At 51, Anthony Kochevar says he feels better than he has in decades. After reaching 350 pounds — his highest weight ever — the South Jordan, Utah resident committed to lasting change. Today, he weighs 195 pounds, has added visible muscle and says he now “craves” the workouts he once avoided.
A Lifetime of Ups and Downs
Kochevar grew up overweight in a family where obesity was common. As a teenager, he lost 100 pounds through biking, only to regain most of it later. In his mid-30s, he slimmed down again by running and severely restricting calories — sometimes eating as little as 800 calories per day — an approach he now recognizes as unhealthy and unsustainable. After experiencing mental health challenges and taking medication that increased his appetite, the weight returned once more. By October 2023, the scale read 350 pounds, and he says he felt physically limited and exhausted.
Building Sustainable Habits
This time, his strategy was different. Kochevar began using Noom, focusing on balanced nutrition rather than starvation. He gradually eliminated processed foods, cut back on chips and sweets and increased fruits and vegetables. Over a year, he lost about 50 pounds. Recognizing that diet alone wasn’t enough, he added structured exercise. In early 2025, he began running and incorporating more cardio, then started weightlifting. After hiring a personal trainer, his progress accelerated. “That’s when things really took off,” he says.
A Daily Commitment to Movement
Kochevar now aims for 13,000 steps every day. He mixes outdoor walks with at-home workouts, sometimes using routines from Leslie Sansone or even playing video games while staying on his feet. He lifts weights four times a week, splitting sessions between upper body and lower body with core training. The consistency has paid off. Not only has he lost fat, but he has built noticeable muscle — something he says motivates him even more. Exercise is no longer a chore; it’s a habit he actively seeks out.
Health Gains Beyond the Scale
His transformation goes beyond appearance. Kochevar reports improvements in cholesterol levels, mental health and overall energy. Conditions that once concerned his doctors — including obesity-related complications — have significantly improved. He now takes only one prescription medication for blood pressure. Though he briefly considered GLP-1 weight-loss medications, he ultimately achieved his results through diet, strength training and daily movement. His advice to others over 50: seek professional guidance, build a realistic plan and focus on making healthy habits permanent. For him, fitness is no longer a short-term goal — it’s a lifestyle he intends to maintain.
