Filmmaker Karan Johar has once again spoken openly about his long struggle with issues of body image, which shows that he is suffering from the body’s dismorphia – a mental health condition where individuals are highly concerned about the alleged faults in their presence.

Speaking at a podcast organized by Raj Shamani, the 52-year-old director shared how this situation has affected his self-image for years. “After 52 years, I finally feel confident. Otherwise, I am suffering from body dismorphia. This is when you feel ashamed on your body. When you feel strange without clothes. I still pass that. I still pass. I can’t see myself in the mirror,” he said.

What is body dismorphia?

A mental health status, body dismal disorder (BDD), is far more common than many feelings. Psychiatrists explain it as a situation where people become more concerned about small or even invisible flaws about how they look.

This can avoid seeing them in mirrors, ask others for assurance, or go for aesthetic treatment that do not really feel better.

In many cases, the situation can severely affect daily life and mental welfare.

Globally, the body dismorphia affects the estimated 2.4% of the population. In India alone, according to some studies, about 1 million people are diagnosed every year.

Research has also linked the growing cases of body dismorphia to the increasing use of social media, especially platforms where appearance and beauty are under constant investigation.

A 2024 case study revealed that excessive time spent on Instagram reels contributed to the body image issues.

What is the cause of body dismorphia?

The disorder is caused by a mixture of genetic and environmental factors. However, experts still do not fully understand which environmental factor plays the biggest role in body dismorphia or continuity.

Some studies have found a link amid a high risk of spending more time on social media and developing disorders. Some studies in India also show that teenagers who use social media can feel more unhappy with their body.

Karan Johar also admitted not to take any medicine to lose weight. Despite trying to maintain his health and deal with his thyroid conditions, he shared that people often believe that he is using weight -drugs such as ozapic or Maunjaro – popular drugs often refer to “stenching shots”.

“Now people ask me, ‘Are you on Maunjaro? Are you on ozmpic?” I am tired of these comments.

According to Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of body dismal disorder include continuous anxiety about the appearance, trusting others and criticizing the alleged flaws, low self -esteem and avoiding social situations. People with BDD can prepare hours, compare themselves to others, or ask for assurances, but often feel a little relief.

By speaking out, Karan Johar can help break the silence around a situation that talks about many faces but some.