As he grew up, his weight also ballooned. Hed enjoyed sports, especially basketball, but his size made it hard to stay active. Instead, he retreated further into food. I would binge eat as much as I wanted, and whatever I wanted, pretty much all day, often eating until I felt sick to my stomach, he says. I became lazier and more dependent on food as not only a way to fill me up, but almost a hobby. It was something I looked forward to; stuffing my face and eating to capacity was something I hated enjoying.
He remembers the exact day of his heaviest recorded weight: April 3rd, 2018. That day, Thaher was 19 years old, and weighed 438 pounds. Hed become depressed and self-isolating, dropping out of school. That day, looking at the scale, he dedicated himself to changing. I felt ashamed and disappointed with how far I let myself go, he says. I was determined to change and finally take control of my life again.
Starting off, Thaher says, I really went into it with an all-in mindset. That meant hitting the gym every day, even as he learned the basics thanks to friends and online tutorials. At his size, he initially stuck to low-intensity cardio, biking or walking on the treadmill while he stoked his resolve. I needed to prove to myself I had the potential to get it done and I didnt have to be the person I was before I started this journey, he says. Hes now doing a six-day push-pull leg routine along with at least four days of cardio (usually HIIT) a week. Hes on a high-protein, low-carb diet with IF/OMAD (intermittent fasting/one meal a day).
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In just over 16 months, hes lost more than 200 pounds. Hed like to lose 20 to 30 more pounds; 17 pounds would get him to 219, half his weight when he started. Once hes satisfied with his weight, he wants to start bodybuilding, to add muscle mass and strength . I am nowhere close to finished; I am actually just getting started, he says. I have so much planned to help not only myself but as well as the community and to spread a positive message.
Thaher says dropping the weight has really given him a purpose. I want to set an example and help inspire others to become a better version of themselves, whether that means losing 20 pounds or whatever else, he says. I am as well physically and mentally feeling better than ever, and continue to get more confident with who I am on the inside and out every day.
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