Arjun Kapoor opens up about disorder causing unintentional weight gain. Understanding Hashimoto’s disease

Arjun Kapoor opened up about his struggle with Hashimoto's disease.

Actor Arjun Kapoor recently opened up about his health issues, including Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder targeting the thyroid gland. The disease is a common yet often under-discussed condition that can lead to hypothyroidism and long-term health challenges.

"I haven’t always opened up about it, but I also have Hashimoto’s disease (an autoimmune disease that damages the thyroid gland)," he shared. "It’s almost like I can take a flight and gain weight because the body goes in distress." Arjun explained how his body’s response to stress, both physical and emotional, was particularly challenging.

"That happened to be when I was 30 and I defied it," he added. The condition, which runs in his family—his mother and sister also have it—complicated his relationship with his body and self-image.

Named after the Japanese doctor Hakaru Hashimoto, who first described the disease in 1912, Hashimoto’s is the leading cause of an underactive thyroid, especially among middle-aged women, though it can affect anyone, including men and children. The condition develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck that regulates metabolism, energy, and other essential bodily functions.

Hashimoto's disease arises from complex genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, with research suggesting that a combination of these elements prompts the immune system to produce antibodies that target the thyroid gland. Key contributing factors include:

1. A family history of thyroid or autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes, increases the likelihood of developing Hashimoto’s disease.

2. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, may trigger or worsen the condition. Many women experience thyroid issues during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

3. Exposure to radiation, excessive iodine, or low selenium levels may contribute to the risk. High levels of stress and chronic infections have also been linked to autoimmune thyroid disorders.

4. Although not definitive, some research suggests that diets high in processed foods, low nutrient intake, or an imbalance in gut bacteria could increase vulnerability to autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s.

Hashimoto’s disease can be challenging to detect initially, as its symptoms often develop slowly, and many people remain undiagnosed for years. The symptoms are generally associated with hypothyroidism, as the gradual destruction of thyroid cells leads to an underactive thyroid. Common signs include:

- Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion or lack of energy is a hallmark symptom.

- Weight Gain: Unintentional weight gain, even with normal eating habits, may indicate an underactive thyroid.

- Cold Sensitivity: People with Hashimoto’s often feel unusually cold.

- Dry Skin and Hair: Dry, brittle hair, and skin that may also develop a pale or puffy appearance.

- Muscle Weakness and Joint Pain: General aches, stiffness, and weakness.

- Cognitive Changes: Issues with memory, focus, and depression.

Additional symptoms may include constipation, heavy or irregular periods in women, slow heart rate, and difficulty swallowing or a sensation of fullness in the neck area, often related to an enlarged thyroid (goiter).

To confirm Hashimoto's, doctors typically conduct blood tests to measure levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (T4), and antibodies such as anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies. Elevated TSH levels with low T4 and the presence of TPO antibodies strongly indicate Hashimoto’s disease.

Although Hashimoto’s disease has no cure, treatments effectively manage the condition and relieve symptoms. The primary approach involves:

- Hormone Replacement Therapy: Synthetic thyroid hormones, usually levothyroxine, help restore normal hormone levels. Patients typically take a daily dose that’s adjusted periodically based on regular blood tests.

- Lifestyle Adjustments: A balanced diet rich in selenium, avoiding excessive iodine, reducing processed foods, and managing stress may support thyroid health.

- Symptom Management: Managing symptoms through diet, exercise, and sufficient sleep is also beneficial.

Arjun Kapoor, 39, acknowledged how Hashimoto’s disease has affected his appearance and health, particularly during the course of his film career. "I could see me and my body changing through the course of my films," he noted, reflecting on the physical transformation he experienced.