Dubai Resident Loses 45Kg Wins Dh300 For Every Kilo Shed

On Wednesday, a 31-year-old Dubai resident was crowned as the overall winner of the Ras Al Khaimah Weight Loss Challenge 2025. He shed 45.7kg to bag the prize.

Amrith Raj, who is originally from India, was awarded Dh13,800 for his effort. Meanwhile, another Dubai resident and Pakistani expat, Spina Ghatai Mohammed Yaqoob won in the women's champion after losing 25kg.

According to organisers, this year's edition registered a record participation of 24,289 participants from across the UAE, making it the most successful edition since the initiative's launch.

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Raj told Khaleej Times stepping on a scale has never been easy. Weighing more 225kg early this year, he had to shed staggering 45.7kg in just a few months.

“I've always been the fat kid, since childhood. I don't remember being under 100kg ever. This journey was dedicated to my wife because she chose to marry me even when I was overweight,” he said noting his family played a crucial role in his transformation, offering encouragement even during moments of doubt.

“My mother is back in India, going through dialysis, and she always told me to lose weight. Her words stayed with me. And my wife, she was my pillar especially during tough moments like during family functions, when I was tempted,” Raj shared.

And while many weight loss journeys are difficult, Raj faced a unique hurdle he works in the food industry.“That means I'm constantly in restaurants, attending meetings where food is everywhere and often free. Before, I used to look forward to those meals. But after I started dieting, it became tough. People would try to surprise me by placing food in front of me without asking. I'd have to say, 'I'm sorry, I can't eat this,' and they'd have to take it back and had to stick to my goal.”

“Weight loss is all about mindset and focus,” he said.“If you have a goal in mind and stay focused, you'll reach it.”

Yet even after such dramatic progress, Raj is far from calling it a day.“Yes, I've lost weight but I'm still in the obese category. The journey isn't over,” he admitted.“I just spoke to the doctor, and he said if I maintain this weight, I can enter the challenge again next year. I hope to be back - as a winner, or at least a strong participant.”

Among the winners in the female category was Spin Ghatai Muhammad Yaqoob, a Pakistani resident living in Dubai, who claimed the top spot in the female category. For her, the challenge was more than a competition; it was a lifeline.

“Before this, I was just sitting and eating,” she shared.“I used to try working out at home just managing as a housewife. But the motivation I got from RAK Hospital changed everything.”

The turning point came when her brother presented her with a challenge.“He said if I lost 25 kilograms, I'd get a gift from him. I said, 'Inshallah, I'll try my best.' That's what I did.” Yaqoob met the target and, to her surprise, emerged as one of the top winners.“I wasn't expecting to be in the first category, but Alhamdulillah, I did it.”

Her transformation wasn't without sacrifices.“I had to leave my favorite things like ice cream,” she said.“My son also motivated me, reminding me that it's not easy to give up what you love, but I had to try my best.”

Yaqoob took a strategic approach to weight loss, starting with a clean diet, then progressing to intermittent fasting, followed by OMAD (one meal a day), and finally, water fasting.“When my weight got stuck, I switched to the mac diet just one meal a day. The last week was very tough. I did water fasting diet, and it wasn't easy, but I kept pushing myself.”

Previously, she struggled with knee pain and avoided medical tests out of fear.“When you're big, you end up with many health issues. I was scared of going for cholesterol and sugar tests as I didn't want to take medications. So I told myself, I have to lose weight to avoid those pills. Alhamdulillah, my knees are doing good now.”

Despite lifestyle changes and social sacrifices, including missing family outings and adjusting mealtimes, she says the results have been life-changing.“When you lose weight, you really become light. Everything walking, jogging, even daily chores becomes easier. You feel like you've taken control of your life again.”

Niyaz Hamza Parappalath and his family, runners-up in the Family Category of the RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge 2025, spoke to Khaleej Times about their inspiring group effort.

“My brother saw the advertisement for the challenge, so all decided to join together,” said the family.“We created a WhatsApp group chat where we updated each other daily on our progress and the calories we burned. It was like having a constant reminder and motivation from each other.”

This collective support system helped the family stay focused and accountable throughout the competition, turning their weight loss journey into a shared, encouraging experience.

Now in its fifth edition, this nationwide initiative organised by RAK Hospital in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) Ras Al Khaimah culminated in a vibrant awards ceremony at the hospital premises. The event was graced by Khalid Abdulla Mohammed Al Shehhi, Director of the Representative Office, MOHAP, Ras Al Khaimah, alongside key dignitaries, healthcare leaders, and sponsors.

This year's edition of the RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge broke all previous records, attracting an unprecedented 24,289 participants from across the UAE, making it the most successful edition to date. Ras Al Khaimah alone contributed 49 per cent of the total participation, highlighting the emirate's strong and growing commitment to health and wellness.

With an almost equal gender distribution of 54 per cent male and 46 per cent female, the challenge brought together individuals, families, corporate teams, and school communities, reinforcing its reputation as the UAE's most inclusive and community-driven wellness initiative .

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