Just four years ago, Cole Prochaska carried the weight of three men. At over 585 pounds, he lived a life overshadowed by unhealthy habits, emotional isolation, and physical limitations. But after trading in his 5,000-calorie-a-day diet for a pair of sneakers and a new mindset, the 41-year-old from South Carolina now proudly says he’s the size of “just one person.”

Back in 2021, Cole didn’t even know his exact weight because it exceeded the limits of the scale—585 pounds was the highest it would register. He had been struggling with obesity since he was six years old, and a sedentary lifestyle compounded by chronic overeating shaped his daily life.

“I always acted like I was okay,” Cole said. “I put on a happy face because that’s what big people often do. But truthfully, I was lonely. I avoided going out. I didn’t want to worry about whether I could fit in chairs, or if I had to walk too far, or even what clothes I could wear.”

His daily routine included consuming massive amounts of food—several bags of chips, a 12-pack of soda, and fast food meals that could consist of five cheeseburgers or an entire pizza. He estimates that his daily intake was around 5,000 calories. Not surprisingly, physical activity was out of the question. He’d get short of breath quickly and didn’t have the motivation or confidence to make a change.

Everything began to shift when a long-term relationship started falling apart. Cole admits that the emotional strain of that breakup was the wake-up call he needed. “I could tell she lost respect for me. I was stagnant—I wasn’t going anywhere, and I wasn’t doing anything. I tried to save the relationship, but in the end, I saved myself.”

And that’s when his transformation truly began—one step at a time. Literally. At first, he could barely walk more than a couple of blocks. But he committed to the simple goal of moving every single day. Those short walks turned into longer ones, and walking became a habit that redefined his life.

“I hold myself accountable,” he said on social media, even posting about walking in bad weather to show his dedication. Rain or shine, he now makes sure he gets at least 10,000 steps in every day.

But walking was just the beginning. Cole also took a hard look at his diet and completely overhauled it. He eliminated sweets, chips, and sugary drinks, replacing them with water and whole foods. He began tracking calories and embraced a high-protein diet that fueled his workouts and supported muscle growth.

“This wasn’t a temporary fix,” he emphasized. “This was a full-on lifestyle change.” As he got stronger, he incorporated gym workouts into his routine, continuing to push himself both physically and mentally. “I feel so much better,” he said. “I feel alive.”

By 2023, Cole had shed an astounding 360 pounds. Yet, despite his physical transformation, he still felt burdened by the loose, excess skin left behind. On his GoFundMe page—created to raise funds for skin removal surgery—he shared raw, unfiltered photos of himself shirtless, revealing the reality behind extreme weight loss.

“Three to one. I used to weigh as much as three men, and now I’m down to one,” he wrote. “It’s hard to post these pictures. I’ve come so far, but my journey isn’t over. My weight goal is met, but I can’t truly move on until I get rid of this extra skin.”

Cole describes how he has to tuck the skin into his pants and still wear oversized clothing to hide the sagging flesh. “I’ve never walked on a beach without a shirt. I’ve always avoided pool parties. I still feel trapped—just in a different way now,” he explained.

Even so, he knows that sharing his full story, including the uncomfortable parts, is important. His transparency has touched thousands, and as of now, he’s raised over \$81,000 toward his \$100,000 goal.

The internet has rallied behind him, with people expressing admiration and gratitude for his honesty and determination. One supporter wrote, “Absolutely inspiring! I pray for your safe recovery. Thank you for giving people hope.”

Another commented, “You’ve inspired so many, Cole. Your discipline and perseverance are incredible. I can’t wait to see you reach your next goal.”

A third person added, “Cole, you’ve done something extraordinary. That loose skin has to weigh a lot, too. Your knees will thank you once it’s gone. I hope this little donation helps.”

Although Cole hasn’t yet had the surgery, he recently took a major step—he flew on a plane for the very first time to visit a plastic surgeon in California. It was an emotional and symbolic milestone for someone who used to be unable to walk even a few blocks. He hopes to undergo his first skin removal procedure within the next three to six months.

While many people speculate about medical weight-loss options, Cole insists his transformation was 100% natural. “Sure, Ozempic and gastric bypass work for some people—no judgment,” he shared on X (formerly Twitter). “But I guarantee you won’t feel as healthy or as fulfilled as when you just put your head down and do the work.”

From his daily walks to his raw, heartfelt social media posts, Cole is on a mission to prove that real change is possible—and that it starts from within.

“Keep going, keep walking,” he says. “You can do this. I’m living proof.”

What are your thoughts on Cole’s incredible transformation? Share this inspiring story with others—you never know who might need to hear it today.