Should you follow KJo, SRK’s One-Meal-a-Day? Here’s the Reality Behind Bollywood’s Latest Diet Trend

As stars like Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan embrace OMAD, experts weigh in on whether this intermittent fasting method is truly safe or sustainable.

The One Meal A Day (OMAD) diet is creating a buzz across Bollywood, with names like Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan reportedly adopting the trend to maintain their physiques and shed excess weight. But is this ultra-restrictive form of intermittent fasting right for everyone?

What Is OMAD?

OMAD is a form of intermittent fasting where all daily calories are consumed in a single meal, typically within a one-hour eating window, followed by 23 hours of fasting. Proponents claim it simplifies food planning, allows for more indulgent meals within that window, and creates a natural calorie deficit—often resulting in weight loss.

Johar has publicly credited OMAD as part of his transformation journey, while Shah Rukh Khan has mentioned its role in helping him stay lean and energetic, especially during film projects requiring peak physical fitness.

The Claimed Benefits

Supporters of OMAD say it offers multiple benefits:

• Weight loss through controlled calorie intake
• Improved digestion due to longer fasting periods
• Enhanced focus and cognitive function as the body adapts to fat as an energy source
• Simplified meal planning, making it easier to maintain consistency

Some early studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that time-restricted eating like OMAD may help improve insulin sensitivity and promote autophagy, the body’s process of cleaning out damaged cells.

The Health Risks

Despite its appeal, OMAD is not a universally safe practice. Health professionals raise concerns about:

• Nutritional deficiencies, especially if meals lack balance
• Hormonal imbalances due to prolonged fasting
• Fatigue and compromised immunity over time
• Potential mental health impact, especially among individuals prone to disordered eating or anxiety around food

According to experts, OMAD may not be suitable for individuals with:

• Diabetes
• Kidney or liver issues
• Adrenal fatigue
• Mental health struggles or eating disorders

Fasting for 23 hours can also cause spikes in cortisol (stress hormone) and disrupt natural hunger cues, especially in women or those with hormonal sensitivity.

Should You Try OMAD?

If you’re considering OMAD because your favorite celebrity swears by it, take a pause. While it may offer results under guided conditions, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Dietitians strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare professional or certified nutritionist before experimenting with such a restrictive diet. Personalized advice based on your metabolism, medical history, and lifestyle is crucial to ensure your approach to wellness doesn’t backfire.

OMAD may look glamorous from the outside, especially with Bollywood’s elite flaunting their transformed bodies—but it carries serious health risks if done without proper supervision. Sustainable, long-term wellness isn’t just about what’s trending, it’s about what truly works for you.