In a remarkably candid revelation, Ira Khan, the daughter of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, has opened up about her personal struggles with body image and obesity, stating that discussing her weight feels more exposing than talking about her mental health battles.
A Candid Confession on Social Media
On December 30, 2025, Ira took to Instagram to share a heartfelt video where she directly addressed her physical appearance. "Let's address the elephant in the room: me," she began. "Yes, I'm fat, and I'm actually obese for my age and my height. And I've been struggling with body image issues and with my relationship with my food since 2020."
She contrasted this admission with her previous openness about depression, noting a significant difference in her comfort level. "I'm not as comfortable and confident talking about this as I was with my depression. So I'm not entirely sure how this is going to go," she shared, highlighting the unique vulnerability associated with body image topics.
The Profound Impact on Daily Life
Ira Khan did not hold back in explaining how these struggles have permeated every aspect of her existence. She revealed that her body image concerns have interfered with her social life, her relationship with her partner Popeye, and her overall sense of self-worth, which in turn affects her work.
Drawing a stark parallel, she emphasized the intensity of the issue: "In a way that I would say is as intense as how my depression would interfere in my life and sometimes still does." Her primary goal for speaking out was self-understanding rather than seeking validation. "I want to try and unpack what I think, have been thinking, struggled with, still struggle with, just all of it," she explained.
Ending her message with a note of caution for her followers, she advised, "I would recommend not venturing into the comment section, and if you do, then at your own risk."
Why Body Image Talks Are Often Harder Than Mental Health Discussions
Gurleen Baruah, an existential analyst at That Culture Thing, provided expert insight into why conversations about weight remain in a difficult social space. She pointed out that while conditions like depression are increasingly recognized as illnesses, body weight is still often wrongly perceived as a matter of personal choice, willpower, or discipline.
"Body weight, however, is still seen as something 'visible,' personal, and often wrongly tied to willpower or discipline," Baruah stated. She added that conflicting messages from body positivity movements and health advisories further complicate the discourse.
She stressed that obesity is frequently linked to medical, hormonal, genetic, or psychological factors, yet societal judgment persists. "This creates shame and silence. Many people don't know how to talk about their bodies without feeling blamed, dismissed, or misunderstood," Baruah explained.
The analyst detailed the corrosive long-term impact, noting it can lead individuals to withdraw from social events and public spaces due to fear of judgment. This retreat fuels a damaging inner dialogue and affects confidence, intimacy, and personal safety. Food itself can become a source of cyclical comfort and punishment.
Baruah's advice for a healthier approach focuses on societal change and personal reflection. She advocates for less moral judgment and more humanity in discussions about weight. On a personal level, she recommends identifying the underlying emotions—like fear, shame, or grief—behind weight concerns and seeking supportive practices like therapy or journaling to address the internal critic.
Ira Khan's brave disclosure shines a light on the often-silenced struggle with body image, challenging societal perceptions and encouraging a more empathetic and nuanced conversation about health, self-worth, and personal well-being.
