Actress Oh Yoon-ah gains weight for health, citing muscle loss issues

Actress Oh Yoon-ah has intentionally gained approximately 6 kilograms (13 pounds) to address declining health, a decision stemming from severe weight loss and insufficient muscle mass. The actress shared on her YouTube channel, 'Oh! Yoon-ah,' that she struggled with fatigue, sleeping only five to six hours a night, and found her cognitive functions impaired when she didn't eat.

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I don't know why I'm so tired. I always sleep only 5-6 hours. Before, I barely ate before filming a drama, but now if I don't eat, my brain doesn't work.

Oh explained that the weight gain was a necessary step after experiencing concerning physical symptoms. "I developed a chronic illness. My eyes would twitch, and I have a history of dislocations, but my arm would dislocate when my condition was poor," she stated. She attributed these issues to a lack of muscle, which failed to support her body adequately after losing weight and reducing physical activity.

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I gained about 6 kilograms. I gained weight intentionally because I was so exhausted.

Following this realization, Oh began a regimen of both diet and exercise, focusing on protein-rich meals. While she has regained her health, she noted that the weight does not easily come off. Her experience highlights a growing understanding that prioritizing muscle mass is vital for overall well-being, particularly as individuals age.

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I developed a chronic illness. My eyes would twitch, and I have a history of dislocations, but my arm would dislocate when my condition was poor. My body condition became very bad because I lost weight and didn't exercise, so I lost the muscles that support my body.

Experts corroborate Oh's experience, noting that muscle mass naturally declines after age 30-35. The U.S. National Institute on Aging (NIA) emphasizes that maintaining an active lifestyle and engaging in regular strength training are key to preserving muscle, strength, and physical function, enabling independence in later life. Furthermore, adequate protein intake, alongside exercise, is crucial for muscle protein synthesis and recovery, with recommendations suggesting 1.4 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily for active individuals.

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I started eating protein-focused meals and exercising, and I became healthier, but the weight doesn't come off easily.