The first picture is me about 7 years ago.

Overweight, back problems, low energy, eating "balanced" diet, drinking alcohol in moderation and only occasionally, working out somewhat regularly.

I recently turned 40. Yes, it took me time to get to that shape, but that's the whole point. It needs to be sustainable. I never had a specific weight loss target. I din't know my exact weight back then, nor I know my exact weight right now as I rarely use a scale.

What made me change my lifestyle wasn't the way I looked but a horrible pain due to a slipping ribs syndrome, causing my rib cage to "lock," creating difficulties breathing in additional to all the back pain.

I gradually started making changes, such as:

No alcohol

Avoid seed oils

Avoid sugars

Intermittent fasting

Less carbs

More meat

High protein/animal fat diet

Drink plenty of water

Drink plenty of coffee | mostly black

Regular exercise