Nita Ambani isn’t the only member of the ultra-rich Ambani family who’s gone on a diet – she also encouraged her youngest son, Anant, to battle obesity with a protein-rich, no-sugar diet and a fitness plan involving 5 to 6 hours of exercise a day

He was fat-shamed and ruthlessly ridiculed for his obesity, but found the courage to dig deep and turn his life around, dropping an astounding 108kg in the process. Although some of the weight has since crept back, Anant Ambani’s rapid lifestyle U-turn remains an inspiration for many.He isn’t alone in his struggle; the United Nations’ recent State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report revealed that while undernourishment in India has declined, adult obesity is on the rise. But the youngest son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani fought his way from being a statistic to a weight-loss icon. Here’s how he did it.

Help from the expertsInstead of an extravagant birthday party or flashy gifts, Anant had one wish for his 21st birthday: to be fitter and healthier for the big day. With that aim in mind, he hired renowned personal trainer Vinod Channa, who has trained celebrities like John Abraham, Riteish Deshmukh and Ayushmann Khurrana.

Anant has chronic asthma and his medication has reportedly played a role in his weight gain over the years. So Channa researched Anant’s condition to make sure he adhered to medical protocols, developing a plan that enabled Anant to push his limits but remain healthy.

Support from his mumAnant’s mother, Nita, did not shy away from the topic of her son’s obesity, instead openly admitting that he had to lose weight for the sake of his health. She also decided to lead by example, changing her own diet and fitness habits for her son, losing weight herself in the process, she revealed an in interview with The Times of India.

Whenever he exercised, I did too. If he went for a walk, I would go along. By virtue of being his mother, I lost weight. He was my main motivation and continues to be, as we are still fighting obesityNita Ambani

Nita Ambani changed her diet and fitness habits for her son Anant. Photo: @nita_ambani3/Instagram

Taking it slow

Channa created a “build-up” programme for Anant, starting with balance training before moving on to low-intensity workouts with high reps. Because of Anant’s size, the cardio element of his workouts was also based on a progression model, starting off with 30-minute to two-hour walks.

It took around 18 months for Anant to ditch the weight. During that time, he moved from walking for 30 minutes to walking 21km a day. Around five to six hours of his day were spent focused on exercise, with a mixture of yoga, weight-training and functional workouts.

The Ambani family: Akash, Anant, Isha, Nita Ambani and Mukesh Ambani. Photo: @nita_mukesh_ambani/Instagram

Trashing bad eating habits

Anant was constantly fatigued due to a poor diet and no exercise. Under Channa’s guidance, Anant traded the junk food and carbs for foods rich and protein and fibre, eating lots of vegetables, fruits and dairy.

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The Ambani family. Photo: @anant_ambani_fan__club/Instagram

Plenty of dedication

In an interview with India Today, Channa said that the key to the billionaire heir’s success was his determination.

Even though he had to take the longer route, the tougher path, to get to where he is today, he‘s in a much happier space. He is now extremely dedicated to his workouts, irrespective of being away from homeVinod Channa

Fast facts: Anant Ambani’s weight-loss diet

• 1,200-1,400 calories per day
• Zero sugar
• A teaspoon of ghee every day
• Six meals a day
• A glass of fresh cow’s milk at the start of the day
• No cheat days allowed