Lean to Lead: From 55kgs Underweight to Overweight, and Finally Fit — How Pavan Pardeshi Rebuilt His Life After Childhood Taunts and COVID-Induced Depression

For 28-year-old Pavan Pardeshi, today a Personal Trainer & Coach, fitness is not a before-and-after photo, but a full-circle life lesson. His journey is one that many silently relate to but few openly talk about. In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Pavan shared that growing up, he was extremely underweight, endured years of taunts, slipped into depression during COVID after losing his job, gained unhealthy weight, and finally learned how to become fit the right way.

The best part is that this change in Pavan has nothing to do with extreme weight loss but with clarity, confidence, and control, qualities that he believes were unattainable by him. This is Pavan’s story, firsthand from him.

A Childhood Marked by Taunts and Self-Doubt

Pavan has always been labelled as too thin. Being underweight wasn’t just something he was; it became who he is. Teasing and bullying stripped Pavan away from being confident, making it awkward for him even to be around those who were his own. While others were trying to attain fitness goals, Pavan just wanted to feel normal. But, the taunts cut deep into his skin and followed him into his adulthood.

COVID: When Life Hit Its Lowest Point For Pavan

The pandemic changed everything. Like many others, Pavan lost his job during COVID. With uncertainty, isolation, and financial stress came depression. His weight dropped to 55 kgs, “It was the lowest I had ever been, both physically and mentally,” he recalled.

“I had completely lost direction. That phase broke me; but it also made me introspective about myself as well,” he shared.“ And, that rock bottom became a turning point.”

Pavan’s Journey From Weight Gain to Weight Wisdom

After a firm decision to regain his health and then his physique as well by working on gaining some weight, he finally went on to achieve a weight of 73 kgs. Even then, something did not seem right. Numbers were better, but the clarity in him lacked.

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However, what really changed was when Pavan decided to follow guidance rather than guesses.

Pavan’s Mantra: “Finding Structure was More Important than Finding Shortcuts.”

Pavan enrolled with FITTR, working under the mentorship of Coach Bala Krishna Reddy. For the first time, fitness is no longer confusing. He shared with us that training became goal-oriented. Eating became programmed and not restrictive. Emphasis was on extremes versus sustainability.

During the FITTR Transformation Challenge, Pavan lost 6 kgs the right way, which helped in refining his physique while preserving strength. Today, at 66 kgs, he says this is the healthiest and strongest version of himself.

“I didn’t want to change my size. I wanted to understand my body and my process,” he said.

How Pavan Got His Mental Health Back on Track

“While the change on the outside was apparent, it’s fair to say that the hardest struggle was on the inside. Depression, self-doubt and uncertainty for so many years did not just vanish overnight. But incremental progress on and off the equipment helped restore confidence,” he continued.

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He also noted that having a coach who provided him with structure, accountability, and clarity made all the difference. Motivation resulted not from being pushed, but through observation of realistic progress.

Pavan’s Life Today

Today, Pavan is not only transformed, but also empowered. He no longer feels lost when it comes to his health. While winning the Transformation Challenge was a source of pride, winning back his life has been his real victory.

“I realize now that I can cope with disappointments. Exercise has taught me discipline, patience, and perseverance,” he shared with a short smile on his face.

As a personal trainer and coach, Pavan now uses his journey to help others avoid the mistakes he once made. He also emphasised that crash diets, random workouts, and rushing results, will not take you anywhere.

Pavan’s Message for Anyone Struggling

Pavan’s advice is simple yet powerful. He shared. “Don’t rush. Don’t copy random methods. And don’t quit on yourself,” he shared. Real transformation comes from consistency, proper guidance, and patience. Shortcuts may promise speed, but sustainability builds confidence, and confidence changes lives.

Bottomline

Pavan Pardeshi is the proof that being fit has nothing to do with people on the extremes, but has everything to do with healing, structuring, and learning how to be in command of your health, both mental and  physical.