Singaporean Man's Dramatic Health Transformation: From Illness to Wellness

Raeza Ibrahim, a 38-year-old Singaporean lawyer, has dramatically improved his health after years of battling weight-related illnesses. Diagnosed with high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, and a high risk of hypertension, diabetes, and liver disease in 2023, Raeza weighed 220 pounds. He confessed, "I knew I was overweight, but I didn't realize the extent of the damage."

The Road to Recovery

His health struggles began years earlier. Chronic back pain plagued him due to his weight. A 2017 hospitalization for chest pains and a 2020 obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis served as stark warnings. These experiences finally spurred him to make a significant lifestyle change.

The turning point arrived in March 2024 when Raeza joined a Singapore fitness center and embarked on a holistic health plan. This involved a multi-pronged approach targeting various aspects of his well-being.

Strength training three times a week, focusing on weightlifting and exercises like splits, formed a crucial part of his regimen. He diligently aimed for 10,000 steps daily, incorporating physical activity into his routine.

A dietary overhaul was essential. He adopted a 1,800-calorie-per-day diet centered on whole foods prepared at home, ensuring regular mealtimes. This was coupled with mindful eating practices.

Raeza actively addressed his emotional relationship with food. He explained, "Food used to be my stress reliever. I ate to make myself feel better." By changing this mindset, he built a healthier approach to food.

His commitment paid off significantly. Within six months, his cholesterol, liver fat, and blood pressure normalized. Sleep apnea and back pain considerably improved. He shed 57 pounds, lowering his body fat percentage from 34.8% to 14.5%, and his clothing size decreased from XL to S.

Overcoming Setbacks

Raeza's journey wasn't without its challenges. A three-month training stint at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand, in 2016 resulted in a 13-pound weight loss, only to be regained upon returning to his demanding legal career. His demanding job, involving 10-14 hour workdays, five or six days a week, and irregular eating habits, contributed to this setback. He recalls this period as one marked by sleep deprivation, poor diet, and persistent fatigue.

The emotional impact of his weight gain was substantial, affecting his self-esteem and body image. However, the fear of premature death proved to be his strongest motivator. "Feeling bad about your appearance is one thing," he stated, "but feeling your life might end prematurely due to your own negligence is entirely different."

A New Healthy Lifestyle

His new eating plan included specific meals: breakfast of sourdough bread with eggs or fruit, a mid-morning protein shake, lunch of salad with protein, an afternoon snack of fruit, and dinner of lean meat or fish with vegetables and sweet potato.

Positive social media feedback, sharing his progress and healthy meals, further boosted his determination. "The 'likes' and compliments from family and friends kept me motivated," he shared, adding, "Showing off toned arms and a hint of a six-pack is pretty rewarding."

Today, Raeza enjoys optimal physical and mental health. His transformation underscores the power of commitment and holistic lifestyle changes in overcoming serious health challenges.