We have all come across Instagram reels that targets working professionals to lose weight. Of course it is difficult, as most of our time and energy is spent at work, on the office desk. By the time we get back home, we are almost drained out, and we reward ourself with a quick snack. While this may make us happy, this also becomes a hurdle in our journey to achieve our weight goals. As per the Weight Management: State of the Science and Opportunities for Military Programs, published in the National Library of Medicine, busy lifestyles and hectic work schedules create eating habits that may contribute to a less than desirable eating environment. Another 2019 review from BMJ Open provides that with busy lifestyle and age, especially after crossing 30, there is also a lack of willpower which becomes a hurdle in achieving your weight goals. However, it does not mean that it is not possible. Rohit Boda, 34, the Group Managing Director of JB Boda Group has shown the worked that it is in fact possible. You can love your work, be busy with work, and still work on yourself to stay fit! His journey however points towards one key direction, that there is no shortcut to weight loss journey. One has to be patient and honest with themselves, as for him, it took him 15 years of discipline to shed 30Kgs. Want to know how he managed to lose weight and achieve his weight goals? Here's edited excerpts from the interview:What was the turning point in your fitness journey that made you decide to prioritise your health over everything else, especially considering your demanding career? A lack of attention to health and fitness dominated much of my youth. Physical activity and fitness were not strong priorities in those early years. Over these early years, the focus on health, fitness, and being in shape was not constantly on my mind. The ordeal of discovering that suits didn't fit me properly was actually alarming and acted as a harsh pointer towards my fitness. This wake-up call worked as a stimulant for me.In the past 13 years, I’ve been contributing to my family’s legacy business and entered the world of entrepreneurship. As a result, I began balancing my fitness and work. In this period, I also made it a point to incorporate a wide variety of physical activities, such as strength training to develop lean mass and functional strength, as well as cardio and engaging activities like Pickleball in order to maintain consistency in my fitness journey.What were the biggest challenges you faced during this transformation, and how did you stay disciplined despite those setbacks? The journey from 104 kg to 74 kg was not a linear path but more like navigating a road with its fair share of bumps and detours. Spanning 15 years, the biggest challenge wasn't just the physical aspect of losing weight, but the mental and emotional shifts required for sustained change. At first, breaking old habits was tough. There were times when I wanted to eat unhealthy things, times when my weight didn't change even with effort, and days when I was tired from work and just wanted to skip exercise. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rohit Boda (@rohitboda)]]> First, I focused on feeling stronger and more energetic, not just the number on the scale. Feeling good was a bigger motivator. Second, I aimed for consistency, not being perfect. If I made a mistake one day, I just tried to do better the next. It was about making progress, no matter how small.Furthermore, I incorporated variety into my fitness routine, like mixing resistance training, HIIT, outdoor games, and cardio; all these kept things engaging and prevented burnout. Tracking my progress also provided a sense of accomplishment and fuelled my motivation. Ultimately, it was about cultivating a mind set that viewed fitness not as a temporary diet or exercise plan, but as an integral and enjoyable part of my lifestyle. Many people today turn to weight loss medications like Ozempic. Did you ever consider using it as a shortcut to your goal?I never really thought about using weight loss drugs like Ozempic as my main solution. For me, getting fit was always about making lasting lifestyle changes. I wanted to achieve this through my own hard work and build a healthy foundation that would last. There's a good feeling that comes from knowing you did it yourself. For me, that feeling was much better than taking a shortcut. Can you walk us through your fitness regimen today? How do you balance strength training, mindful nutrition, and overall wellness in your day-to-day life?I do strength training a few times a week. This helps me build muscle, which is important for strength and burning calories. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Squat Up (@_squatup)]]> I also do fast workouts (HIIT) to keep my heart healthy and build stamina. To make it fun, I like doing outdoor things like a quick jog or playing Pickleball. Eating mindfully is also key. It's not about strict diets, but about choosing healthy foods that give me energy throughout the day. I pay attention to how different foods make me feel and try to eat what my body needs. Besides exercise and food, feeling well overall means getting good sleep and rest. I make sure to sleep enough because it helps my muscles recover, balances my hormones, and keeps my mind clear. I also do light exercises like stretching to prevent injuries and stay flexible. The main thing is to stay active in ways that are exciting, challenging, and that I can keep doing in the long run. Were there any habits or lifestyle changes that you initially struggled with but later found to be the key to your success? There were a few things that were hard at first, but became really important for my success. One of the key challenges, especially in the demanding world of entrepreneurship, was consistently prioritising enough sleep.The real change happened when I started focusing on eating balanced, healthy foods and realising that it was okay to enjoy treats sometimes, as long as most of the time I was eating well. I was so eager to get fit that I sometimes pushed myself too hard without enough rest. Understanding that rest days and light exercises like stretching were important for my body to recover helped me make progress in the long run and avoid getting burned out. How did you manage to maintain muscle while shedding fat, and how important has strength training been in your journey? While the initial goal might have been weight loss, I quickly realized that simply aiming for a lower number on the scale wasn't the complete picture. Building and maintaining muscle while shedding fat became a significant focus, and strength training has been absolutely paramount in this journey. The key to maintaining muscle during a calorie deficit (which is often necessary for fat loss) lies in consistently challenging your muscles through resistance training. By lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises, you send a signal to your body that this muscle tissue is needed and should be preserved. Without this stimulus, your body might be more inclined to break down muscle along with fat for energy. For others who might be juggling a busy career with their health goals, what would you say is the most important piece of advice for maintaining consistency and discipline in their own fitness journeys? My advice would be to start small and focus on building sustainable habits rather than striving for immediate perfection. The most important thing is to be consistent. Small, regular efforts add up over time and make a big difference. Be kind to yourself, and remember that every small step you take towards your health is a win.