“Congratulations! Your spine is as old as that of a 55-year-old man. If you come after a year, I will prescribe a walking stick for you,”—this is what Sajith’s doctor told him at the age of 35. From then onwards, his life was a struggle. Within 3 months, he had lost 11 kgs, cholesterol that hit him from the age of 20, and back pain. Sajith was indeed fit to be a role model. His life is also a cautionary note to youngsters who eat junk food and shy away from exercise. Sajith who almost lost his life has a tale of resilience to share with you. He talks to Manorama from Dubai.
Getting old at the age of 35
He has a story of a comeback to share with you. About a young man who felt old at the age of 35. About trying every diet in the world and failing.
Since he got cholesterol at the age of 20, Sajith was always careful about his health. Perhaps it is better to add that till 2018, he continued a disciplined lifestyle but post that his diet and lifestyle went for a toss. From 72, he reached 96 kgs. During the pandemic, he was unable to go out or exercise for nearly 6 months. Then of course the difficulties that came with Covid apart from the fact that he was too lazy to workout added to his woes. It came to a point when he would lose 3-4 kilos after every diet and put it all back and more within no time. Since there was no one to control his bachelor life, except for smoking he had all sorts of unhealthy habits. These habits resulted in the fatty liver as well. And weight gain led to wear and tear on the spine as well as back aches. Things were getting out of control. It was when he saw the photos of National Day celebrations that he realised the changes that had happened to him.
So he decided to join a fitness and fat loss group. He was 96 kilos. Though they prescribed the daily workout and diet, he was irregular initially. But this January 15th when he woke up he realised that he couldn’t move. After checking his x-ray reports, it was the ortho doctor’s words that gave him a reality check—“Congratulations, your spine is now as old as that of a 55-year-old man. After a year, I will prescribe a walking stick for you.”
He felt totally helpless after hearing those words. Back in his room, he had made a resolution to get relief from this situation.
Unbelievable but true
As a first step, he started to follow everything instructed in the group. 5-day workout and portion-controlling food according to the required calorie intake. He made sure to drink 3 litres of water daily. Within 3 months, he lost 11 kilos and reached 81 kilos.
He says once he reduced his weight, the back pain also vanished. But what really stunned him was that his high cholesterol also disappeared. So did fatty liver. His diabetes, which was at its pre-diabetic stage also became normal.
In secret
His friends were stunned by his transformation. But they first asked him if he had diabetes. It took some time to convince them that he had truly changed his old habits and was now following a healthy lifestyle. Having said that he felt happy to receive their compliments. Now it is a relief to wear certain shirts that earlier didn’t fit. He also feels super energetic now. He kept his new workout and diet plan a secret from his wife who is based in Kerala and showed only his face on video calls. So this new avatar will surely surprise her. His 7-year-old son kept calling him fat. They aren’t aware of his drastic weight loss. He is excited about seeing them again and watching their surprise at seeing him. That’s why he is consistently following the routine.
