Only four years ago, Cole Prochaska “weighed as much as three men.” After swapping his 5,000-calorie-a-day diet for a pair of sneakers, the 41-year-old walked his way to a dramatic weight loss, proudly saying he is now the size of “one person.”
In 2021, Florida’s Cole Prochaska didn’t know his exact weight — only that it exceeded 585 pounds, the highest number his scale could register.
Now 41, he says he’s struggled with weight since he was six years old, living a sedentary life marked by heavy overeating.
According to Today, his overeating meant consuming several bags of chips and a 12-pack of soda in a single day. When he went out for fast food, he could easily eat five cheeseburgers or an entire pizza.
He estimates he was taking in around 5,000 calories daily.
“I felt pretty bad,” Prochaska said. “I would always put on a happy exterior because that’s what a lot of big people do. But I was a pretty lonely person. You don’t want to go anywhere because you worry about fitting in chairs, walking too far, or what you’re going to wear.”
He also struggled to exercise because he was constantly short of breath.
As his seven-year relationship began to fall apart, Prochaska realized it was time for change.
“I knew she had lost respect for me because I was just a really big person who didn’t do anything, and I wasn’t going anywhere in life,” he said.
“I was trying to save the relationship. I didn’t save the relationship — but I saved myself.”
Step by step
His journey began with one simple step — literally. At first, he could only walk a couple of blocks, but he made himself a promise: just keep moving. Each day, he pushed a little further, and soon those short walks became a daily habit that kept him motivated.
“I hold myself accountable! It’s the only way to take control of your life,” he tweeted after refusing to skip a walk due to bad weather.
No matter what, he makes sure to get at least 10,000 steps every day.
But walking was only the beginning. Determined to nourish his body properly, he completely transformed his diet. He cut out sweets, snacks, and chips, replaced sugary drinks with water, and began counting calories. Instead of empty carbs, he focused on high-protein meals to boost energy and build muscle.
“It was just me deciding that this was it — it was going to be a life change,” he said, adding that he later incorporated gym workouts. “I feel so great.”
‘Still trapped’
By 2023, Prochaska had lost about 360 pounds, but he admitted he still felt ashamed to share shirtless photos of his new body.
“Three to One. I once weighed as much as 3 men, and now I am one person… It’s very hard to share a shirtless picture, but I’ve come so far! I know it is hard for some of you to look at,” he wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to help cover the cost of skin removal surgery in California.
“My weight goal has been reached, but my life isn’t complete. It won’t be complete until I can remove this excess skin. I have to tuck extra skin into my pants and still wear loose clothes to hide it… I’ve never walked on a beach without a shirt and always avoided pool parties. I’m still trapped because of this extra skin,” he explained.
Despite feeling self-conscious, Prochaska knew he needed to share the full truth of his journey, including photos of his sagging skin. So far, the fundraiser has raised $81,226 toward his $100,000 goal.
‘Inspiring’ weight loss
As he celebrates his incredible transformation and the dedication behind it, the internet has flooded him with praise. Many hope his story inspires others.
“Absolutely inspiring! Good luck on your journey and thank you for the inspiration. I pray for your safe recovery,” one donor wrote.
Another added, “You’re a great inspiration, Cole. I admire the dedication and perseverance that got you here — and that keeps you going. I look forward to seeing you reach your goal.”
A third commented, “Cole, the weight loss is amazing… I don’t know how much that extra skin weighs, but it must be a lot. Your knees will thank you even more once it’s gone. I hope this helps you reach your goal!”
‘Keep walking’
According to Prochaska’s social media, he hasn’t had the surgery yet. However, he recently boarded a plane for the first time and flew to California to consult with a plastic surgeon about skin removal. He hopes to undergo his first procedure within “three to six months.”
“Keep going, keep walking… You can do it. I’m living proof. Let’s go,” he tweeted while strolling through California and updating his followers.
And if you’re wondering — he insists he lost the weight naturally.
“Sure, Ozempic might work, and so might gastric bypass or other surgeries (no hate). But I can guarantee you won’t feel as healthy and happy as when you put your head down and grind,” he wrote on X in July 2024.
What do you think of Prochaska’s incredible weight loss? Share your thoughts — and pass this story along so others can share theirs too.
