Real Life Weight Loss Story: How Saif Shaikh Channelled Loss into a Life-Changing Fitness Journey (Photos: Saif Aftab Shaikh)
When 33-year-old Saif Aftab Shaikh lost his father, the grief was more than emotional; it weighed him down physically, too. At the time, he was 85 kilos, carrying not just excess weight but the heaviness of a personal loss that plunged him into depression. Today, he stands at 63 kilos, a fitness coach, a model, and an inspiration to many. But this transformation did not happen overnight; it was forged through pain, purpose, and persistence.
Saif's father had been the backbone of their family. His death left a deep void. “Losing him hit me hard,” Saif says. “I felt lost and struggled to find motivation.” In the weeks that followed, Saif found himself slipping into unhealthy routines of sleepless nights, skipped meals, and little energy to get through the day. But somewhere amid the chaos, a spark was lit. “I realised that taking care of my health could be a way to heal both my body and mind,” he shares.
Fixing the Basics
And so began his five-month transformation, what he calls his most personal project yet. Unlike many, he did not chase quick fixes or trends. Instead, Saif started by fixing the basics: his sleep cycle, his eating habits, and his mindset. He turned to clean eating, making home-cooked meals a daily ritual. “Cooking became my therapy. It gave me comfort and a sense of control,” he says.
Saif's Workout Routine
His workout routine was simple but strict: weight training six days a week, paired with low-intensity cardio. “No fancy Instagram exercises. Just consistency and discipline,” he says. The results? A leaner, stronger body and a calmer, more focused mind. But the biggest transformation, he says, was internal. “As I lost weight, I felt lighter in spirit. I gained confidence and found new purpose.”
One of his biggest hurdles was unlearning long-held habits. Years of erratic sleep and junk food were not easy to undo. “There were days I doubted myself and moments when old patterns crept back,” he recalls. But Saif kept going, always coming back to his ‘why’—to honour the memory of his father. “His sacrifices built the life I have today. I wanted to make him proud.”
Turning Setback into Profession
Today, Saif is known not just for his fitness but also for his food. “The only setback I faced was learning to cook. Now I love it! I am a fitness chef. "That is why they call me Fit Biryani Biceps,” he laughs.
He is now helping others take their first step. His advice? “Stay focused. Be consistent. Ignore the noise. People will have opinions, but your journey is yours alone.” Saif believes that transformation is not about perfection; it is about progress. “Even small wins matter. Celebrate them.”
Since his transformation, Saif’s life has taken an exciting turn. From being complimented for his physique to modelling and brand collaborations, doors he never imagined are now wide open. “Life truly feels amazing when you are fit, healthy, and confident,” he says.
What started as a way to cope with loss has become a path to empowerment, not just for Saif but for everyone who hears his story. Because if there is one thing his journey proves, it is this: strength does not just come from lifting weights; it comes from rising every time life tries to pull you down.
