Arjun Kapoor has Hashimoto's disease; here's what it means

In a recent interview, Arjun Kapoor opened up about his health issues, and how the pressures of being a leading man in Bollywood took a toll on him. “I went through my own physical issues – I’m a fat kid at heart, right? It creates a lot of mental trauma for years which you don’t realise – your equation with food, your equation with taking care of yourself,” he said in a chat with The Hollywood Reporter India.
Arjun shared that his health struggles also come from living with an autoimmune disorder. “My health has always been, unfortunately, something which I’ve not openly spoken about,” he said, adding, “I have something called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Your antibodies fight against you. It’s almost like I can take a flight and gain weight because the body goes into stress.” The condition, which runs in his family – his mother had it and sister has it too – complicated his relationship with his body and self-image.

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Explaining the condition, Dr Saptarshi Bhattacharya, Senior Consultant Endocrinology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, says, “It is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and often presents with a gradual onset of symptoms. In Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, the immune system produces antibodies that target and damage thyroid cells. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment can help individuals maintain a good quality of life despite the challenges posed by this disorder. Regular followups with healthcare providers are essential for effective management.”

What are the symptoms
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include: ■ Fatigue ■ Weight gain ■ Muscle weakness ■ Depression ■ Goiter (enlarged thyroid) causing neck swelling