Internet Applauds Man Who Lost 360 Pounds — “I Was the Size of Three Men, Now I’m One”
Only a few years ago, Cole Prochaska described himself as “the size of three men.” Today, the 41-year-old from Florida is celebrating an extraordinary 360-pound weight loss — the result of determination, discipline, and daily walks that completely changed his life.
Back in 2021, Cole didn’t even know his exact weight — his scale couldn’t go higher than 585 pounds. He had struggled with obesity since childhood and spent most of his adult life sedentary, battling emotional eating and self-doubt.
According to Today, Cole’s eating habits included finishing off several bags of chips and a dozen cans of soda in a single day. A typical fast-food meal for him might include five cheeseburgers or an entire pizza — easily adding up to more than 5,000 calories daily.
“I felt awful,” he admitted. “I always tried to act cheerful because that’s what a lot of big people do. But I was lonely. I didn’t want to go anywhere — worried about fitting in chairs, about walking too far, about what I’d wear.”
When his seven-year relationship began falling apart, Cole finally decided to make a change.
“I realized she’d lost respect for me because I’d stopped trying,” he said. “I didn’t save the relationship, but I saved myself.”
Step by Step: The Journey Begins
His transformation started with something simple — a walk. At first, he could only manage a few blocks. But he made a promise: keep moving.
Each day, he pushed himself a little farther. Eventually, those short strolls turned into a routine that reshaped his body and his mindset.
“I hold myself accountable,” Cole tweeted. “That’s the only way to take back your life.”
No matter the weather, he now walks at least 10,000 steps every day.
But walking was only part of it. Cole completely overhauled his diet, swapping sugary drinks for water and cutting out junk food and snacks. He began tracking calories and following a high-protein plan to build strength and boost his energy.
“It was all about deciding this was it — no going back,” he said. He later added gym workouts to his daily routine, saying, “I feel incredible now.”
“I’m Still Trapped”
By 2023, Cole had shed about 360 pounds — an incredible accomplishment. Yet he revealed that his journey wasn’t finished.
On his GoFundMe page, Cole shared photos of his excess skin, writing:
“Three to one. I once weighed as much as three men, and now I’m one. It’s hard to post these pictures, but I’ve come so far.”
He explained that while his weight-loss goal was complete, his transformation wasn’t:
“I still have to tuck skin into my pants and wear loose clothing. I’ve never walked on a beach without a shirt. I’m still trapped — just in a different way.”
His fundraiser has raised more than $81,000 toward the $100,000 needed for multiple skin-removal surgeries.
The Internet Rallies Behind Him
Cole’s courage and honesty have inspired thousands online. Messages of encouragement flood his social media pages and fundraiser daily.
“Absolutely inspiring!” one supporter wrote. “Your strength and perseverance are amazing. Keep going — you’re helping so many people.”
Another donor commented, “You’re proof that dedication can change lives. Can’t wait to see you reach your final goal.”
A third added, “Cole, your transformation is incredible. Getting rid of that extra skin will be the last step — your knees and your heart will thank you!”
“Keep Walking — You Can Do It”
Cole hasn’t had his surgery yet, but he recently achieved another milestone: flying on an airplane for the first time to California, where he met with a plastic surgeon to plan the procedure. He hopes to begin the first operation within the next few months.
“Keep walking. Keep going,” he told his followers. “You can do it. I’m living proof.”
He also made it clear that his weight loss came from hard work — not shortcuts.
“No Ozempic, no gastric bypass — no hate to anyone who uses them. But there’s nothing like earning your health the hard way,” he tweeted.
From Rock Bottom to Role Model
Cole Prochaska’s story is one of transformation — not just physical, but emotional. He may have lost hundreds of pounds, but he gained something far greater: self-respect, health, and hope.
As he continues his journey, one message remains constant — change begins with a single step.
“You just have to start,” he says. “If I can do it, so can you.”