Han So-hee gained 15 kg for a role, then lost it fast — and her digestion has never been the same

Actor Han So-hee has said she developed chronic indigestion after rapidly gaining and then shedding 15 kilograms for a film role. Actors transforming their bodies for parts are nothing new, but rapid weight swings in either direction can place significant strain on the digestive system and metabolic health.

Han appeared on the YouTube channel "Charin Geon Jwippuldo Eopjiman" on Friday, where she talked about her relationship with food and her body. She named ramyun and kimchi jjigae as her favorite foods, saying, "I'm completely a hansik person. I can't live without rice and noodles."

She also opened up about the extreme weight changes she underwent for two consecutive projects. "I gained 15 kilograms while filming 'My Name,'" she said. She then lost the weight quickly to prepare for her next project, "Nevertheless," adding, "Ever since then, if I eat more than a certain amount, I get indigestion."

Indigestion is more than just a feeling of being overly full. The US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) describes it as a cluster of symptoms that can include upper abdominal pain or burning, discomfort, feeling full too quickly during a meal, uncomfortably prolonged fullness after eating, bloating, nausea and belching.

Rapid weight gain typically requires eating more food, more often. A diet heavy in high-calorie, greasy, spicy or salty foods — along with late-night eating — can put added stress on the stomach. The NIDDK notes that functional dyspepsia may involve problems with the stomach's ability to relax and expand in response to food, which can cause early satiety during meals or lingering discomfort afterward.

Rapid weight loss carries its own risks. Drastically cutting food intake can lead to fatigue, muscle loss and a heightened risk of binge eating, and in some people it may also raise the risk of gallstones. The NIDDK notes that very low-calorie diets and rapid weight loss — such as that following bariatric surgery — can increase the likelihood of gallstone formation.

Health authorities generally recommend a slow, steady approach to losing weight. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says people who lose weight gradually — roughly 1 to 2 pounds, or about 0.45 to 0.9 kilograms, per week — are more likely to keep it off than those who lose it quickly.

When actors bulk up for a role, the goal should go beyond simply adding numbers on the scale. Building the physique and strength a role demands requires attention to both muscle mass and physical performance. Chasing a target weight in a short time, without that broader focus, can result in digestive strain and a decline in overall fitness.

For healthy weight gain, the quality of what you eat matters more than sheer quantity. Increasing protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats in a balanced way — combined with strength training — helps limit unwanted fat gain. Lean protein sources such as chicken breast, eggs, fish, tofu and legumes, paired with carbohydrates like rice, sweet potato and whole grains, and supplemented with healthy fats from nuts or olive oil, can support the process effectively.

Even during a bulking phase, spreading meals throughout the day is better than eating large amounts in one sitting. Increasing food intake too abruptly can overwhelm the stomach. Rather than loading up on high-calorie foods all at once, a more sustainable approach is to build regular meals around nutritious snacks and to time nutrient intake around workouts.

When losing weight, extreme caloric restriction should be avoided. Losing a large amount of weight in a short period strips the body not only of fat but also of water and muscle. For actors with demanding physical schedules or those who exercise regularly, insufficient protein intake can slow muscle recovery and worsen fatigue.

People who enjoy spicy, salty hansik dishes like ramyun and kimchi jjigae may also need to moderate their intake for the sake of both weight management and digestive health. Ramyun is high in sodium and refined carbohydrates, and kimchi jjigae can also be very salty. There is no need to cut these foods out entirely, but reducing broth consumption and adding more protein and vegetables can help restore balance.

Recurring indigestion is also a signal to examine eating habits. Eating too fast, overeating, late-night meals, alcohol, caffeine and greasy foods can all worsen symptoms. Avoiding lying down immediately after eating and keeping a record of foods that trigger discomfort can also help.

If indigestion persists over a long period, or is accompanied by weight loss, difficulty swallowing, black stools, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain or chest pain, it should not be dismissed as a simple stomachache — medical attention is warranted. When digestive symptoms follow a dramatic change in body weight, it is worth examining not just stomach function but also eating patterns, stress levels, sleep and any medications being taken.