When Cole Prochaska looked in the mirror just a few years ago, he barely recognized the man staring back at him. At over 585 pounds, he was trapped—by his body, by self-doubt, and by years of unhealthy habits.
But today, Cole is down 360 pounds, walking daily, inspiring millions online, and fighting for one more victory: freedom from the excess skin that still reminds him of his past.
Credit: Cole Prochaska / Facebook
From “Three Men” to One: A Life-Changing Transformation
In 2021, Cole Prochaska of South Carolina weighed so much that his home scale couldn’t even register the number. He estimates it was well over 585 pounds—the highest the scale could go. “I once weighed as much as three men,” he recalls.
At 41 years old, Cole has now shrunk himself down to the size of one man, not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually too.
But this didn’t happen overnight. And it didn’t come with surgery, Ozempic, or celebrity trainers. Cole did it the hard way—step by step.
A Diet of 5,000 Calories a Day
Cole’s story is one that resonates with many people who have silently battled obesity for years. Since the age of six, he says he’s lived a sedentary lifestyle, plagued by emotional eating and a lack of self-worth.
A typical day for him once included:
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Multiple bags of chips
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A 12-pack of soda
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Five cheeseburgers in one sitting
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An entire pizza—“easy,” as he says
At his worst, he was consuming around 5,000 calories a day. He avoided public places, fearing chairs might not support his weight or that he’d be stared at. “You don’t want to go anywhere,” Cole says, “because you don’t want to worry about walking far, what you’re going to wear, or whether you’ll fit.”
A Breakup That Became a Wake-Up Call
In the middle of a painful breakup after a 7-year relationship, Cole reached a tipping point. His partner had emotionally checked out, and he knew it was because he had given up on himself.
“I was trying to save the relationship,” he admits. “I didn’t save the relationship—but I saved myself.”
Walking Saved His Life
Cole’s transformation started with the simplest act of all: walking.
At first, he could barely manage a few blocks without gasping for breath. But he kept going. Every day, he added more steps. Eventually, he was walking 10,000 steps a day—no matter the weather.
“I hold myself accountable,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s the only way to take control of your life.”
And walking led to better eating. Cole swapped soda for water, cut out junk food, and started counting calories. He embraced a high-protein diet to fuel muscle growth and joined a gym to build strength.
“It was just me making up my mind that this is it—this is a life change,” he said. “I feel so great.”
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360 Pounds Lost… But Still Trapped
By 2023, Cole had done the impossible—360 pounds gone. But the journey came with a new obstacle: excess skin.
On his GoFundMe page, where he has raised over $81,000 toward a $100,000 goal, Cole shares the raw truth of life after extreme weight loss:
“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’ve never walked on a beach without a shirt. I’m still trapped.”
He bravely posted shirtless photos to show what most weight loss stories never talk about: what comes after the before-and-after photos.
Support From Around the World
Cole’s honesty has struck a chord online. Supporters have flooded his fundraiser with donations and messages of encouragement.
💬 “Absolutely inspiring! Thank you for this kind of motivation. I pray for your safe recovery.”
💬 “You’re a great inspiration to many, Cole. Can’t wait to see you reach your next goal.”
💬 “Your knees will thank you when that skin is gone. You’ve done the hard part—now let us help.”
No Shortcuts—Just Hard Work
Amid rising popularity of weight-loss drugs and surgery, Cole is clear: his transformation was all natural.
“Sure, Ozempic might work, same with gastric bypass (no hate). But I can guarantee you won’t be as healthy or as happy as when you just grind it out,” he tweeted in July 2024.
And the proof is in his mindset. He recently took his first flight ever to California to meet with a plastic surgeon. Surgery is expected within three to six months, pending the remainder of his fundraising.
From walking local streets to walking California sidewalks, Cole keeps reminding his followers:
“Keep going, keep walking… You can do it. I’m living proof.”
Final Thoughts: One Step at a Time
Cole Prochaska’s story isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about reclaiming control, building confidence, and becoming the person you always wanted to be.
He didn’t just lose 360 pounds—he gained his life back.
