Weight loss is tough | I lost 45 kgs in one year! No pills, no injections, just hardcore lifestyle change (the whole nine yards)
There was a time in my late 20s when I found myself at a crossroads. I was living in Abu Dhabi, working in Al-Taweelah with a demanding job that required me to commute for hours each day. My life was a monotonous routine of work, commute, and exhaustion. I was obese, carrying an extra 45 kilograms that weighed me down not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well.
Something had to change. And so, I embarked on a journey that would transform my life forever—a journey that would test my limits, challenge my resolve, and ultimately lead me to a version of myself I had never imagined possible.
The Decision to Change: A Turning Point
The decision to lose weight didn’t come overnight. It was the result of countless moments of frustration, self-doubt, and a deep-seated desire to reclaim my life. I knew that if I continued down the path I was on, my health would deteriorate, and I would never truly experience the life I wanted.
Living in Abu Dhabi and commuting to Al-Taweelah for work from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., I had every excuse in the book to avoid taking action. The one-hour commute each way left me drained and longing for rest, not the gym. But I knew I had to push past the excuses and take control of my destiny.
A Grueling Schedule: Balancing Work and Fitness
Balancing my grueling work schedule with a newfound commitment to fitness was no easy task. Every day after work, despite my fatigue, I would head straight to the gym. I pushed myself through 60 to 75 minutes of intense workouts—cardio, strength training, anything that would help me shed the weight that had become a burden on my body and soul.
But I didn’t stop there. After my workout, I would go for a 20-minute swim. Swimming was not just exercise; it was a form of therapy, a way to relax my muscles and clear my mind. I would then end my routine with a 15-minute session in the sauna, allowing the heat to soothe my body and accelerate my weight loss.
This routine was my life. Every day, without fail, I would dedicate myself to my health. It wasn’t easy—far from it. I had to give up so much, including my social life. No more hangouts with friends, no more late-night dinners or spontaneous outings. My life revolved around work and fitness, and it was a sacrifice I was willing to make.
The Price of Success: Social Isolation
One of the hardest parts of my journey was the social isolation that came with it. Living in a demanding culture and society like Abu Dhabi, where social networks are vast and active, it was incredibly difficult to step away from the social scene. My friends and family didn’t always understand why I was absent, why I couldn’t join them for a night out or a gathering.
But I knew that if I wanted to achieve my goal, I had to stay focused. My social life was limited to my off days, and even then, I had to be mindful of my diet and routine. It was a challenge, but I kept reminding myself of the bigger picture—of the healthier, happier life I was working toward.
The Role of a Knowledgeable Trainer
One of the key factors in my success was my personal trainer. He was not just a trainer; he was a mentor, a guide who helped me navigate the complex world of fitness and weight loss. His knowledge and experience were invaluable. Thanks to his guidance, I managed to lose 45 kilograms without developing stretch marks or excess skin—common concerns for anyone undergoing significant weight loss.
My trainer focused on a balanced approach, combining strength training with cardio and a healthy diet. He understood the importance of gradual, sustainable progress, and he helped me build muscle while burning fat, ensuring that my skin adjusted as my body changed.
The Ultimate Transformation
After a year of relentless dedication, I had transformed myself. I was no longer the obese, unhappy person I had been. I was fit, athletic, and lighter—both physically and mentally. It was an incredible achievement, one that I was proud of.
But life has a way of throwing curveballs, and just as I reached the peak of my transformation, tragedy struck. My father was hospitalized during my first week after relocation and then I got that call. I made it back to spend that last week with him in the hospital before he passed away, and with his loss came a significant turning point in my life. The grief was overwhelming, and I found myself losing interest in many things, including staying fit.
A Period of Setback: Losing Sight of My Goals
During this period, I relocated with my employer to a new project in Saudi Arabia. The demands of the job, combined with the grief I was experiencing, led me to find comfort in food. I began consuming unhealthy food at any time, for any reason. My focus on fitness faded, and I lost sight of the progress I had made.
By the time I relocated to Dubai, I was overwhelmed by my new demanding job. The grind had taken its toll on me, both physically and mentally. Even after quitting my job in 2022, it took me over 20 months to recover from the burnout. I was stuck on a hamster wheel, running in circles but going nowhere.
A New Beginning: Rediscovering My Passion for Fitness
But here’s the thing about journeys—they’re rarely linear. After months of recovery, both physically and mentally, I found my way back to fitness. I reconnected with my passion for health and well-being, and I’m back at it!
I’m excited about the future and the progress I’ll make over the coming year despite the challenges of solopreneurship. This journey has taught me that while setbacks are inevitable, they don’t define you. What matters is how you rise from them, how you take the lessons learned and use them to fuel your next chapter.
While being an entrepreneur is challenging and requires plenty of discipline, determination, dedication and persistence, it surely does seem like the weight loss requirements too!
Stay Tuned: The Journey Continues
So here I am, sharing my story with you, hoping that it inspires you to take control of your own journey. Whether you’re struggling with weight loss, dealing with life’s challenges, or simply looking for motivation, know that you have the power to change your life.
Stay tuned for more updates on my progress. The journey continues, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next. And remember—no matter where you are in your journey, it’s never too late to start, never too late to reclaim your life, and never too late to become the best version of yourself!
#StayOutQore #DoItBetter #YoungAtQore