Shweta Shah was just a teenager when she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It is a condition in which the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone due to which the heart rate, and all the aspects of metabolism get disrupted. She says the diagnosis was a turning point in her life, as experiencing the impact of lifestyle and nutrition on her health made her focus on nutrition and holistic healing. This helped to improve her own health. As a nutritionist, the 44-year-old has also played a role in the diet of stars like Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Rishabh Pant, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

In an interview with Health Shots, celebrity nutritionist Shweta Shah, who hails from Mumbai, opened up about hypothyroidism and her journey as a nutritionist that started over two decades ago.

Shweta Shah was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when she was 14. Image courtesy: Shweta Shah

Q. When did you start noticing the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Shweta Shah: I first noticed thyroid symptoms when I was around 14 years old. I had irregular menstrual cycles. Sometimes, I would go 2 to 3 months without a period. I also felt very irritable and often didn't want to meet anyone. Also, I started to gain weight. I started experiencing hair thinning too. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. After visiting the doctor, I was put on thyroid medication to manage the condition.

Q. What did your treatment plan involve?

Shweta Shah: My treatment plan initially involved taking thyroid medication. Over time, I also incorporated dietary changes and natural remedies, focusing on a balanced diet and holistic approaches like Ayurveda to improve my overall health.

Q. What all lifestyle changes you had to make?

Shweta Shah: I had to make several lifestyle changes, including adopting a balanced diet tailored to my body’s needs, incorporating regular exercise, practicing yoga and meditation for stress management, and ensuring I got enough sleep. I also reduced my intake of processed foods and focused on natural, and whole foods.

Q. Why don't most women take thyroid problems seriously?

Shweta Shah: I think women often don't take thyroid problems seriously because the symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for everyday stress or hormonal changes. Many women are also juggling multiple responsibilities and may prioritise others' needs over their own health, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Also, there might be a lack of awareness about how impactful thyroid issues can be on overall well-being.

Q. How did the thyroid diagnosis inspire you to become a nutritionist?

Shweta Shah: The diagnosis of thyroid issue was a turning point in my life. Experiencing the impact of lifestyle and nutrition on health first-hand sparked my interest in nutrition and holistic healing. It motivated me to explore alternative approaches to health and wellness, ultimately leading me to pursue a career as a nutritionist. I wanted to empower others with the knowledge and tools to take control of their health through proper nutrition and lifestyle changes, just as I had done for myself.

As a nutritionist, I have had the privilege of working with numerous individuals over the years, guiding them towards healthier lifestyles and better nutrition choices. While I don't have an exact count, I can confidently say that I have had the opportunity to positively impact the lives of thousands, of people through my consultations, programmes, and educational initiatives. Each person's journey to better health is unique and fulfilling, and knowing that I have played a part in improving their well-being is incredibly rewarding.

Q. Who was your first celebrity client?

Shweta Shah: My first celebrity client was Tannaz Irani. She came on board quite early in my career, and I had the privilege of assisting her with her wellness journey. Through personalised diet plans and nutritional guidance, I helped her achieve her health goals, paving the way for many more successful collaborations with celebrities in the future.

Shweta Shah has clients like Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif. Image courtesy: Shweta Shah

Q. What has been the most challenging part of your career?

Shweta Shah: The most challenging part of my career has been balancing the demands of my profession with personal commitments. Juggling multiple responsibilities while ensuring each client receives the attention and care they deserve requires careful planning, time management, and sometimes sacrifices. However, overcoming these challenges has been incredibly rewarding, as it has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Q. How do you manage to have an impact on people?

Shweta Shah: I believe my impact comes from my unique approach that combines ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern nutritional science. By emphasising simplicity, honesty, and personalised care, I strive to make healthy living accessible and achievable for everyone. Also, my dedication to staying updated with the latest research and trends ensures that my advice is always relevant and effective. Ultimately, it is the trust and connection I build with my clients that allow me to have a meaningful impact on their lives.

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