Just four years ago, Cole Prochaska, 41, from Florida, struggled with extreme obesity, tipping the scales at more than 585 pounds—the highest number his scale could register. Today, he proudly declares that he has gone from weighing “as much as three men” to being the size of just one.
Prochaska’s lifelong struggle with weight began in childhood. His sedentary lifestyle, combined with overeating, led to a diet that included thousands of calories a day—several bags of chips, a 12-pack of soda, and entire fast food meals in one sitting. He estimates he was consuming about 5,000 calories daily.
“I felt pretty bad,” he admitted. “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.”
When his seven-year relationship was nearing its end, Prochaska had a wake-up call. “I knew she had lost respect for me because I was just a really big person and didn’t do anything,” he shared. “I was trying to save the relationship. I didn’t save the relationship, but I saved myself.”
Walking his way to success
Prochaska started with one simple step—literally. At first, he could only walk a couple of blocks, but he made a promise to himself to keep moving. Over time, those short walks turned into a daily habit, eventually reaching 10,000 steps a day.
“I hold myself accountable! It’s the only way to take control of your life,” he wrote in a social media post about refusing to skip a walk, even in bad weather.
But walking was just the beginning. He also completely changed his eating habits—cutting out sugary drinks, junk food, and excessive carbs while focusing on a high-protein diet. As he built strength and lost weight, he incorporated gym workouts to further transform his body.
“It was just me making up my mind that this is it, it’s going to be a life change,” he said.
‘Still trapped’ in excess skin
By 2023, Prochaska had lost an incredible 360 pounds, but his journey wasn’t over. The rapid weight loss left him with excess skin, which he described as a physical and emotional burden.
“Three to one. I once weighed as much as three men, and now, I am one person,” he wrote on a GoFundMe page he created to raise funds for skin removal surgery.
“My weight goal has been reached, but my life is not complete. I must tuck extra skin in my pants and still wear loose clothing to conceal the flab. I have never walked on a beach without a shirt on and always avoided pool parties. I’m still trapped.”
So far, his fundraiser has raised over $81,000 of the $100,000 goal to help cover the costly procedure.
Inspiring millions
Prochaska’s story has captured the internet’s attention, with many praising his determination.
“Absolutely inspiring! Good luck on your journey and thank you for this kind of inspiration,” one donor wrote.
Another added, “Cole, the weight loss is awesome. I hope this little bit helps you meet your goal!”
Though he hasn’t had the surgery yet, Prochaska recently flew to California—his first time on a plane—to consult with a plastic surgeon. He hopes to undergo his first procedure within six months.
And for those looking to make a similar change, he has simple advice: “Keep going, keep walking… You can do it. I’m living proof. Let’s go.”
What do you think of Prochaska’s incredible journey? Share this story to inspire others!
