Dr Pal breaks silence on Katrina Kaif’s weight trolling, has a message for husbands and families post-delivery: ‘They don’t have to end up in...’

Postpartum recovery can look different for every woman, with physical and hormonal changes continuing well after childbirth. Weight changes during this period can also become a sensitive subject, particularly when new mothers face public scrutiny over their appearance.

Recently, Katrina Kaif has been at the centre of attention after an image of the actor following the delivery of her son Vihaan went viral. The image reportedly led to trolling over her post-delivery weight gain. Amid the negativity, gastro doctor Dr Pal addressed the discussion and explained the hormonal changes women experience after childbirth.

Weight gain can happen after delivery

According to Dr Pal, the postpartum period is a particularly critical phase because of the significant hormonal changes that take place after pregnancy. He explained that progesterone, which remains elevated throughout pregnancy, drops after delivery, while estrogen levels rise. During this transition, the hunger hormone ghrelin increases while the satiety hormone leptin decreases.


According to Dr Pal, this combination can mean increased hunger and calorie intake, which can contribute to weight gain during the postpartum period. He also pointed to sleep deprivation as another factor. Lack of adequate sleep can increase cortisol levels, which Dr Pal said can also contribute to weight gain.

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A post shared by Dr. Pal Manickam (MD, MPH, AB (Gastro), DipIBLM) (@dr.pal.manickam)

Breastfeeding can also affect hunger and satiety

Dr Pal further explained that the hormone prolactin increases during breastfeeding. While the hormone plays an important role in supporting breastfeeding, he said it can also decrease the satiety hormone, contributing to increased hunger and potentially affecting weight. His explanation comes amid criticism directed at Katrina Kaif over her appearance after becoming a mother, highlighting why post-delivery weight should not be viewed in isolation.

Dr Pal has a message for husbands and families

Dr Pal also directly addressed the people around new mothers, including husbands, mothers and mothers-in-law. Calling it their “damn responsibility” to take care of women during this critical period, he stressed that new mothers need support while they recover. Dr Pal said that providing care during this “very, very vulnerable period” can support a woman’s recovery and potentially help prevent health problems later in life. He also emphasised that every woman’s journey is different.

‘It may be two weeks. It may be six months’

Dr Pal urged families not to expect every new mother to recover on the same timeline. As he explained, the postpartum journey could take “two weeks”, “six weeks” or even “six months”. His message was simple: families should be there for women throughout the process and “help them through their journey”, rather than judging changes in their bodies during a vulnerable period.