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Russell Okung, the former NFL offensive lineman, astonished fans and fitness enthusiasts alike by shedding over 100 pounds, transforming his body, and embracing a new lifestyle.
Okung is a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion who played in the NFL for 11 seasons. He was drafted sixth overall by the Seattle Seahawks in 2010 and quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive tackles. Okung also played for the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and the struggling Carolina Panthers before announcing his retirement. Known for his formidable presence on the field, Okung’s playing weight often hovered around 310 pounds, a necessity for his role in protecting quarterbacks and anchoring the offensive line.
Okung’s Weight Loss
After retiring from professional football, Okung embarked on a remarkable weight loss journey, motivated by a desire to improve his overall health and well-being. Central to his transformation was an extended fast, during which he consumed only water for 40 days. This extreme approach might seem daunting, but Okung credits it with jumpstarting his weight loss and reshaping his relationship with food. “Long-term water-only fasting is one of the best and hardest things I’ve ever done,” he said on Instagram.
Okung’s weight loss was not merely about shedding pounds; it was about a holistic lifestyle change. Following his fast, he adopted a strict diet focused on whole, unprocessed foods, significantly reducing his carbohydrate intake. He combined his dietary changes with a rigorous exercise regimen, emphasizing cardiovascular activities and strength training.
Beyond the physical changes, Okung has become a vocal advocate for fasting and the benefits of a disciplined, mindful approach to nutrition. He frequently shares his journey on social media, inspiring others to take control of their health. Okung’s transformation is a testament to the power of dedication and the profound impact that lifestyle changes can have on one’s physical and mental well-being.
Can You Do It?
Okung’s struggles are not uncommon – one in three US adults are overweight, and two in five are obese. 9.2% of the population is severely obese, and 6.1% of US children are in the same predicament. That’s a national epidemic, and stats repeated across the world.
Can those suffering find some solace in Okung’s methods?
Firstly, it isn’t advisable to do an extended fast – weight loss is about much more than just not eating. If you’re overweight or obese, then the first thing to do is consult a doctor. You may be prescribed a weight loss drug to help get you started, such as the Qsymia weight loss drug. A person can lose around 10% to 11% of their total body weight after a year of taking the maximum dose, which is 15mg of phentermine or 92mg of topiramate. The drug is FDA-approved and can kick start your weight loss journey like Okung’s fast did for him.
If you wish to lose weight naturally, you can follow some of Okung’s methods. After his fast, he adopted a more disciplined approach, which you can use as a starting point. Simply making small adjustments, such as cutting out sugary foods, heavily processed products, and low-fat alternatives, can make a difference. While it’s not broken down into specifics, Okung had a firm exercise regimen, which is essential. Putting fewer calories in your body stops the build-up of fat, but to shift what you have, you have to become calorie deficient. That can be tough at first, hence why people turn to weight loss drugs to give them the push they need to start.
Conclusion
Okung isn’t the only footballer to battle the bulge in retirement, and several have even had to fight their weight during their playing days. However, they’re people, just like you and me, and whilst Oklung’s methods were a little unconventional, he did exhibit some behaviors that we can all adopt when wanting to cut a few pounds.
