with a medicine that was not available in the flight during that time.

How weight gain affects overall health
Weight gain isn't just about numbers on a scale—it affects almost every system in the body, often in silent but serious ways. One of the most impacted areas is the heart. Excess weight, especially around the belly, increases the risk of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and blocked arteries. Over time, this puts tremendous strain on the heart, raising the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and even stroke.

Beyond the heart, weight gain also disrupts hormonal balance—especially stress hormones like cortisol. When you carry extra weight, especially visceral fat, your body tends to produce more cortisol, which can lead to increased fat storage, muscle breakdown, and elevated blood sugar levels. This creates a vicious cycle: more stress leads to more fat, and more fat leads to more stress. Mentally, constant stress and high cortisol levels can make you feel tired, irritable, anxious, and foggy-headed. Over time, this combination of physical strain and emotional pressure takes a toll on overall health—affecting sleep, energy, immunity, and even your motivation to make positive lifestyle changes.

See more: How to gain weight: Tips on weight gaining through proper diet and nutrition

Losing weight is often seen as just a physical transformation, but the impact goes way beyond what you see in the mirror. Physically, your body becomes more active, agile, and efficient. Everyday tasks like climbing stairs, bending down, or going for a walk feel easier. Your joints feel less strained, energy levels improve, and conditions like high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and sleep apnea often start to ease. You may notice better skin, improved digestion, and fewer aches and pains as your body begins to function more smoothly.

But the real magic also happens inside your head. As your body changes, so does your confidence. You begin to trust your discipline, celebrate small victories, and carry yourself with a little more pride. Weight loss also reduces stress hormones like cortisol and boosts feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which help stabilize mood and improve mental clarity. Many people report sharper focus, better sleep, and a more optimistic mindset.

Of course, every journey is different—and not without challenges—but the physical and mental benefits of healthy, sustainable weight loss can truly be life-changing. It’s not just about losing weight—it’s about gaining strength, balance, and a fresh perspective.