Florida Man Drops Over 360 Pounds Naturally—Now He’s Fighting to Finish His Transformation

Back in 2021, Cole Prochaska of South Carolina (not Florida, despite earlier reports) didn’t know his exact weight—only that he maxed out his scale at over 585 pounds, the highest it could register. At just 41 years old, Cole had been overweight since childhood and had lived most of his life sedentary, stuck in a cycle of overeating and isolation.

Cole estimates he was consuming around 5,000 calories a day—sometimes polishing off multiple bags of chips and a 12-pack of soda in one sitting. Fast food runs meant five cheeseburgers or an entire pizza—no problem. But it wasn’t just about food. Cole says he often hid his pain behind a smile, like many people struggling with obesity.

“I felt awful,” he admitted. “I put on a happy face, but I was really lonely. I didn’t want to go anywhere. I was afraid of not fitting in chairs, afraid of walking too far, and even worried about what to wear.”

He was constantly out of breath and physically unable to exercise. But everything changed when his seven-year relationship started to fall apart.

“I could tell she didn’t respect me anymore. I wasn’t moving forward in life, and I needed to change. I didn’t save the relationship—but I saved myself.”

A New Beginning—One Step at a Time

Cole’s journey began with one small, literal step. At first, he could barely walk a few blocks. But he made himself a promise: keep going. Every single day, rain or shine, he pushed further. His daily routine now includes at least 10,000 steps—no excuses.

“I hold myself accountable,” he posted on social media. “That’s the only way to take control of your life.”

Next, he tackled his diet. Cole cut out junk food, soda, and sweets. He swapped sugary drinks for water and started tracking his calories. Lean protein replaced empty carbs, and his energy soared.

“It was a mindset shift,” he said. “This wasn’t a quick fix—it was a lifestyle change.”

Eventually, Cole joined a gym and began working out regularly. He felt stronger, healthier, and for the first time in years—hopeful.

A New Body, A New Challenge

By 2023, Cole had lost a jaw-dropping 360 pounds. But there was a new obstacle in his way: excess skin. Despite reaching his weight loss goal, Cole struggled with body image and physical discomfort from sagging skin.

“Three to one,” he wrote in a candid GoFundMe post. “I used to weigh as much as three men. Now I’m down to one. But I still can’t wear tight clothes. I have to tuck the extra skin into my pants. I’ve never walked on the beach without a shirt. I still feel trapped.”

Cole shared raw, vulnerable photos of his post-weight-loss body to show what massive weight loss really looks like—and to raise money for skin removal surgery in California. So far, his fundraiser has brought in over $81,000 toward a $100,000 goal.

The Internet Responds

Cole’s journey has captured hearts across the internet. Thousands have rallied behind his transformation, praising his grit and determination.

“You’re a true inspiration,” one donor wrote. “Wishing you a speedy recovery and a beautiful next chapter.”

Another said, “Your dedication is amazing. You didn’t take shortcuts. You worked hard for this. Keep going!”

Looking Ahead

Cole hasn’t had surgery yet, but he recently flew—for the first time ever—to meet with a plastic surgeon in California. He’s hopeful the first of several skin removal surgeries will happen within the next few months.

And yes—he lost the weight naturally.

“No shade to Ozempic or gastric bypass—they work for some people,” Cole posted on X (formerly Twitter). “But there’s no substitute for putting your head down and grinding. I feel healthy, strong, and proud of the work I put in.”

His message to others?

“Keep going. Keep walking. I’m living proof—you can do it. Let’s go.”