This Kottayam man sheds 8 kilos in two-and-a-half months

Mahesh Kottarathil, a Central government employee belonging to Pala in Kottayam district, used to maintain his health and weight properly. However, he experienced a sudden increase in weight a few months ago.

Mahesh explains: “Everything turned topsy-turvy when my wife Saranya went to her house for the second delivery. I began having food from restaurants and the effect of hotel dishes and junk food was soon seen on my body. Though I put on much weight, nobody noticed it as I stand 185 cm tall. However, I was aware what was happening to me.”

When Mahesh checked his weight, he was shocked. The weighing machine showed 96 kg. Being a health conscious person, Mahesh decided that he would put in all efforts to bring his weight down to the BMI (body mass index) level.

“I felt that instead of making an attempt to reduce weight all alone, a comprehensive effort would be better. A search was launched and I soon noticed a Facebook post related to ‘Weight-loss challenge’. I became a member of the group,” says Mahesh.

“I am generally a lazy guy. But after setting out on a mission, I am determined to complete it. This character helped me produce results in the weight-loss challenge too,” he adds.

However, Mahesh’s activities to cut the flab lasted only two-and-a-half months as he developed some other health issues. “Still, I lost eight kg during that period,” he reveals.

Even though the youth gave a break to workouts, he continued his diet diligently. His target was to achieve a weight-loss of 10 kg – reduce his weight from 96 to 86 kg. “After my health issues are solved, workouts have to be resumed for the meeting the target,” says Mahesh.

Meanwhile, Mahesh’s wife had no clue that he was engaged in the strenuous task of cutting his weight. “When I went to meet her, she was surprised at my appearance. ‘You have become more handsome after losing your pot-belly’, she commented,” says the youth with a smile.

After Mahesh started his weight-loss plan, he avoided all fried and roasted items.

“While having food from hotel rice is restricted to two ladles. Meanwhile, the amount of vegetable recipes was increased. Earlier, I used to have rice twice a day. Now, my daily intake of rice is one cup. Alongside, protein-rich food items like green gram have found a prime spot in my daily diet. Leafy vegetables that have a large amount of fibres are also a major part of my meals now,” he says.

While engaged in the weight-loss challenge, Mahesh carried out aerobics, push-ups, karate and other physical exercises.

“Everyone now comments that I need to gain some weight. But I am not prepared to do that. My goal is to achieve 80 kg. Efforts in this direction will be launched by May,” says the youth.