Real-Life Weight Loss Story: Obesity in kids has been on the rise for a while now due to multiple reasons including bad lifestyle habits, genetics and other factors. Some kids start gaining weight from a very early age and face health problems later in life. For Amit Khanna, a 40-year-old photographer, director, and writer, the battle with obesity was more than just a weight loss challenge—it was a lifelong struggle. Having weighed over 200 kgs by the age of 16, Amit’s journey to fitness has been filled with ups and downs. But now he is at his healthiest weight — 71 kgs. How did he do it? In an exclusive interview with Times Now, he shared how he was able to achieve this massive weight loss transformation.

Amit's relationship with his weight began in childhood when he was labelled an "obese kid" early on. By his teens, his weight had skyrocketed, and attempts to lose weight often led to temporary success followed by even greater weight gain. “I tried everything—diets, fads, exercises, and even surgeries—but every time I lost weight, it would come back with a vengeance. My struggle became especially intense when I contracted COVID-19 four times due to obesity, which took a toll on my health,” he shares.

In February 2023, at over 120 kgs, Amit finally decided to work under the guidance of Harshal Milani from Fittr. With his support, he followed a structured calorie deficit plan, walked 10,000 steps daily, and maintained a workout routine. “I lost over 50 kgs in 20 months and have now reached the healthiest weight of my life,” he said.

After decades of battling obesity, what inspired Amit the most was the desire to experience a life he hadn’t known—a life with energy, mobility, and freedom. “I wanted to live fully and do things I missed out on as a child. Harshal’s approach, which felt achievable and sustainable, gave me the confidence to finally commit fully to a healthier life,” he shares.

“At my heaviest, I weighed over 200 kgs, and at the beginning of this journey in 2023, I was slightly over 120 kgs. Today, I weigh 71 kgs, which is the lowest weight I’ve been since I was 10 years old,” Amit added.

This transformation took him 20 months, from February 2023 to now. However, his struggle with weight has been lifelong. He has been working on losing weight, in some form or another, since he was a teenager, but his weight would bounce back sooner or later.

“One of the biggest challenges was breaking free from the cycle of weight loss and regain. I had to overcome the mindset that any success would be temporary. Further, my work schedule as a photographer and director is quite erratic, so sticking to a structured diet and workout plan was initially tough. But I found ways to make it work for me,” Amit shares.

Seeing results kept him motivated, especially since he lost 6 kgs in the first month alone. For the first time, he didn’t feel deprived. His Fittr coach included enough food and manageable exercise in his tight schedule. Each small win reminded Amit that his goal was achievable. Plus, the thought of living a healthier, more active life—finally doing the things he missed in his childhood—pushed him to stay on track.

Diet: Amit’s calorie intake started at 2200 calories and was gradually reduced to an average of 1600–1800 calories, with occasional periods at 1350 calories. His meals were balanced, including adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Importantly, he never eliminated any food group entirely, ensuring a sustainable approach.

Exercise: Amit’s fitness routine included 10,000 daily steps, weight training four times a week, yoga, mudgar swings, trampoline exercises, and even creative workouts like flips and jumps. Recently, he also added running to his regimen.

Setbacks Faced In Weight Loss Transformation

Like any long-term journey, Amit encountered setbacks—primarily mental ones. “After every weight loss attempt, I feared regaining the weight,” he admits. The effects of contracting COVID-19 multiple times were another significant hurdle.

However, with the right guidance and a realistic plan, Amit learned to adapt rather than give up. “This time, I focused on consistency. When things got tough, I found ways to adjust instead of quitting,” he says.

“My biggest advice is to be patient and find a sustainable approach that works for you. Quick fixes don’t last, and they can lead to frustration. It’s crucial to have the right guidance, whether it’s a coach, a trainer, or a support system, and to focus on small, achievable goals. Every bit of progress counts. Rather than focusing on losing weight, it’s important to focus on getting fit and I had only kept that mindset,” he said.

The impact of Amit’s transformation goes beyond physical appearance. “My life has changed completely,” he said. From running and jumping on trampolines to learning flips, Amit is experiencing a physical freedom he never had before.

“I feel like I’m living moments I missed all my life,” he reflects. The excitement of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the gratitude he feels toward those who supported him have given Amit a new perspective on life and health.

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