How MBVV policemen went from fat to fit

A number of cops from the MBVV have shed kilos after following the diet plan. Pics/Hanif Patel

Cops at Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar commissionerate have been focussing on fitness these days with most of them on a diet to lose extra pounds and reduce belly fat, said nutritionist Dipesh Patil. This comes after senior police officers directed the cops to get in shape, especially in view of the fact that a number of them had gained weight during the lockdown.

The nutritionist, who works as a consultant with several police commissionerates, said that more than 300 cops have approached him and are currently on a diet. "Out of them, more than 100 have lost weight up to 20 kg in the course of 26 days," Patil told mid-day.

Before planning the right diet for an individual, the nutritionist first conducts certain blood tests to determine if there are any deficiencies. "Blood tests are required as we have to first determine the deficiency in the body. We never recommend any supplement, injection or any medicine. Instead, we suggest organic food, green vegetables, salads, dry fruits, etc," Patil said.

Dipesh Patil, nutritionist

"After getting their reports, we suggest what kind of food they can take. But all meals are to be had between 7 am and 8 pm," said Patil, adding, "There are several cops who are diabetic, suffering from hypertension, addicted to tea, etc. Most of them have left their bad habits like eating late at night, having tea frequently, eating dairy products, etc. After 26 days, most of them have become fit by reducing their belly fat and losing weight."

"Keeping the field work in mind, the diet chart is planned in such a way that one does not feel hungry during work," he added.

Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Pradeep Vinde has lost 20 kg by following the diet chart. "I am 46 years old and used to be out of breath while stepping up ladders at railway stations. It was really difficult for me. I would also face difficulties in walking. But I strictly followed the diet chart and lost more than 20 kg in 30 days," said Vinde, who is attached to the office of commissioner of police in Mira Road.

Pahul Patil, crime inspector at Waliv police station, lost around 13 kg. "I have been working in the police department for the past 16 years. Earlier, my weight was 78.55 kg which has now reduced to 66.40 kg," he told mid-day. Patil added, "I have gained a lot of confidence after reducing weight and I am also getting a good and positive response from my friends, colleagues and neighbours."

The in-charge of Traffic Control Division in Virar, Senior Inspector Dadaram Karande, has lost 8 kg and he is yet to complete his 26-day course as suggested by the nutritionist. "The response is good so far. I am on vegetables and fruits which contain no chemicals. I have lost 8 kgs so far and feel very energetic. Earlier, I faced muscle pain, which is now gone," Karande said.

"Cops need to remain physically fit," said inspector Rahul Rakh who is attached to the Crime Branch in Mira Road. "I followed the diet chart and now have lost 7 kg," said Rakh.

"I was on medication to get rid of severe knee pain. Many people had suggested that I undergo knee replacement surgery. Losing weight has given me relief in knee pain by almost 80 per cent… Now I can walk with confidence," said Rakh, who arrested serial molester Rehan Qureshi while working with the Navi Mumbai police.

Rakh's junior Pushpendra Thapa has reduced 11 kgs. "I used to weigh 132 kgs, but now after shedding some of the weight, I feel like I can run a marathon," said Thapa.

300
No. of police personnel who are undergoing the course (approx)