Just four years ago, Cole Prochaska was burdened by a weight equivalent to that of three individuals. By replacing his 5,000-calorie daily intake with a commitment to physical activity, the 41-year-old has achieved a remarkable transformation, now proudly identifying as the size of a single person.
In 2021, residing in Florida, Prochaska was uncertain of his exact weight, but he knew it exceeded 585 pounds, the maximum limit of his scale.
Having struggled with obesity since the age of six, he led a largely inactive lifestyle characterized by excessive eating. Reports from Today indicate that his eating habits included consuming multiple bags of chips and a dozen soda cans in a single day. During outings to fast-food establishments, he would easily devour five cheeseburgers or an entire pizza.
He estimates his daily caloric intake was around 5,000 calories.
“I felt quite miserable,” Prochaska reflected. “I often maintained a cheerful facade, as many individuals of my size tend to do. However, I experienced profound loneliness. Social situations were daunting; I constantly worried about fitting into chairs, the distance I would need to walk, and what I would wear.”
His physical condition also hindered his ability to exercise due to shortness of breath.
As his seven-year relationship approached its conclusion, Prochaska recognized the necessity for change.
“I understood that she had lost respect for me because of my size and my lack of ambition. I was stagnant in life,” he stated. “I aimed to salvage the relationship. While I did not succeed in that endeavor, I ultimately saved myself.”
His transformative journey commenced with a single, straightforward step—literally. Initially, he could only walk a few blocks, but he made a commitment to himself: to keep moving. Each day, he gradually increased his efforts, and before long, those brief walks evolved into a daily regimen that fueled his motivation.
I take full responsibility for my actions! This is the only way to regain control over one’s life, he expresses in a tweet regarding his decision to continue his walk despite adverse weather conditions.
Each day, without exception, he ensures that he achieves a minimum of 10,000 steps.
However, walking was merely the beginning. Committed to nourishing his body appropriately, he completely transformed his dietary habits. He eliminated sweets, snacks, and chips, replaced sugary beverages with water, and began monitoring his caloric intake to maintain his progress. Rather than consuming empty carbohydrates, he adopted a high-protein diet that provided him with energy and facilitated muscle development.
“It was simply a matter of deciding that this was it; I was committed to a lifestyle change,” he remarks, noting that he subsequently intensified his regimen with gym workouts. “I feel fantastic.”
‘Still confined’
By 2023, Prochaska had shed approximately 360 pounds but confessed that he still felt embarrassed to share photos of his transformed body.
“Three to One. I once weighed as much as three individuals, and now I am just one…It is quite challenging to post a shirtless photo, but I have made significant progress! I understand it may be difficult for some of you to view,” Prochaska states on the GoFundMe campaign established to assist with the costly skin removal surgeries in California. “I have achieved my weight goal, yet my life remains incomplete, and it will not be whole until I can eliminate this excess skin. I am forced to tuck extra skin into my pants and still wear loose-fitting clothing to hide the sagging… I have never walked on a beach without a shirt and have consistently avoided pool parties. I still feel confined due to this excess skin,” he elaborates.
Despite his self-consciousness, Prochaska recognized the importance of sharing his entire journey with his supporters, which included posting images of his loose skin on the crowdfunding page, which has thus far raised $81,226 of his $100,000 target.
‘Motivating’ weight loss
In celebration of his remarkable transformation and the commitment it required, the online community is abuzz with admiration for the individual, who aspires to motivate others in achieving their own goals.
One generous donor expresses, “Truly inspiring! Wishing you the best on your journey, and I appreciate the motivation you provide. I pray for your safe recovery.”
Another online user comments, “Cole, you serve as a remarkable inspiration to many. I greatly admire the significant dedication and unwavering perseverance you have demonstrated to reach this point and continue moving forward. I eagerly anticipate witnessing you achieve your goal here.”
A third individual adds, “Cole, your weight loss is impressive. While I am unsure of the weight of the excess skin, it must be considerable. Your knees will undoubtedly benefit even more from its removal, so I hope this contribution aids you in reaching your objective!”
“Keep walking.”
According to Prochaska’s social media updates, he has not yet undergone the surgery; however, he recently boarded a plane for the first time and traveled to California to consult with a plastic surgeon regarding skin removal surgery. He anticipates that he will have his first surgery within “three to six months.”
“Continue your journey, keep walking… You can achieve this. I am living proof. Let’s go,” he tweets from California while engaging with his followers during a stroll.
For those curious, he emphasizes that his weight loss has been achieved naturally. “While medications like Ozempic and procedures such as gastric bypass can be effective (no criticism intended), I can assure you that true health and happiness come from hard work and determination,” he shared on X in July 2024.
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