For police personnel Lokesh M and Asha RP in Bengaluru, their uniforms now carry a lighter, more energetic feel, both literally and figuratively. Over a dedicated three-month period, the two officers successfully shed more than three kilograms each. This physical transformation translated into a significant boost in their daily energy levels, sharpened focus at work, and a renewed sense of self-confidence.
The Remarkable Journey of Transformation
Asha, a woman police head constable stationed at the city police commissioner's office on Infantry Road, experienced a change she describes as remarkable. For years, she managed thyroid issues, relying on medication and often feeling fatigued. Her participation in the structured health program led to a dramatic improvement in her condition—without requiring any additional drugs. Her new regimen, built on disciplined eating, regular exercise, yoga, and the simple habit of walking after meals, proved transformative.
"Thyroid issues used to leave me fatigued and weak. Today, I feel like a new person," Asha shared. She highlighted that modified Suryanamaskar, performed in a seated position, was particularly beneficial. "Losing weight and getting my thyroid under control without extra medication has boosted my confidence and efficiency at work. I will carry these habits for life," she affirmed.
Project Khushi: A Structured Wellness Intervention
Lokesh and Asha were part of a group of 30 police personnel who successfully completed 'Project Khushi'. This was a three-month, evidence-based health and wellness initiative organized collaboratively by the police department and an NGO. The program yielded impressive, measurable results.
Data collected showed that 61% of participants reduced their blood sugar levels, while nearly 60% lost weight ranging from 0.5kg to 6.1kg. Assistant Sub-Inspector Shashikumar from the Whitefield cybercrime police station and Lokesh from Kumbalagodu police station recorded weight losses of 3.5kg and 6.1kg, respectively.
For Lokesh, the key was in simple, sustainable adjustments. "Knowing what to eat and how much to eat changes everything. We neglected our health for years and paid the price. I won't make that mistake again," he stated, crediting portion control and post-meal walks for his success.
Scaling Success for a Healthier Force
The encouraging outcomes have prompted police leadership to consider expanding the program. Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh acknowledged the toll policing takes on health and the difficulty of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He stated that short-term, focused interventions like Project Khushi can create lasting positive change when followed sincerely and announced plans to extend it to other divisions.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Electronics City) M Narayana, who helped oversee the project, provided further details. He noted that around 50 personnel initially enrolled, with 30 completing the full program. "We created WhatsApp groups for daily guidance and held offline review sessions every 15 days. Health parameters were measured before and after the programme, and the improvement in most participants was clearly visible," he explained.
The duo of Lokesh and Asha perfectly encapsulates the program's spirit. "Now we truly understand what 'health is wealth' means," they concluded, embodying a lesson that promises to benefit the entire police force.