Just a few years ago, Cole Prochaska’s life looked very different. At over 585 pounds—more than his scale could accurately measure—he felt like he “weighed as much as three men.” But today, at 41, the Florida native proudly says he’s the size of “one person,” after an incredible weight loss journey that began with one simple act: putting one foot in front of the other.

Cole’s struggle with weight began early. By the age of six, he was already heavy and growing up with a sedentary lifestyle. His days were filled with overeating and inactivity. His idea of a meal could include multiple bags of chips, a 12-pack of soda in a single day, and fast-food binges consisting of five cheeseburgers or even an entire pizza. He estimates he consumed about 5,000 calories daily.

Physically, he felt terrible. Emotionally, he masked his pain behind a happy exterior, something he says many people with obesity do to get through the day. Deep down, he was lonely and felt disconnected from the world. “You don’t want to go anywhere,” he recalls. “You don’t want to worry about fitting in chairs, walking too far, or even choosing what clothes to wear.” Exercise was impossible—he was often out of breath from the smallest efforts.

Things began to change when his long-term relationship of seven years started falling apart. Cole admits that his partner had lost respect for him—not just because of his size, but because he wasn’t doing anything meaningful with his life. That realization became his wake-up call. “I was trying to save the relationship,” he says. “I didn’t save the relationship, but I saved myself.”

His transformation started with short walks—just a few blocks at first. But he made a commitment to himself to keep moving, no matter what. Over time, those short walks became part of his daily routine. “I hold myself accountable,” he wrote on social media, refusing to skip his walk even during bad weather. Eventually, he reached a consistent goal of 10,000 steps a day.

Walking was only the beginning. Cole knew he needed to fuel his body differently. He eliminated sweets, snacks, chips, and soda, replacing them with water and healthy meals. He started counting calories and adopted a high-protein diet to build muscle and keep his energy up. Once his body got stronger, he added gym workouts to his routine. The decision was firm: “This is it. It’s going to be a life change,” he told himself. “And I feel so great.”

By 2023, Cole had lost a staggering 360 pounds. But while his weight loss was impressive, he still felt trapped—this time by the excess skin left behind. “Three to One. I once weighed as much as 3 men and now I am one person,” he wrote on his GoFundMe page, where he raised funds for skin removal surgery. “It’s very hard to share a shirtless picture, but I’ve come so far,” he admitted.

Cole explained that while he reached his weight goal, his journey wasn’t complete. “I have to tuck the extra skin into my pants and wear loose clothing to hide it. I’ve never walked on a beach without a shirt or gone to a pool party. I’m still trapped because of this skin,” he wrote.

Despite his discomfort, Cole bravely shared pictures of his body to help others understand the full story. His honesty struck a chord with supporters around the world, helping him raise over \$81,000 of his \$100,000 goal.

Online, people are calling Cole’s transformation “inspiring.” One donor commented, “Absolutely inspiring! Good luck on your journey and thank you for this kind of inspiration. I pray for your safe recovery.” Another person wrote, “You’re a great inspiration to many, Cole. I admire the impressive amount of dedication and perseverance that got you here. I look forward to seeing you meet your goal.”

Others highlighted the physical toll of carrying that much extra skin. “Cole, the weight loss is awesome… I don’t know how much all that skin weighs, but it has to be a lot. Your knees will love you even more once it’s gone!”

Though he hasn’t had the surgery yet, Cole recently flew for the first time to California to meet with a plastic surgeon. He hopes to undergo his first procedure within the next three to six months. “Keep going, keep walking… You can do it. I’m living proof. Let’s go,” he posted to his followers from the streets of California.

For anyone wondering, Cole emphasizes that his weight loss was all natural. He wrote in July 2024, “Sure, Ozempic might work, same with gastric bypass or other surgeries (no hate). But I can guarantee you won’t be as healthy and happy as when you put your head down and grind.”

Cole’s story is more than a tale of weight loss—it’s a reminder of what’s possible with commitment, self-respect, and a willingness to change. He may have started by trying to save a relationship, but in the end, he rescued something even more valuable—his own life.

What are your thoughts on Cole Prochaska’s incredible journey? Share this story with others, and let’s hear what they have to say too.