You’ve probably stumbled upon this page because you're looking to make lifestyle changes to lose weight, decrease body fat, and live a healthier life overall. Congratulations—you should be proud of taking this step! Whether these thoughts have been on your mind for months or just recently, I was in your exact position a few years ago.
Early Struggles
For most of my life, I was overweight, if not obese. As a bigger kid, I was always very active, playing sports like basketball and football. However, my diet consisted of lots of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats, with minimal protein. They say you can’t out-exercise a bad diet, which is true—every year, I consistently gained at least 10 pounds.
The image on the left is me at 12 years old, at around 200 pounds. The image on the right is me approximately a month before my 18th birthday, weighing around 265 pounds.
With pressure from family and friends, I tried every year to lose weight. Whether it was new exercise regimes or diet plans like keto or vegan, I tried every tactic under the sun, yet could never truly lose weight. At some point, I accepted that I was just going to be overweight or obese for the rest of my life. As long as I was healthy, I didn’t mind being on the bigger side.
The Turning Point
However, my optimism about my health quickly took a sharp turn. I remember my 18th annual checkup when my pediatrician told me that my BMI had reached 34.5—I was 270 pounds, the heaviest I had ever been. I was classified as pre-diabetic. I remember the shock I felt hearing those words. My mother was sitting beside me, in tears, angry at herself and me. I knew what diabetes was, but I never truly understood the physiological detriments associated with Type 2 Diabetes. I couldn’t sleep for days after learning what it could lead to—life-long insulin dependence, damage to my blood vessels, and a compromised immune system. I was horrified for my future, angry at myself for neglecting my health, and fearful of the burden I could become to my friends and family. Out of complete fear for my health, I fully committed to weight loss.
The Journey
Fast forward a few years, I have lost 80 pounds and have maintained a healthy weight. Through trials and tribulations, I have mastered the process of dieting and exercise regimens to improve my health and body composition. No longer prediabetic, I am excited to live a healthier life.
This image is of me at my current weight of around 180 to 185 pounds.
Why I Started This Blog
While my story may spark some motivation and reassurance that you too can lose weight, you are probably wondering: Yash, what steps did you take to actually lose the weight? These questions about the journey are the exact reasons why I decided to start this blog.
With my blog, I don’t plan to delve deeply into the science behind weight loss. While I may briefly touch on the science of calories and thermodynamics, there are thousands of other individuals more qualified to speak on the matter and millions of social media posts that can explain it cohesively (I will link a couple of my favorite sources below).
With this blog, I aim to share the nuanced, subjective insights from my weight loss journey that textbooks or scientific literature don’t explain. I want to share the tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way that have helped me keep pushing and achieve my goals as efficiently as possible.
Furthermore, as a second-generation Indian American, I believe that the regional diet, mental paradigms regarding food and exercise, and genetics associated with the South Asian region make individuals like myself susceptible to obesity and metabolic disorders. I aspire to share changes I have made in my diet that have enabled me to lose weight while still appreciating the foods and culture of my region.
Feel free to reach out via email at “ykumarnyc@gmail.com” or message me through my site if you have any personal questions about weight loss. Whether you need a motivational pep talk to start your journey, advice on strength training regimes, or tips on building a balanced meal, I am happy to help in any way!
Disclaimer: I am not a certified personal trainer, dietitian, or medical professional. The information provided in this blog is based on my personal experiences and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a qualified professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. Your individual health needs and conditions should be taken into consideration before making any lifestyle changes.
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