Confessions of a Weight Loss Centre Masseuse

“After a while, massaging a body becomes an addiction. On my off day, my mind keeps saying, ‘Give me a body to massage.’”

As a masseuse, I handle the weight loss sessions of females. There are three types of clients—the gullible, the I-do-not-care and the give-me-worth-for-every-rupee. The last ones are the most difficult and they are the largest number. 

Work is fun because you meet different types of women. Every woman has a tale to tell, all she needs is a non-judgmental willing listener.  

My job is tough because not only do clients have to be satisfied, they also have to lose inches. Weight loss through massage is possible only if there is diet control and regular exercise. A majority of the women hate exercise and need quick-fix solutions.

Many believe a massage can reduce the kilos faster than any other method—this is a false notion. Through massage there can be some weight loss, but if it is not followed by exercise, the skin can sag. My job is to understand the points where fat is deposited, mobilise it and then reduce it.

The type of massage oil, too, is important. You need light oils for a good massage as it will spread evenly and give the masseuse a hard grip on the body.  

Male masseurs tell me massaging a fat man’s hairy body is not pleasant. Through massages, men lose weight slower than women. Few fat men are serious, while it is the reverse for fat women. Since they are conscious of how others perceive them, they take their weight loss programme seriously.

Since weight loss centres take huge fees, they make it mandatory for us to be at work even when we are unable to. One day I was ill and requested one of my clients to take an appointment for the next day. But she created a fuss about having paid a huge sum and wanting the massage at once. 

In addition to my meagre salary of Rs 5,000, I am paid Rs 20 for every massage. After a while, massaging a body becomes an addiction. On my off day, I feel listless and yearn to go to work. My mind keeps saying, ‘Give me a body to massage.’ So I book my female relatives for a massage. 

(She works in a weight loss centre in Mumbai)

As told to Haima Deshpande.

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