Ali Sulieman’s incredible 197kg weight-loss journey
An Aussie man has opened up on the hard work that resulted in an incredible body transformation.
Tasmania
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Ali Sulieman has turned his life around. Two years ago, he tipped the scales at 335kg. He struggled to walk or even put on shoes. Today, Ali is 138kg – well on his way to his goal of 100kg, and about to walk in the annual Point to Pinnacle.
“My GP told me that I needed to turn things around, that it was only a matter of time until I wouldn’t be around anymore … she said, ‘the only thing you have going for you is your youth,” Mr Sulieman said.
The 29-year-old suffered from a number of weight-related diseases and had trouble even putting on his shoes.
“I wanted to lose the weight for my health. I don’t believe there is anyone that’s 300-plus kilos that shouldn’t try to lose weight. I wanted to live a long, healthy life, but exercising hurt. Everything was a struggle. It was just more comfortable to stay on the couch or in bed,” Mr Sulieman said.
With the help of a performance coach Ben Holos and a personal trainer Michael Behrakis from DoDay Personal Training as well as a healthier diet and mindfulness training, Mr Sulieman has worked his way back to better health and is still losing weight each week.
The point to Pinnacle event has help to motivate him to train.
“Walking up a mountain was inconceivable,” he said.
“But last year I did it. I walked to the Pub with the DoDay community, and it was a big struggle, but it felt so great to achieve it. Now, I want to do it every year!
“This year, I have decided to go to the pub again but do it in a faster time than last year, last year I did it in 2 hours and 30 minutes, this year I aim to do it in under two hours.
“Next year my goal is to walk to the pinnacle. It’s a really great event and it gives me something to work towards.
“It feels so great to participate with my community in an iconic event that fundraises for some great causes, climbing a mountain is also really symbolic of overcoming ones challenges.”
HOW ALI SULIEMAN LOST 197kg
No one likes to think about dying – especially when you are just 29 years old.
But for Ali Sulieman a frank conversation with his GP sparked a change which has transformed his life.
Back then he was a man mountain. He tipped the scales at 335kg and was in serious trouble.
“Two years ago, I was in hospital with serious medical issues,” explains Mr Sulieman.
“I was losing the battle with my weight that had become so serious I could no longer walk or put on shoes. I needed a machine to keep me breathing while I slept.
“My GP told me that I needed to turn things around, that it was only a matter of time until I wouldn’t be around anymore.
“She said, ‘the only thing you have going for you is your youth.’
“I had morbid obesity, morbid meaning ‘disease state’, I was suffering from multiple health-related issues due to my excessive weight. I had liver disease, lymphedema, sleep apnoea and experienced constant unbearably painful muscle cramps.
“Soon after I started making some much-needed positive changes all of the health issues resolved.”
Now 32, Mr Suliman’s transformation has taken incredible persistence, hard work and the support of a great group of people. He aims to inspire others to live healthier lives through positive lifestyle changes.
“I wanted to lose the weight for my health. I don’t believe there is anyone that’s 300+ kilos that shouldn’t try to lose weight. I wanted to live a long, healthy life, but exercising hurt. Everything was a struggle. It was just more comfortable to stay on the couch or in bed,” He recalled.
Mr Sulieman began training three days a week.
When he first started at the gym, he couldn’t raise his arms above his head, he couldn’t do a squat or get up off the floor without holding on to something. Moving in any way was very difficult.
“I trained … three days per week and did a full body scan every week to check my progress and keep me on track.
“I started walking everywhere. I got a dog, Chester, a golden retriever, who has been a big part of my journey. I walk him twice a day or rather, he walks me!
“I love to walk, I average about 20,000 steps per day and lift weights in two different environments six times per week. Each Saturday I go for a big swim to reset and recover.”
Mr Sulieman says weight loss is about making lifestyle changes and that exercise and good sleep are so important, but rates nutrition as a the main factor.
“I’m very serious about my diet and meal planning. 90 per cent of what I eat I prepare myself. I don’t follow any set ‘diet’ but eat a variety of well-balanced meals based on whole foods,” he said.
Mr Sulieman is also practices Mindfulness-Integrated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MiCBT) under the guidance of world-renowned Dr Bruno Cayoun.
He says that the practice has been “life-changing”.
Mr Sulieman also attributes much of his success to the support of his family and friends.
“Being surrounded by those that love and support you is so crucial for anyone undergoing such a major life change,” he said.
Mr Sulieman is now 138kg – having lost an amazing 197kg. He still maintains his healthy eating and training routine and is still losing weight each week. His goal of 100kg is now well in sight.
“I didn’t think I could ever be 100kg or do all the things that I am doing now.
“I hope that my story can inspire others. Nobody is too far gone no matter their situation. I want to see those that struggle with their weight and health strive to achieve the success that I have, it’s 100 per cent worth it.”
Of course there have been many ups and downs.
“There are times when you feel disheartened. At some point, you reach a plateau. It happened to me at about the two-year mark – but it’s important to remember why you’re doing it, work harder and never give up,” he said.
Mr Sulieman wants to leverage his lived experience to help others and encourages anyone who is struggling themselves to reach out if they’d like support or advice.
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