Rich Branscum's transformation story is one of the most inspirational I've ever heard. The Ohio resident was only 17 when his doctor told him he wouldn't make it to 21 if he continued his unhealthy lifestyle. That's because, even though he was only a teenager, Branscum already weighed 455 pounds. Six years later, the college student has not only managed to lose 300 pounds, but has also become a bodybuilder!
But, how did he do it?
Read more ¿Qué más?: SEE: What your doctors aren't telling you about drastic weight loss
Before I tell you, you need to know the heartbreaking story of how Branscum's weight problems got started because I think it's something lots of people can relate to. His beloved father suffered from such severe diabetes that he lost his sight when Branscum was only 1. Still, he was an exemplary father who love and supported his son in everything he did. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated and one day his son came home from high school and found him dead in the kitchen.
The impact of his death was so profound that Branscum sought comfort in food–an escape that many people with weight problems know very well. Slowly and thanks to all the junk food he ate in massive quantities, he found himself obese. When a doctor warned him he'd end up dead unless he made a drastic change in his life, Branscum realized he had only one choice if he wanted to live.
So with the help of his best friend, he started going to the gym every day, removed all the excesses from his diet and armed himself with patience and perseverance. Gradually, he began to lose the pounds and started seeing the changes. Over time, being healthy has become an obsession of sorts. And, that's how he's gotten into bodybuilding.
I can only imagine how incredibly proud he must feel of his amazing accomplishment, but Branscum says that he knows that the one who's really proud of him is his father, whom he feels by his side all the time. And … I believe him!
Images via Facebook/Rich Branscum
