“Don’t aim to be thinner, aim to be fitter,” cardiologist urges fitness rethink in 2026

Fitness should be defined by strength, stamina and overall well-being rather than body weight or appearance, says Dr Alok Chopra, founder-director and consultant cardiologist at Aashlok Hospital, urging people to rethink fitness goals in 2026.

With over 40 years of experience, Dr Chopra has cautioned that chasing thinness alone can weaken the body, drain energy and increase vulnerability to illness. According to him, true fitness lies in how efficiently the body functions in everyday life, not in how small it looks.

Shift focus from thinness to fitness

In an Instagram post shared on January 6, Dr Chopra said 2026 should be about becoming stronger, steadier and more capable rather than becoming thinner. “Don’t aim to be thinner. Aim to be fitter,” he said, calling for a move away from appearance-based goals to ones centred on vitality and sustainable strength.

Health is a state, not a size

Dr Chopra stressed that the number on the weighing scale offers only a partial picture of health. He said broader indicators such as BMI and overall body health are crucial in assessing true well-being. “The number on the scale does not tell you the whole story. Look at your BMI and overall body health instead,” he said.

Measure progress in energy, not inches

Highlighting a common mistake in fitness journeys, the cardiologist said people often focus on inches lost rather than how strong and energised they feel. He encouraged individuals to assess whether they wake up refreshed and active and to support their bodies adequately. “Are you waking up refreshed and active? Support your body, take your supplements diligently,” Dr Chopra said.

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A post shared by Alok Chopra (@dralokchopra)

Less shrinking, more strengthening

According to Dr Chopra, fitness should prioritise building strength and improving muscle efficiency rather than simply reducing waist size. He urged people to reflect on how well their bodies support daily activities. “Can your body support your daily life comfortably and efficiently?” he said.

Strong feels better than small

Dr Chopra said exercise should be viewed as an act of self-care and disease prevention, not as a form of punishment for eating. He warned that exercising without proper nourishment may result in short-term thinness but leads to long-term weakness. “Exercise is self-care, not a penalty for eating,” he said.

Choose vitality over vanity

Emphasising long-term health, Dr Chopra cautioned against crash diets and quick fixes, noting that they are often unsustainable and can leave the body weaker while increasing the risk of weight regain. “Sustainable habits will always be better than crash diets and short-term fixes,” he said.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. ET has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.