Internet Rallies Behind Florida Man Who Lost 360 Pounds Naturally

Just four years ago, Cole Prochaska weighed over 585 pounds—so much that he maxed out his bathroom scale. Today, the 41-year-old from Florida is nearly unrecognizable after shedding an incredible 360 pounds through sheer determination, daily walks, and a complete lifestyle change.

“I used to weigh as much as three men,” Cole says. “Now, I finally feel like one person.”

Cole, who struggled with obesity since childhood, says his weight spiraled out of control due to a sedentary lifestyle and binge eating. At his worst, he was consuming about 5,000 calories a day—sometimes downing multiple bags of chips and a 12-pack of soda, or polishing off an entire pizza or five cheeseburgers in one sitting.

“I felt terrible,” he recalls. “I always tried to act happy, but I was lonely. I avoided going out because I didn’t want to deal with things like fitting into chairs or walking long distances.”

At the time, even light exercise left him breathless. But when his seven-year relationship began to fall apart, Cole had a wake-up call.

“I knew she had lost respect for me. I wasn’t doing anything with my life,” he says. “I didn’t save the relationship—but I saved myself.”

From Baby Steps to Big Wins

Cole’s transformation started with one small step—literally. He began walking just a few blocks each day and promised himself he would keep going no matter what. That promise turned into a routine, and now he gets in at least 10,000 steps daily, rain or shine.

“I hold myself accountable,” he shared on social media. “That’s how you take back control of your life.”

But he didn’t stop at walking. Cole also revamped his eating habits. He ditched sugary drinks, cut out snacks and junk food, and adopted a high-protein, calorie-conscious diet. Eventually, he added gym workouts to build strength and keep the momentum going.

“It was a decision to change my life—completely,” he says. “And I feel amazing.”

The Next Chapter: Skin Removal Surgery

By 2023, Cole had lost about 360 pounds. But even after hitting his weight goal, he faced a new challenge: excess skin. In a heartfelt post on his GoFundMe page, he admitted he still struggles with body image and rarely feels comfortable without a shirt.

“I’ve never walked on a beach without a shirt or gone to a pool party. I have to tuck in the extra skin and wear baggy clothes,” he wrote. “I may have lost the weight, but I still feel trapped.”

To complete his journey, Cole is now raising money for skin removal surgery in California. His campaign has already raised over $81,000 of its $100,000 goal. He recently flew for the first time to meet with a plastic surgeon and hopes to have his first surgery within six months.

Inspiring Others

Cole’s transformation has inspired thousands online. Messages of encouragement and admiration continue to pour in:

• “Absolutely inspiring! Thank you for sharing your journey.”

• “Cole, your dedication is incredible. I hope this donation gets you closer to your goal!”

• “Your knees will thank you after the surgery! Keep pushing—you’re almost there.”

Cole remains active on social media, encouraging others to keep moving forward.

“Keep going. Keep walking. You can do it—I’m living proof,” he tweeted from California.

And for those wondering, yes—he did it all naturally.

“No shots. No surgery. No shortcuts,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Ozempic or gastric bypass might help some people—no judgment. But there’s nothing like the strength and happiness that comes from grinding it out on your own.”