Mouni Roy, known for her slender physique, recently opened up about a challenging period in her life when she gained 30 kilograms due to a health condition. This was just before she landed her role in the popular TV show Naagin.

“I was unwell around 7-8 years ago. I had L4-L5 slip disc degeneration, which caused me to be bedridden and rely heavily on painkillers. During that time, I gained nearly 30 kilos. It felt like my life had come to a halt, and I stayed away from the public eye,” Mouni shared in an interview with Bollywood Bubble.

She went on to explain how this experience taught her the importance of mindful eating. “When I stopped the medication, much of the water weight dropped off. That’s when I realized how unhealthy it is to starve yourself. I used to go on juice cleanses for 4-5 days, which made me cranky. Instead of overeating, I started eating normal portions. Before that, I could eat enough for three people,” she said.

Mouni emphasized that food played a crucial role in her weight loss journey. “I ate six meals a day and combined that with yoga and exercise. But, ultimately, food is the key,” she noted.

Regarding her diet, Mouni shared, “I eat everything in moderation. I believe in a balanced diet. My mother always said that nutrition should come from food, so I include rice, potatoes, dal for protein, eggs, and leafy greens for iron in my meals. I also take multivitamins, but I’m always craving a hearty home-cooked meal.”

Interestingly, Mouni revealed that she doesn’t enjoy sugar. “I hate sugar, not by choice, but because I don’t like its taste. It’s a blessing,” she added.

Dr. Anup Khatri, a senior consultant in orthopedics at Gleneagles Hospital in Mumbai, further explained Mouni’s condition, noting that an L4-L5 slip disc, or lumbar disc herniation, can cause severe pain and limit mobility. This often leads to weight gain as people tend to consume more comfort food and experience hormonal changes due to stress. He also advised timely intervention, a well-balanced diet, and light exercises to manage the condition.

Pain relief through medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen is common for such cases, Dr. Khatri mentioned. After stopping the medication, focusing on reducing water weight through light exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding high-sodium packaged foods can be helpful. He also recommended proper sleep, elevating the feet, and using compression socks for further relief.