A 31-year-old Dubai resident has emerged as the overall winner of the Ras Al Khaimah Weight Loss Challenge 2025, shedding an impressive 45.7kg to claim the top prize of AED13,800.
Indian expat Amrith Raj was crowned champion after undergoing a remarkable transformation, which he said was inspired by love, discipline, and a deep sense of family responsibility. He told Khaleej Times that stepping on the scale was once a painful experience, especially when his weight surpassed 225kg earlier this year.
“I’ve always been the fat kid,” Raj admitted. “I don’t remember ever being below 100kg.” He dedicated the journey to his wife, saying she accepted and supported him even at his heaviest.
Working in the food industry posed a unique challenge for Raj, who had to resist daily temptations. “I’m constantly surrounded by food,” he said. “After I started dieting, it was tough. Sometimes people would put food in front of me without asking, and I’d have to politely refuse.”
In an interview with Gulf News, Raj described his journey as a “turning point.” After registering for the challenge, he immediately committed to a strict regimen—cutting out sugar and carbs, and walking every evening, no matter how short the distance. “Even walking felt exhausting at the start,” he recalled, “but I pushed through.”
The weight loss challenge, which attracted over 24,000 participants across the UAE—making it the biggest edition since its inception—also recognized Spina Ghatai Mohammed Yaqoob, a Pakistani expat, as the female champion after she lost 25kg.
Raj now feels lighter, healthier, and more energetic. With help from a coach, he plans to maintain his progress and continue prioritizing his well-being. “This transformation has been life-changing,” he said.
