My Story: "I Went from 485 lbs to 285 lbs in 6 Months"

(Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/kevinbeseolu)

Have you ever just looked at someone and wondered “wow, they are perfect. There’s no way they have any insecurities about how they look.”

Ok, well, maybe it’s just me, but there is one guy whom the ladies seem to go head over heels for, but he is just as humble as he is handsome. Kevin B. Ademu-John is a fitness enthusiast on Instagram that one of our users shared with us and at first glance, you can easily tell he’s tall, dark and handsome. But, that’s not the end of his story. As a matter of fact, it took him to overcome some things–mentally and physically–to get to where he is now.

“I thank God for waking up another day, because six months ago my health was in jeopardy because I weighed 485lbs,” confesses Kevin in an Instagram post. “I experienced irregular breathing and my blood pressure constantly fluctuated, which caused poor sleeping habits.”

The Mental Health Battle You Fight When Losing Weight

“My weight traumatized my thinking, and I suffered from body dysmorphic disorder, which means I perceived flaws in my appearance. Constantly receiving negative energy and comments about my weight, I decided to pray more and give it to God. And one day I woke up and decided to exercise for ME, not caring about the world’s opinion about my appearance. I grew to have a healthier relationship with working out, realizing it’s ok to take it week by week, instead of pressuring myself to do it every day.

What Is BDD and Do You Have it Too?

According to Mayo Clinic, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health disorder in which you can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance — a flaw that appears minor or can’t be seen by others. But you may feel so embarrassed, ashamed and anxious that you may avoid many social situations.

BDD is a chronic (long-term) disorder that affects men and women equally. It usually begins during the teen years or early adulthood.

The most common areas of concern for people with BDD include:

Skin imperfections: These include wrinkles, scars, acne, and blemishes.
Hair: This might include head or body hair or absence of hair.
Facial features: Very often this involves the nose, but it also might involve the shape and size of any feature.
Body weight: Sufferers may obsess about their weight or muscle tone.

Because of its similarities to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), BDD is often considered to be on the obsessive-compulsive spectrum. With obsessive-compulsive disorder, you may suffer from recurrent thoughts, fears, or images that you cannot control. Any anxiety you feel leads to the performance of rituals or routines (known as compulsions) that help release the tension. When you have BDD, your obsession with perceived flaws can lead to negative effects on your social, professional, and family relationships as well.

How Kevin Overcame It and Finally Lost the Weight

“I’ve worked my way out of a dark place and now I want to use my journey to encourage people to make their own live changes,” confessed Kevin. “Your goals are valid!”

“It was a lot of work and transformations don’t come overnight, it’s day by day. Learning yourself, having the perseverance to never quit and building yourself towards what you truly want to become. Some days will be hard…but worth it. And I’m still working and building myself day by day but the goal is to never quit on yourself. Success in life comes when you simply refuse to give up. Never give up on anything you do. Just get better and stay consistent.”

“Eating Right! Working Out! Loving Yourself! Those were my accountability factors that aided in my transformation. I will be launching a fitness program in these coming days…You can do it; we can do it—Let’s go!”

How You Can Lose Over 100 Pounds Too!

Losing over 100 pounds is a significant health goal that requires a sustainable, long-term approach. It’s best achieved through a combination of dietary changes, increased physical activity, and lifestyle adjustments, all while prioritizing overall health and well-being. If you want to do it right and keep it off, check out these tips:

1. Dietary Changes:

- Calorie Deficit: Creating a calorie deficit is crucial for weight loss. Aim for a moderate deficit of 500-1000 calories per day to lose about 1-2 pounds per week, which is a sustainable rate.
- Focus on Whole Foods: Prioritize nutrient-rich foods like lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Healthy Fats: Incorporate healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and seeds.

Limit Processed Foods, Sugary Drinks, and Excessive Alcohol: These are often high in calories and low in nutrients.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help with digestion, muscle function, and appetite control.

Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, and practice portion control.

Track your intake: Keeping a food diary can help you become aware of your eating habits and identify areas for improvement.

2. Increase Physical Activity:

Find Activities You Enjoy:

Incorporate a variety of activities like walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing into your routine.

Start Slowly:

Begin with shorter durations and gradually increase the intensity and duration as you get fitter.

Strength Training:

Include strength training exercises 2-4 times per week to build muscle mass, which can boost your metabolism.

Aim for 10,000 Steps:

Increasing your daily step count can significantly contribute to calorie burning.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments:

Prioritize Sleep:

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night, as sleep deprivation can affect your metabolism and hormone levels.

Manage Stress:

Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.

Be Patient and Consistent:

Weight loss takes time, and it’s important to stay patient and consistent with your efforts.

Seek Support:

Consider joining a weight loss support group or working with a healthcare professional for guidance and encouragement.

Address Underlying Issues:

If you have any underlying health conditions, consult with your doctor to address them before starting a weight loss program.

4. Dealing with Plateaus:

Re-evaluate Your Habits: Everybody has plateaus in their weight loss journey. The key is to identify any potential slip-ups or areas where you can improve your diet and exercise routine.