In an inspiring revelation that shifts the focus from fad diets to foundational discipline, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has detailed his remarkable weight loss journey of shedding 46 kilograms. The minister, who once weighed 135 kg, now maintains a weight of 89 kg, attributing his transformation to a non-negotiable daily routine forged in the wake of personal loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Inflection Point: A Wake-Up Call During COVID
Gadkari's transformation was not born from a desire for a cosmetic change but from an existential reckoning. In a candid conversation on a recent podcast with ANI, and later in a video on Farah Khan's YouTube channel filmed at his home, the minister opened up about the catalyst for his lifestyle overhaul. The tragic loss of close friends during the pandemic served as a stark wake-up call. "During COVID, my friends who were with me passed away. Then I felt I had to change," Gadkari shared, describing this period as the inflexion point that permanently altered his approach to health and routine.
He admitted to years of neglecting his well-being for work, leading an "unplanned, undisciplined life." The pandemic forced a confrontation with this reality, making health a paramount priority. "Health is wealth," he emphasized, stating that professional success holds little meaning if one's physical health deteriorates.
The Non-Negotiable Daily Discipline
Gadkari's current regimen is a testament to his commitment. Despite a grueling schedule that often includes meetings until 1 AM, he wakes up at 7 AM daily for a dedicated exercise session. His workout spans two to two-and-a-half hours and is a structured blend of pranayam (breath control exercises), stretching, strengthening exercises, and guidance from a trained instructor.
"It's 9:30 pm now, and after meeting with you, I have appointments till 1 am. Then I will wake up at 7 am and do exercise for two and a half hours," he explained during the YouTube interaction. He visibly credits this disciplined routine for the positive changes, noting its effects are evident on his face and overall vitality.
Is a 2-Hour Daily Routine Practical? Experts Weigh In
While Gadkari's dedication is commendable, fitness experts caution that such an extensive daily time commitment may not be realistic or sustainable for the average working adult. Sadhna Singh, a senior fitness and lifestyle consultant at HereNow Official, provided context to indianexpress.com.
"For most working adults, two to two-and-a-half hours of daily exercise is not realistic in the long run, and sustainability matters far more than intensity," Singh stated. The key takeaway, she explains, is not the duration but the consistency and structure. The principles behind Gadkari's routine—treating exercise as a fixed appointment and combining various elements—can be successfully adapted.
For sustainable results, Singh recommends a more accessible target of 45 to 60 minutes of focused movement per day. This session should intelligently combine cardiovascular activity for heart health, strength training to build metabolism-boosting muscle, and mobility work to prevent injury. "The key is treating exercise as a non-negotiable appointment," she reiterates, echoing Gadkari's own philosophy.
The Science Behind the Routine: Why It Works
Gadkari's chosen mix of pranayam, stretching, and strength training is backed by fitness science for promoting long-term weight management.
Pranayam aids in stress regulation and hormonal balance, which directly influences appetite control, fat storage patterns, and insulin sensitivity. Stretching improves joint health, enhances circulation, and speeds up recovery, allowing individuals to maintain consistent activity levels without injury.
Most critically, strength training is essential after significant weight loss. It helps rebuild lean muscle mass that is often lost during calorie restriction. This muscle mass boosts the body's resting metabolic rate, meaning you burn more calories even at rest, and improves glucose metabolism. Singh notes, "Weight loss that relies only on calorie restriction or cardio often leads to muscle loss and rebound weight gain. A combination of breathwork, mobility, and progressive strength training creates a resilient metabolism and supports long-term weight maintenance."
Nitin Gadkari's story, emerging in January 2026, is ultimately one of profound personal change. It moves beyond the numbers on a scale—from 135 kg to 89 kg—to champion a message of disciplined, sustainable health practices rooted in self-awareness and consistency, offering a relatable blueprint for anyone looking to reclaim their well-being.
