Just four years ago, Cole Prochaska weighed the equivalent of “three men.” By replacing his 5000-calorie daily diet with a pair of sneakers, this 41-year-old man embarked on a journey of massive weight loss, proudly declaring that he now represents the size of “one person.”
In 2021, Cole Prochaska from Florida was unsure of his exact weight but knew it exceeded 265 kilograms, the maximum limit his scale could measure.
Having battled obesity since the age of six, he led a sedentary life marked by excessive eating.
As per Today, he used to indulge in excessive chips consumption and would down 12 cans of soda in a day. His fast-food orders included five cheeseburgers or an entire family-sized pizza.
He estimated his daily calorie intake to be around 5000.
“I felt pretty miserable,” Prochaska admitted. “I always put on a facade of happiness as many overweight individuals do. However, deep down, I was profoundly lonely. I avoided going out, fearing discomfort in chairs and the struggle of walking long distances and deciding what to wear.”
Physical activity was challenging due to his shortness of breath.
Following the end of his seven-year relationship, Prochaska realized it was time for a transformation.
“I sensed she had lost respect for me because of my stagnant life and immense size,” Prochaska reflected. “I was not progressing towards the life I needed to lead. I attempted to salvage the relationship. While that failed, I did salvage myself.”
Step by step
His transformation began with a single step—a literal one. Initially, he could only manage short walks, but he made a commitment to keep moving forward. Gradually, these brief walks evolved into a daily regimen that fueled his motivation.
“I hold myself accountable! It’s the only way to take control of your life,” he tweeted about his dedication to walking, regardless of the weather.
He makes it a daily goal to achieve at least 10,000 steps, no matter the circumstances.
However, walking was just the beginning. Committed to providing his body with proper nourishment, he completely revamped his diet, eliminating sweets, snacks, and chips. He swapped sugary drinks for water, monitored his calorie intake, and focused on a high-protein diet to boost energy and muscle growth.
“I made a conscious choice that this was the turning point, a permanent lifestyle change,” he explained, highlighting his gym workouts. “I feel amazing.”
‘Still trapped’
By 2023, Prochaska had shed around 160 kilograms, yet he confessed feeling hesitant to reveal images of his transformed body.
“Three to one. I once weighed as much as 3 men and now I am one person… It’s very difficult to share a shirtless photo, but I have come so far! I know it’s hard for some of you to look at,” Prochaska shared on the GoFundMe page created to aid his costly skin removal surgeries in California.
“My goal weight has been achieved, yet my life remains incomplete, pending the removal of excess skin. I must tuck the surplus skin into my clothes and conceal it with loose attire… I have never strolled on a beach shirtless and habitually dodged pool gatherings. I’m still confined. By this excess skin,” he detailed.
Despite his reservations, Prochaska recognized the importance of sharing his entire journey, including images of his loose skin on the fundraising platform, which has amassed $81,226 out of its $100,000 target.
Inspirational weight loss
The online community lauds his extraordinary transformation and the unwavering commitment it entailed, aspiring to motivate others in their pursuit of similar goals.
“Absolutely inspiring! Best wishes on your journey and thank you for this profound inspiration. Sending prayers for your smooth recovery,” expressed a generous contributor.
Another user shared, “Cole, your weight loss journey is truly remarkable. Your dedication and persistence in reaching this point and continuing forward are admirable. I anticipate witnessing your achievement of this objective.”
‘Keep walking’
As indicated on Prochaska’s social media, he is yet to undergo the surgery but has embarked on his first-ever flight to California to consult a plastic surgeon regarding the skin removal procedure. He anticipates undergoing the operation within “three to six months.”
“Keep moving forward, keep walking… You are capable. I am living proof. Let’s do this,” he tweeted while in California, engaging with his followers during a walk through the city streets.
And to address any speculation, he affirmed that his weight loss journey was entirely natural. “Certainly, Ozempic can be effective, as can gastric bypass or other surgeries (no disrespect). However, I can assure you that the sense of well-being and happiness attained through perseverance far surpasses any surgical shortcuts,” he disclosed in July 2024 on X.
What are your thoughts on Prochaska’s astounding weight loss? Share your opinions with us and spread this story to inspire others to share their views too!
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