Indian Minister Nitin Gadkari reveals 46kg weight loss journey from 135kg to 89kg
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari shares how he shed 46kg through daily two-and-a-half hour workouts, pranayama and lifestyle discipline after the Covid-19 pandemic prompted a health reassessment.
Minister's fitness transformation
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has shared details of his significant weight transformation, revealing how he reduced his weight from 135kg to 89kg through sustained exercise and lifestyle changes.
The 69-year-old minister, who has held the transport portfolio since 2014, discussed his fitness journey during a recent appearance on filmmaker Farah Khan's YouTube vlog, where she visited his residence with her cook, Dilip.
Despite maintaining a demanding schedule with meetings and appointments extending late into the night, Gadkari said he dedicates approximately two-and-a-half hours each morning to exercise. His routine includes pranayama breathing exercises, stretching and strengthening workouts under the guidance of a trained instructor.
The minister previously elaborated on his transformation during an ANI podcast, identifying the Covid-19 pandemic as a pivotal moment. For years, he had followed what he described as an unplanned and undisciplined lifestyle, consistently prioritising work commitments over personal health.
The loss of friends during the pandemic prompted Gadkari to reassess his priorities. Following this period, he began treating daily exercise as an essential component of his routine rather than an optional activity.
Health context in India
Gadkari's focus on weight management reflects broader health challenges facing India. According to a 2026 WHO report, noncommunicable diseases including heart disease, diabetes and hypertension account for approximately 63% of all deaths in the country.
The World Obesity Atlas 2026 shows India ranks second globally after China with 41 million children having high BMI. Government data from the NFHS-5 survey indicates that 24% of women and 23% of men in India are overweight or obese, with urban trends and rising childhood obesity identified as key concerns.
The minister has previously faced health challenges, including undergoing gastric bypass surgery for treatment of Type-2 Diabetes and experiencing fainting episodes during public events due to heat and dehydration.
Earlier weight-loss efforts
Records show Gadkari's commitment to fitness predates his recent transformation. A March 2010 report documented that the then BJP president was pursuing a weight-loss programme involving workouts, yoga exercises and dietary adjustments, though his weight at that time was not specified as 135kg.
Throughout his political career, which includes serving as Maharashtra's Public Works Department Minister from 1995-99 and being elected BJP National President in 2009 at age 52, Gadkari has managed demanding professional responsibilities.
His current approach emphasises consistency and discipline over quick solutions. Pranayama, a key element of his routine, has been shown in research to improve lung capacity and help reduce blood pressure.
For Gadkari, the transformation represents more than numerical weight reduction. It marks a fundamental shift toward prioritising health alongside his ministerial and political responsibilities, demonstrating that sustained lifestyle changes can yield significant results even with a packed professional schedule.
