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Recently, a viral post claimed that intake of ghee saunth laddus is an unscientific practice leading to postpartum weight gain.
These laddus are made with ghee, saunth, gond, jaggery, nuts, and spices.
Traditionally, ghee saunth laddus has been considered a post-pregnancy superfood for women. Made of dry ginger, ghee, and jaggery, this calorie-dense sweet is fed to new mothers for nutrient recovery, warmth and strength. It is one of the foods passed down through generations and has been a symbol of care and love for women. However, these traditional practices are being challenged in the modern world.
Recently, a viral post claimed that intake of ghee saunth laddus is an unscientific practice leading to postpartum weight gain.
An X user wrote, “Every gynaecologist and dietitian asks mothers not to eat those ghee saunth laddus postpartum. Wife didn’t eat. Got back in shape within 6 months of postpartum. Most cases are ‘Our mothers fed too many laddu and food that made us gain unnecessary weight.’”
Every gynaecologist and dietitian asks mothers not to eat those ghee saunth laddus postpartum. Wife didn’t eat. Got back in shape within 6 months of postpartum. Most of the cases we get of postpartum weight loss is about this only – “our mothers fed too many laddu and food that…— Chirag Barjatya (@chiragbarjatyaa) February 15, 2025
The X user further blamed society for blindly following the traditions and not listening to doctors and dieticians, writing, “Not sure why society is so fixated on not listening to doctors and dieticians when it comes to pregnancy.”
The post received a mixed response from users. While some dismissed the claim completely, noting that postpartum health does not simply depend on weight, some agreed as well.
One user wrote, “Weight loss is not the priority postpartum. The priority is healing the insides after the trauma of childbirth, ghee does that, nuts provide you nutrients and keep you full, and gond strengthens your back.”
Weight loss is not the priority postpartum. The priority is healing the insides after the trauma of childbirth. Ghee does that. nuts provide you nutrients and keep you full, and gondh strengthens your back.— Lila Krishna (@lilastories) February 16, 2025
Supporting the theory, another user added, “True, it’s like people trust ancient WhatsApp wisdom over actual medical advice. Ghee-laden laddus might have made sense when people had to do physical labour all day, but now? Just a one-way ticket to unwanted postpartum weight. Science evolves, but traditions? They stick.”
On the debate, Dr Deepika Aggarwal Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram told the Times of India, that ghee saunth laddus have several benefits for new mothers, and may not necessarily cause weight gain when consumed in moderation. She said, “Breastfeeding women need additional calories to produce milk, and these laddus can help supply necessary nutrients. If paired with a well-balanced diet and light physical exercise, the issue of weight gain can be avoided. Rather than excluding them, portion control is the answer to relishing their benefits without unnecessary weight gain.”
Dr. Mannan Gupta, Chairman and HOD- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Elantis Healthcare New Delhi, told The Times of India, “New mothers usually have minimal physical activity during the early postpartum period, and so it becomes easy to store excess calories as fat. Also, overconsumption of these ladoos can boost the total daily calorie count, adding to weight gain. To prevent unwanted weight gain, mothers should take in less quantity, by eating a healthy diet and light postpartum exercises as advised by the doctor.”
While the ingredients of the laddoo are nourishing, the key lies in maintaining moderation.
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Delhi, India, India
