A morbidly obese man whose doctor told him he was a “ticking time bomb” has lost 365 pounds naturally, without drugs or bariatric surgery.
Nicholas Craft, 42, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has struggled with overeating since childhood and weighed 300 pounds in high school. As of June 2019, his weight had increased to 649 pounds.
Almost four years later, after a promise to his grandmother, he’s dropped to 285 pounds while continuing to work towards his goal weight.
“I wanted to live longer,” he told Fox News of his incredible weight loss.
Nicholas Craft, 42, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has lost more than half his body weight after his weight increased to 649 pounds in June 2019 (pictured).
Craft went from 649 pounds (L) to 285 pounds (R) in three years after changing his diet
“I haven’t reached my weight loss goal yet,” he told Fox News. “But it feels good to know that my story can help people struggling with their weight.”
Craft explained that he turned to food for comfort while battling depression, and his overeating became a vicious cycle.
His food caused him to withdraw from his family and friends, which only aggravated his sedentary lifestyle.
Craft’s weight caused him to have knee pain, body aches and shortness of breath. Unable to fit in regular sized vehicles, he stopped traveling and going to family events.
At 5-foot-9, his doctor warned him his life was on the line unless he made lifestyle changes, saying he was a “ticking time bomb.”
Craft also had the support of his grandmother, Georgia Moody, who encouraged him to lose weight before her death in 2019.
“My grandmother died before she could see the change in my weight loss,” he said. “She wanted to see me more often. I promised her I’d lose weight so I could see her more often.”
Craft explained that he has struggled with his weight since childhood (pictured)
When he was in high school, he weighed 300 pounds
Craft turned to food for comfort while battling depression, and his overeating became a vicious cycle
Craft said he’s withdrawn from his family and friends, which has only made his sedentary lifestyle worse
Craft’s weight caused him to have knee pain, body aches and shortness of breath. His doctor told him he was a ‘ticking time bomb’
Craft started his weight loss the old-fashioned way by eliminating junk food, including soda and fried foods.
He focused on lifestyle changes — not quick fixes. Instead of eating bread, pasta, and other carbohydrates, he focused on meals filled with protein, vegetables, and fruits.
He also reduced calories, starting with a limit of 1,200 to 1,500 calories per day, and increased his daily exercise. When the weight went off, he started strength training with dumbbells.
Craft has learned to control his cravings over the years and is no longer tempted by the foods he used to overeat.
His breathing and physical pain have improved. He has more energy and fits in a normal vehicle again.
He also has a new doctor who praised him for his “incredible” weight loss.
Craft said he wishes his grandmother could see his progress.
Craft’s life motivation inspired him to lose weight. He started making healthy lifestyle changes. He gave up junk food and reduced his calorie intake
When the weight went off, he started strength training with dumbbells. His breathing and physical pain have improved, and he can once again fit in a normal-sized vehicle
Craft has documented his weight loss with before-and-after photos on Facebook and TikTok, where he’s received a slew of supportive comments
However, having lost more than half his body weight, he now struggles with painful excess skin clinging to his body
Craft’s sister started a GoFundMe on his behalf with the goal of raising $20,000 for the life-changing surgery
Craft shared that he plans to lose more weight until he reaches his goal
“She would be so proud of me,” he told Fox News. “She was my source of motivation.”
Craft has documented his weight loss with before-and-after photos on Facebook and TikTok, where he’s received a slew of supportive comments.
However, having lost more than half his body weight, he now struggles with painful excess skin clinging to his body.
His health insurance does not cover the cost of skin removal because it is a cosmetic procedure.
Craft’s sister started a GoFundMe on his behalf with the goal of raising $20,000 for the life-changing surgery.
In the meantime, he plans to lose more weight.
“I haven’t reached my weight loss goal yet,” he said. “But it feels good to know that my story can help people struggling with their weight.”
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