Harry Spacagna, a 24-year-old, lost almost half of his body weight in just two years. Starting at 137 kilograms, Spacagna changed his snacking habits and lifestyle to lose 47 kilograms. He mentioned having an emotional issue with eating and consuming high-calorie fast food items, particularly burgers and fries. While his meals were generally healthy, he admitted to overeating at times due to stress or emotional reasons. “I had issues with my mental health, so I would eat to feel better,” he said.

The young man recounted struggling with body image issues since childhood and facing serious health problems due to excessive weight gain in adulthood. “I was always into sports, but as I got older, I became more restricted. I was out of breath and couldn’t keep up with my friends,” he added. The transformation began while on vacation in Germany in April 2023 when a friend made a comment that struck him deeply. “We were out with a group of friends, and one of them turned to me and said, ‘Buddy, you really need to get yourself together, we are all very worried about you,'” he recalled. These words changed Spacagna’s life. “It hit me hard and was a wake-up call. I wanted to have children in the next five years and play football with them,” he said.

Subsequently, Spacagna started playing football with other friends who wanted to lose weight and made a radical change in his eating habits. “The support of my friends was crucial. We motivated each other through WhatsApp, and it gave me the strength to keep going,” he said. Eventually, Spacagna began going to the gym with a fitness coach. “Initially, I was doing weight training to gain muscle because my coach said I would burn more calories as I gained muscle. Now, I consume 2,500 calories daily and still lose weight,” he explained.

Emphasizing that he completely changed his relationship with food and now finds it much easier to process his emotions without resorting to food for comfort, Spacagna said, “I no longer see food as a crutch.” He noted that the confidence gained through his weight loss journey also impacted his professional life. Spacagna’s current goal is to lose 9 more kilograms and achieve six-pack abs. However, buying a new wardrobe last year was a very emotional experience for him. “I had never been able to go to a store and buy my own clothes before,” he said.

Spacagna’s story highlights how lifestyle changes and support groups can be incredibly effective in achieving personal goals.