Losing weight isn’t just about dropping pounds or going down clothing sizes.
For one man who shed 100lbs, shedding a third of his body weight revealed something far more uncomfortable: how differently society treats people based on their appearance.
From family members who used to fat-shame him to strangers who now shower him with compliments, his experience exposes the harsh reality of weight bias.
And he achieved this transformation without trendy weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Mounjaro—just old-fashioned diet and exercise.
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The Transformation That Changed Everything
The 27-year-old Reddit user, known as ‘MuscleCrow,’ stands 6’2″ and once weighed 300lbs. He shared his remarkable journey on Reddit, detailing how he lost 100lbs in under seven months.
His clothing size went from XXL to medium, but the physical changes were just the beginning.
I grew up a massive introvert, rarely got any dates or women interested in me. Now, women regularly flirt with me, I’ve been catcalled, and I’ve been on more dates in the last 3 years then I ever had in my entire 20s.
This dramatic shift in how others perceived him opened his eyes to society’s deeply ingrained weight bias—something many people face but rarely discuss openly.
His Simple But Strict Weight Loss Strategy
MuscleCrow’s approach involved no shortcuts or pharmaceutical interventions. Instead, he relied on dietary changes, consistent cardio, and strength training.
I changed my diet, went on a keto diet for the most part, and I walked 5-6 days a week for 1 hour. Would go outside, put on music, and just walk.
His daily routine included restricting carbohydrates and consuming between 1,600 and 1,800 calories per day—significantly below the 2,500kcal recommended for active men maintaining their weight.
The Classic Bodybuilder Diet
Like countless fitness enthusiasts before him, MuscleCrow ate what many consider bodybuilding staples: chicken breast, rice, and broccoli. Repetitive? Absolutely. Effective? His results speak for themselves.
Beyond walking daily after work, he incorporated regular strength training with weights, which became increasingly important as he transitioned from weight loss to muscle building.
I have been maintaining it, I’ve kept the weight off for about 3 years now. Mainly doing strength training, been building up some serious muscle over the past 2~ years.
Society’s Uncomfortable Double Standard
Growing up heavier meant MuscleCrow endured years of subtle and not-so-subtle mistreatment. Bullies hurled insults. Compliments were rare. Romantic interest? Almost nonexistent.
After losing weight, everything flipped.
I rarely got compliments as a kid, or an adult, especially unprompted. Now, compliments kind of just fly my way.
Strangers became friendlier. People were more engaged in conversations. His social world expanded dramatically—not because his personality changed, but because his appearance did.
More Than Just Physical Changes
Fair enough, MuscleCrow acknowledges that his internal transformation played a role too. Losing weight boosted his confidence and shifted his outlook on life.
My friends of all told me that I am much more positive person now I’m more outgoing and just generally I’m much happier overall.
But the stark difference in treatment reveals an uncomfortable truth: society judges people heavily on appearance, often before they’ve said a single word.
Even Family Members Changed Their Tune
Perhaps most painfully, MuscleCrow experienced fatphobia from those closest to him—his own family.
My parents would mildly fat shame me as a kid, they don’t do that anymore. My dad actively tells me how good I look, and that I should keep doing what I’m doing.
For many people who’ve never carried extra weight, it’s difficult to comprehend how pervasive weight stigma can be. Children often experience their first cruel comments about their bodies not on playgrounds, but at home.
Extended family members who see MuscleCrow just once yearly now pile on compliments and admiration.
All my other relatives were impressed the first time when I saw them. I only see my distant relatives once a year, they were admiring my muscles at the last pool party. Lol.
Dating Became Dramatically Easier
MuscleCrow’s dating life underwent perhaps the most dramatic transformation. Confidence matters tremendously in romantic pursuits, and years of society telling larger people they’re unworthy of love takes a psychological toll.
After reaching 200lbs, his experiences shifted completely.
When I go out, which is usually the weekends, I get flirted with at least once. Lots of arm/bicep touching.
He also revealed that carrying 300lbs had physical consequences beyond appearance, including erectile dysfunction issues with the few partners he had before losing weight.
All my dates have ended in hookups, except for one.
While increased confidence certainly contributes to dating success, the dramatic difference in romantic attention highlights society’s conflation of physical attractiveness with thinness.
Not Everything About Rapid Weight Loss Was Positive
Despite celebrating his transformation, MuscleCrow admits he made mistakes during his weight loss journey that he wouldn’t recommend to others.
I definitely overdid it. I was so focused on my goal that I had some bad weeks where I would severely under eat, and just suffer with a hungry stomach until the next day. I definitely don’t recommend that.
Extreme calorie restriction can be dangerous, leading to nutritional deficiencies, muscle loss, metabolic slowdown, and disordered eating patterns.
Dealing With Loose Skin
Rapid, significant weight loss often comes with loose skin—something MuscleCrow experienced firsthand.
I do have some loose skin which has gotten better over time as I’ve used a ton of moisturizer and built muscle to try and help. It’s not too bad, but I’m not at a low body fat yet to see how much more loose it would become.
He estimates having about 5 percent loose skin, which has improved over two years through consistent moisturizing and building muscle mass to fill out his frame.
What This Story Reveals About Weight Stigma
MuscleCrow’s experience isn’t unique. Countless people who’ve lost significant weight report similar shifts in how they’re treated—by strangers, friends, family, and potential romantic partners.
This raises important questions about unconscious bias and societal values. Should someone’s worth, likability, or attractiveness depend so heavily on their body size?
While celebrating health improvements and increased confidence is absolutely valid, the dramatic difference in treatment based solely on appearance exposes deep-seated prejudices many people don’t even realize they hold.
For those considering similar transformations, MuscleCrow’s journey offers both inspiration and cautionary tales. Sustainable weight loss requires patience, consistency, and balanced approaches—not extreme restriction that leaves you suffering with hunger.
His success in maintaining his weight loss for three years demonstrates that lasting change is possible through continued dedication to strength training and healthy habits.
