Just a few years ago, Cole Prochaska carried the weight of three men on his frame. Struggling with his health and lifestyle, he consumed an astonishing 5,000 calories daily. But today, at 41, he proudly proclaims that he’s finally the size of just one person.
Back in 2021, Prochaska, a Florida resident, was unaware of his exact weight. The highest number the scale could register was 585 pounds, and he knew he exceeded that limit. Having battled obesity since childhood, he lived a sedentary life, turning to food for comfort.
According to Today, his eating habits were extreme. He could devour multiple bags of chips, a full 12-pack of soda, and five cheeseburgers in one sitting—sometimes even finishing an entire pizza with ease. His estimated daily calorie intake hovered around 5,000, and the consequences were undeniable.
“I felt awful,” Prochaska admitted. “On the outside, I always put on a happy face—like many people struggling with weight do. But deep down, I was lonely. Simple things like finding clothes that fit or worrying about whether I could sit comfortably in a chair kept me from going places.”
Even attempting exercise was a challenge. He was so out of breath that physical activity felt impossible. However, when his seven-year relationship started crumbling, he realized it was time to change.
“I knew she had lost respect for me,” he confessed. “I was stuck in life, weighed down—physically and emotionally. I tried to save the relationship, but in the end, I saved myself instead.”
A Journey of a Thousand Steps
His transformation began with a single, simple act: walking. Initially, he could only manage a couple of blocks. But instead of giving up, he made a promise to himself—to keep going. With each passing day, he pushed a little further, and soon, those short strolls turned into daily 10,000-step routines.
Holding himself accountable became his driving force. “No excuses,” he posted on social media. “You take control of your life, or life controls you.”
Alongside his commitment to movement, Prochaska completely overhauled his diet. Out went the junk food, sugary drinks, and empty calories. In their place, he embraced a high-protein diet that fueled his workouts and built muscle. He became mindful of what he put in his body and how it made him feel. The gym soon became his second home, and he started feeling stronger than ever.
“This wasn’t a fad or a quick fix—it was a total lifestyle change,” he said. “And I’ve never felt better.”
The Struggle Beyond the Scale
By 2023, Prochaska had shed an astounding 360 pounds. However, despite his success, he struggled with an issue that many extreme weight loss patients face—excess skin.
“I once weighed as much as three men,” he shared on his GoFundMe campaign. “Now I’m down to just one, but I still feel trapped.”
The loose skin made everyday life uncomfortable, forcing him to tuck it into his clothes and wear oversized outfits to conceal it. He had never walked on a beach without a shirt or felt truly confident in his new body. The only thing standing between him and closure was an expensive skin removal surgery.
To fund the procedure, Prochaska turned to the kindness of strangers. His GoFundMe page detailed his journey, complete with photos of his sagging skin. So far, his campaign has raised over $81,000 of the $100,000 needed for the surgeries.
A Source of Inspiration
His transformation has captivated the internet, with thousands offering words of encouragement.
“Your story is truly inspiring,” one supporter commented. “Wishing you all the best in this next step of your journey.”
Another wrote, “Cole, your dedication is unbelievable. You didn’t just lose weight—you changed your life. Keep pushing forward!”
As Prochaska continues his journey, he remains transparent with his followers, updating them every step of the way. Though he hasn’t had the surgery yet, he recently took a major milestone—his first-ever flight to California, where he met with a surgeon to discuss the procedure. If all goes according to plan, he hopes to have the first of several surgeries within the next few months.
“Just keep moving, keep walking,” he encourages others. “If I can do it, so can you.”
And if anyone doubts his achievement, he has a message for them: “No shortcuts. No quick fixes. Just hard work and determination. This is what real change looks like.”
What do you think about Prochaska’s incredible weight loss story? Share your thoughts and spread his journey to inspire others!