Karan Johar breaks silence on Ozempic rumours and reveals real truth behind weight loss

Karan Johar has finally addressed the intense speculation surrounding his dramatic weight loss, firmly denying claims that he relied on Ozempic and instead opening up about years of body shaming, extreme dieting, and serious health discoveries that ultimately changed his life.

The filmmaker, who surprised audiences last year with a noticeably leaner appearance, spoke candidly about his journey during a recent conversation with Aadar Jain and Alekha on The Manyavar Shaadi Show.

Alongside revealing how he actually lost weight, Karan also revisited difficult memories from his childhood and college years, including an incident where he fainted due to a dangerous diet.

Reflecting on growing up, Karan shared how his parents viewed his weight very differently.

While his father believed it was just a phase, his mother was far more blunt.

He recalled, "My dad was in delusion land about me. He thought that I had puppy fat, it will go away, he is so handsome. But my mother used to disagree and say, ‘What are you saying, Yash? He is so fat, so large.’ He wanted me to become a hero, and my mother used to roll her eyes saying no way he is capable or should be a hero. She always used to call me out. Punjabi moms are not always deluded."

Karan revealed that it was during college that his awareness around his weight truly hit him. Surrounded by thinner classmates, he realized he stood out and began experimenting with extreme diets. Over the years, he repeatedly tried the General Motors diet and later the Atkins diet, which led to a serious health scare.

Recalling the moment, he said, "I was doing that Atkins diet. Once I did it for a month, and I fell sick. I still remember that I was in my Accounts class during college. I fainted in that class because I was on this diet. That was the end of the diet; my mother banned it, and she had no idea I was doing it. It is high protein, only protein. You could have a nine-egg cheese omelette, only protein, no bread and nothing. You could have fried chicken, but it was harsher."

Addressing widespread online chatter, Karan categorically denied using weight loss drugs.

He explained, “Contrary to what people think, that I took Ozempic or whatever, I am not. What happened is, there were a few intolerances that I discovered when I went to Vivamayr (a medical health resort). When I went back again, I did my kinesiology test, and I realised that I am acutely gluten and lactose-intolerant. I actually didn’t realise… I was eating roti and not rice. But in reality, rice and potatoes are my friends.”

The filmmaker went on to reveal that he was also unaware he had a thyroid condition until medical tests brought it to light.

After being put on medication, he made significant dietary changes, including eliminating gluten, switching to almond milk, and cutting out sugar entirely. Combined with thyroid treatment, these adjustments led to his weight loss.

On the professional front, Karan’s recent production Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, starring Ananya Panday and Kartik Aaryan, has struggled at the box office, earning 49.5 Indian crores since its release on December 25, 2025.

Looking ahead, Karan has two major projects lined up. Nagzilla, a supernatural high fantasy comedy drama starring Kartik Aaryan and directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, is backed by Dharma Productions and scheduled for release in August this year. He is also producing Chand Mera Dil, a romantic drama featuring Lakshya and Ananya Panday, which is set to hit screens on April 10, 2026.