Man Loses Nearly 140 Pounds After A Triple Diagnosis
At the age of 35, Jake Sikora's weight brought on health complications so he began a gradual, but effective weight loss journey.
Jake Sikora was forced to confront his destructive relationship with food after a rude awakening at the doctor’s office.
“You cannot waste your life away because of food. There is more to life,” Sikora told himself, right after the visit. Thus, he proceeded to apply himself to implementing a sustainable solution, rather than a dramatic change.
His weight became a threat to his health
As a child and growing up, he was always “chubby” but it was really after college graduation that his weight really skyrocketed.
Sikora began avoiding mirrors and scales and as time went on, performing simple everyday tasks, like tying his shoelaces and climbing stairs, became a struggle.
He remembered feeling exhausted all the time and hating the way he looked.
Despite past efforts at weight loss, Sikora failed again and again until one day, his doctor told him he had high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea.
At 35, he weighed 326 pounds.
It all started with seeking help
After having spent years in denial, Sikora decided to face his demons and starting looking for support to jumpstart his transformation journey.
This led him to a WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers) workshop, where he said he learned how to focus his energy on making small and sustainable changes, that would benefit him in the long run.
So, he started simply by ramping up his walks around the neighborhood with his dog.
It didn’t feel like working out and it was something I enjoyed doing.
Jake Sikora to Men’s Health
After gradually getting into the habit of being more active, he started doing cardio at the gym three times a week. Now, he goes to the gym six days a week and does a combination of cardio, weight training and core exercises.
He has learned more about himself
For the 38-year-old commercial loan officer from Indianapolis, discovering ways of exercising that he enjoyed was helpful, but mastering self-control was key.
I have learned discipline is more important than motivation. I view exercise just as important as going to work, getting dressed in the morning, or brushing my teeth.
Jake Sikora
But through his journey, he has also learned to value himself and his wellbeing, too. “I have realized that I am a priority in life,” he said. “Not only for myself but my loved ones—I need to be healthy.”
Sikora has lost nearly 140 pounds and gained a new and more positive outlook on life.
“I feel the best I’ve ever felt,” he said. “I have new leg on life.”
What he wants us to know
As much as it was a physical transformation for Sikora, it was an emotional journey too.
“The best transformation has been internally. I have more confidence and self-love than I ever have before,” he said.
Today, Sikora’s an avid runner and has finished 28 races since 2017. Building on his momentum, he’s planning to complete a mini triathlon soon.
His advice for anyone wanting to make change in their lives, but may feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the process, is to start small.
“Start with small changes and build up from there,” said Sikora. “You will be surprised by how small changes will create big changes.”
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.