Real Life Weight Loss Story: 1.5 Years, One Surgery, and Countless Steps—Paras’ Journey From 97kg to a Fitter, Calmer Self (Photos: Paras Malay Dave)
At 28, Paras Malay Dave could read charts, analyse data, and build strategies like a pro; after all, he is a business analyst consultant. But there was one crucial spreadsheet in his life that was not adding up: his health. Weighing in at 97 kg with a body fat percentage touching 40 percent, Paras was not just battling numbers at work; he was navigating the tricky terrain of wellness in a world full of temptation, takeout, and tight schedules.
What began as a casual “let’s try this” moment turned out to be a full-blown lifestyle audit. And it paid off.
Under the expert mentorship of Fittr coach Priyank Raghuvanshi, Paras committed to the long haul. In 1.5 years, he dropped to 72 kg and, more impressively, whittled his body fat down to under 15 percent. “It was not magic. It was a choice. And then repetition of that choice every single day,” he says.
From Social Foodie to Smart Eater
The shift did not come easy. One of Paras' biggest curveballs? Turning down that second helping of biryani at a friend’s house or the delicious dessert at family dinners. “Saying no was hard, especially when food was a love language in my social circle,” he admits. “But I had to redefine who I was, not just for them, but for me.”
Portion control was another task. He had to learn not just to resist hyper-palatable foods but to genuinely prefer balance over bingeing. That meant making peace with roti and rice as part of a smarter nutritional framework where protein took centre stage.
And the workouts? “They aren’t chores anymore. They are just... part of the day, like brushing my teeth,” Paras says. His focus was on building strength with perfect form, treating each session like a skill to refine rather than a punishment for past indulgence.
Setbacks, Surgeries, and Showing Up Anyway
But it was not all upward graphs. A move between countries disrupted his rhythm, leading to weight gain and frustration. Then came a laparoscopic bilateral hernia surgery, sidelining him from the gym for weeks. “It was rough. I felt like I’d let myself down,” he shares. But Paras did not let the detour define the destination. His coach helped him stay focused on recovery, reinforcing that healing is as much a part of fitness as lifting weights.
More Than Muscle: A Total Reset
The transformation was not just skin-deep. Paras now boasts a resting heart rate that dropped from 60 to under 50, sharper mental clarity, and an immune system that rarely throws in the towel. “I feel stronger, not just physically, but in how I manage stress, sleep, and even my emotions. That discipline in fitness has spilt over into my entire life,” he says.
His advice? Start. Just Start.
“The best time to start was yesterday,” Paras says, echoing a sentiment many ignore until it is urgent. “But the next best time? Right now. Do not wait for the perfect moment; it rarely shows up. Prioritise yourself. Because once the results show up, they become the best motivation you will ever need.”
