Leading Obesity surgeon reveals Mindset Shift is Key to Lasting Weight Management
Mumbai, September 11, 2025 – Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala, Founder of the Digestive Health Institute and director of Surgery at sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai,is challenging conventional weight loss wisdom,asserting that a positive mindset and sustainable habits are far more impactful than strict diets or grueling exercise regimes.
Dr. Lakdawala emphasizes a holistic approach extending beyond calorie counting, gym routines, adequate sleep, and protein intake. His personal routine reflects this ideology, beginning with egg whites alongside local, wholesome dishes like thalipeeth or bajra rotis. During demanding workdays, including time between surgeries, he utilizes convenient protein options like shakes, water, and bars, even keeping a shaker readily available at the hospital.
“I truly believe that mindset is the most underrated tool for weight management,” Dr. Lakdawala explains. “If you treat weight loss as punishment, you’ll never sustain it. But when you see it as an investment in your long-term health, it feels empowering.”
He advocates for “smart snacking” to combat mindless eating, keeping jars of roasted chana and peanuts in his clinic as a filling, protein-rich choice to processed foods. Dr. Lakdawala also champions the benefits of incorporating local, seasonal produce, believing it to be nature’s most nutritious and easily digestible superfood.
Hydration is another cornerstone of his approach. “Manny people mistake thirst for hunger,” he notes, making it a habit to drink a glass of water before considering a snack. He also finds staying engaged through activities like reading or listening to music helps curb cravings stemming from boredom.
Crucially,Dr. Lakdawala stresses the importance of balance and self-compassion.He allows himself to enjoy food on special occasions without guilt, recognizing that perfection is unrealistic. “Ultimately, weight management isn’t about chasing the ‘ideal’ body; it’s about building habits that make you feel strong, healthy, and energetic,” he states.
He concludes that consistency, not extreme measures, is the key to lasting change, advocating for small, sustainable habits that seamlessly integrate into daily life.