Journey of Shikha A Sharma: Founder & CEO of Fat to Slim- Entrepreneur
Biography of Shikha A Sharma:
Shikha A Sharma, a trained dietitian and nutritionist, began
her journey with a passion for helping people achieve their health goals. With
a degree from Kings University London, she set out to create a unique approach
to weight loss that emphasized Indian diets. This vision led her to establish
her startup, Fat to Slim, based in Delhi.
The Birth of Fat to Slim
Founded with the idea that diet plays a crucial role in
weight loss, Fat to Slim promotes a philosophy where diet contributes 80% to
weight management, while exercise accounts for only 20%. Shikha's innovative
approach quickly attracted attention, and she gained a dedicated client base of
over 2,000 people worldwide.
Growing the Brand
Fat to Slim has expanded its reach, operating multiple
centers across India and internationally. Shikha’s dedication to making weight
loss accessible has resulted in approximately 50 franchises globally, allowing
her to share her methods with a wider audience.
Recognition and Awards
In 2023, Shikha was honored with the Best Entrepreneur award
at the National Achievers Award, recognizing her contributions to the field of
nutrition and her entrepreneurial spirit. This accolade reflected her
commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles through better dietary choices.
A Unique Approach to Diet
Shikha's diet plans focus on Indian foods rather than trendy
options like brown rice or exotic salads. She emphasizes the importance of
nutrients and believes in the concept of "Eat & Sleep," which
encourages a balanced diet without the need for extreme calorie restriction or
starvation.
Controversial Claims
Despite her success, Shikha's methods have drawn criticism.
During her appearance on Shark Tank India, she faced backlash for promoting a
no-exercise diet plan, which some judges labeled as "gimmicky" and
potentially harmful. Critics argued that her approach could mislead individuals
about the importance of a balanced lifestyle that includes physical activity.
The Shark Tank Pitch
On Shark Tank, Shikha sought an investment of ₹20 lakhs for
a 1% equity stake, valuing her company at ₹20 crore. However, the judges raised
concerns about her philosophy, questioning the sustainability and safety of a
diet plan that downplays exercise.
Expert Criticism
Shark Namita Thapar expressed strong objections to Shikha's
claims, emphasizing the dangers of promoting unhealthy dietary practices. She
highlighted that many health issues, including diabetes, require a
comprehensive approach involving both diet and exercise, rather than relying
solely on diet.
Defending Her Philosophy
In response to the criticism, Shikha defended her approach
by citing the success of her clients, many of whom reported significant weight
loss and improvements in their health. She argued that her plans are tailored
to individual needs and are based on her own experiences with weight
management.
Journey of Shikha A Sharma: Founder & CEO of Fat to Slim- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/Indian diets for weight loss/Fat to Slim story
Skepticism from Investors
Despite her defenses, the sharks remained skeptical. Anupam
Mittal pointed out potential flaws in her diet plans, arguing that her
recommendations could be harmful, especially for individuals with diabetes. He
emphasized the need for a more balanced and personalized approach to weight
loss.
The Sharks Back Out
Ultimately, the sharks chose not to invest, with each
expressing their concerns about the viability of Shikha's business model. They
felt that without incorporating exercise into her plans, the approach could
lead to health complications for clients.
Continuing the Mission
Despite the setback on Shark Tank, Shikha continues to
advocate for her dietary philosophy. She believes that making healthy eating
convenient and enjoyable can lead to lasting changes in people’s lives. Her
determination remains strong as she pushes forward with her mission.
Expanding Education
In addition to her diet programs, Shikha founded the Diet
& Nutrition Academy, which offers courses on healthy eating and lifestyle
management. This initiative aims to empower others with knowledge about
nutrition and help them make informed choices.
Emphasizing Accessibility
Shikha's focus is on making her dietary programs accessible
and affordable. By utilizing commonly available ingredients and focusing on
traditional Indian foods, she aims to dismantle the notion that healthy eating
must be expensive or complicated.
Looking Ahead
With her brand Fat to Slim continuing to grow, Shikha A
Sharma remains committed to promoting healthier lifestyles. She aspires to
inspire others to take charge of their health through informed dietary choices,
proving that it’s possible to lose weight while enjoying food.
A Vision for the Future
As she moves forward, Shikha envisions a world where people
prioritize nutrition without feeling deprived. Her goal is to reshape the
conversation around dieting, emphasizing that health can be achieved through
understanding, balance, and sustainability in eating habits.
A timeline based on Shikha A Sharma's story:
2015 - Shikha graduates from Kings University London,
beginning her journey in nutrition.
2018 - Establishes Fat to Slim in Delhi, focusing on Indian
diets for weight loss.
2020 - Gains a dedicated client base of over 2,000
worldwide.
2021 - Expands Fat to Slim with multiple centers and 50
franchises globally.
2023 - Wins Best Entrepreneur at the National Achievers
Award.
2023 - Appears on Shark Tank India, seeking ₹20 lakhs for 1%
equity.
2023 - Faces criticism for promoting a no-exercise diet plan
during her pitch.
2023 - Defends her methods by highlighting client success
stories.
2023 - Sharks ultimately decide not to invest due to
concerns about her approach.
2024 - Launches the Diet & Nutrition Academy to educate
others on healthy eating.
