In a story of extraordinary self-discipline and determination, South Carolina’s Cole Prochaska has stunned social media users by losing more than 360 pounds in under two years — transforming not only his body but his life.
Once tipping the scales at nearly 600 pounds, Prochaska says he reached “the lowest point” of his life before deciding to take control of his health, a decision that would eventually turn him into a symbol of hope for thousands of others facing similar battles.
“Two years ago I decided I didn’t want to die young. I didn’t want to get diabetes. I didn’t want to never know my true potential,” Prochaska wrote in a viral X post. “I decided to take my life back. 330+ lbs down and I’m not done yet. Believe in yourself!”
The 41-year-old South Carolinian, who once weighed about 585 pounds – the maximum number his home scale could display – opened up about his journey in a 2023 interview with TODAY. “I felt pretty bad,” he recalled. “I would always put on a happy exterior because that’s what a lot of big people do. But I was a pretty lonely person. You don’t want to go to anything because you don’t want to have to worry about fitting in the chairs and worry about having to walk very far, what you’re going to wear.”
At his heaviest, Prochaska estimates he consumed around 5,000 calories a day, eating to cope with loneliness and low self-esteem. But in 2022, he made a decision that would change everything: He began walking daily, lifting weights, and sticking to a simple, high-protein diet.
His new routine was straightforward but relentless — 10,000 steps every day, weight training at least three times a week, and zero shortcuts. Prochaska didn’t rely on weight-loss drugs or bariatric surgery. Every pound lost, he earned the hard way.
“I’m over 336 pounds down,” he wrote in another post. “Most didn’t believe in me but I believed in myself.” In a more recent post, Prochaska revealed he’s now 360lbs down since embarking on his fitness journey.
His before-and-after photos — showing a remarkable physical transformation from morbid obesity to a fit, muscular frame — have gone viral across platforms including Instagram (@3to1fitness) and X (formerly Twitter), inspiring a flood of messages from followers. “Keep pushing bruv,” one commenter wrote. “You inspired me to start on my weight loss journey. I need to lose about 120 lbs to stay lean and fit. Starting the journey as we speak.”
“You are my hero! You make me motivated,” another commented.
Despite the incredible progress, Prochaska says his journey is not over. Now weighing about 220lbs, he faces a new challenge — living with the excess skin that remains after massive weight loss. The loose skin around his stomach and legs causes physical discomfort and, at times, emotional distress.
“I’m trapped,” he told TODAY. “I’ve lost all this weight and I have muscles, but if I take my shirt off, I’m still self-conscious about all the loose skin. I’ve got loose skin on my legs, so if I try to go running, it’s hard to run. I have to wear a pant size bigger than I should because I’ve got my skin tucked into my pants from my stomach.”
To complete his transformation, Prochaska launched a GoFundMe campaign in 2023 to raise funds for multiple surgeries to remove the excess skin. Initially setting a target of $60,000, he has since raised his goal to $100,000 after learning that he will require at least three surgeries and must remain in California for four weeks after each operation.
“I first estimated $60K but now I know I will have no less than three surgeries and will have to stay in California 4 weeks after each surgery,” he explained on GoFundMe. “I have to think bigger and I regret that, but I’m increasing my goal to $100,000.”
As of this writing, Prochaska’s campaign has drawn over $81,000 in donations from more than 2,900 supporters. Earlier coverage by Newsweek and TODAY noted that he planned to donate any leftover funds to help others struggling with obesity.
“My weight goal has been reached but my life is not complete, and it will not be complete until I can get rid of this excess skin,” Prochaska shared in a heartfelt post on the fundraiser page.
He’s also continued posting shirtless photos on social media, despite his discomfort, to show his progress honestly and encourage others. “I needed to show everybody all the skin I have and how far I’ve come and just embrace it,” he said to TODAY. “And that’s what I did.”
Prochaska now dedicates much of his time to motivating others through his social media handle @3to1fitness — a name representing his transformation “from the size of three men to one.” He often uses his platform to share practical advice, progress updates, and candid reflections on both the triumphs and struggles of his ongoing journey.
“People didn’t believe in me, but I believed in myself,” he recently wrote. “Over 361 pounds down, and I’m not done yet. You can do anything you put your mind to. I hope my story can be an inspiration to others trapped in this same type of situation.”
Prochaska’s story — of willpower, perseverance, and deep vulnerability — has resonated far beyond the weight loss community. His GoFundMe has become not only a means to complete his transformation but a space where others share their own battles with self-doubt and health.
As he told TODAY: “I just want to keep helping inspire as many people as possible to overcome whatever it is that they’re battling, but definitely people who are trying to lose weight.”
Through his journey from 585 pounds to 220, Prochaska has proven that change is possible through grit and self-belief alone. Now, he’s hoping for one final step — not just to complete his physical transformation, but to continue inspiring others to take the first step on theirs.
Featured image credit: Instagram/GoFundMe/@3to1fitness
