Doctor & Fitness Coach Reveals the Science of Staying Healthy in India

At Goa Medical College, where he is an MBBS intern, 23-year-old Dr Anshul Sadhale spends his mornings treating patients with diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol — conditions that often build up over years of overlooked habits. Later in the day, he switches roles, coaching people online to prevent those same illnesses through simple, science-backed fitness and nutrition.

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That balance defines his work. By combining the rigour of medicine with the accessibility of coaching, he’s helping people take charge of their health long before it reaches crisis point.

His calm, evidence-based posts that explain the 'why' behind wellness have built him a growing audience online. With over 14,000 followers on X, one viral post — urging Indian professionals to aim for 100 grams of protein a day — sparked national conversations around nutrition, discipline, and preventive health.

Having coached more than 150 clients to date, Dr Anshul now hopes to push a larger movement — one where prevention becomes everyday practice, not an afterthought.

Q1. Tell us about your two worlds – being a doctor and a fitness coach.

“In medicine, I see lifestyle diseases every day – diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol issues. And in coaching, I get to help people prevent exactly those things. My medical background keeps me grounded in science, but my coaching lets me work with people more personally, beyond prescriptions and lab tests.”

Q11. Have you ever faced backlash or criticism online? How did you respond?

“Oh yes, many times. At first, it hurt. But over time, I realised this comes with reach. Now, I clarify when needed, add disclaimers, and move on. My focus is on the people I can help, not the ones who want to pull me down.”

Q12. How do you balance transparency versus image on social media?

“For me, transparency is non-negotiable. I’ve shared my own blood reports publicly. I talk about the times I slip up. But I also make sure my content is professional and trustworthy. People don’t want a perfect ‘guru’; they want someone relatable but credible. I try to be both. As a coach, I believe that if I advocate for high-protein, low-saturated-fat diets, it’s my responsibility to share my own cholesterol, sugar, and testosterone profiles. Transparency is important — people trust you more when you lead by example. After all, when you’re dealing with clients, they expect you to be fit before you start training them.”

Q13. Have there been any statements you made that were misunderstood or misrepresented? How did you address them?

“Yes, especially around protein intake and supplements. Sometimes people take one line out of context and blow it up. My way of handling it is to go back, explain in detail, cite sources, and remind people of the context. Over-explaining is better than letting a myth spread.”

Q14. What’s one change or trend in fitness or nutrition you believe will dominate the next five to 10 years?

“In India, protein will become mainstream. Right now, most people don’t even think about it. In five to 10 years, you’ll see protein-rich foods in every home, gyms in every neighbourhood, and a shift from treating diseases to preventing them. That’s where we’re headed, and I’m excited to be part of it.”

In a world often focused on cures, Dr Anshul is teaching people how to stay well. His blend of medicine and fitness reminds us that good health isn’t built in hospitals alone — it’s built every day, through choices we can all make.