By looking at Komthanu Kuanpraserd today, the male model might appear like his good looks and confidence were a gift from god. They are, actually, the fruit of five years of discipline and dedication in which he managed to lose a staggering 26kg by eating healthy food and exercising regularly. A winner of the New You Achievement Awards by Fitness First, he is a role model for both exercise and motivation, with a massive online following of over 21.7k people on Instagram, and almost 2.7k likes on Facebook. He speaks to Guru on societal norms and snap-judgments people often make about overweight individuals, as well as controversial topics and the types of attention he received before and after his transformation.
What triggered you to want to change your lifestyle?
I grew up being labelled the "fat kid". My grandmother loved to cook, and she did so for me every day -- I was never acquainted with the idea of hunger. Obviously, this lifestyle then led to my becoming overweight. As a teenager, I was always rejected by girls and these failed attempts contributed to my motivation to turn my life around. Before that point, I had never thought that my body and my health were things that I had to pay any attention to. I thought that my love for good food and eating things that I liked would be enough. It wasn't until later that I realised that there was more to life than that.
What's your take on negative criticism?
Harsh words definitely cut confidence. Appearance-based negative criticism by peers can make you feel uncertain and unconfident because you're afraid of judgement. For example, I was always so afraid to take off my shirt; my physique didn't fit the widely accepted standard of beauty. Damaging words from others also impacted my extroversion. For so long, my biggest fear was public speaking and I was never comfortable completely vocalising my opinions. It seems ridiculous now, but a large part of my younger years were full of self-doubt.
How did that affect you?
I took all the criticism I received and used it to fuel my workouts and my clean-eating regime. I feel if people look down upon me while I at the same time choose to do nothing about it, then my situation isn't going to improve.
How important is physical appearance, in your experience?
It is true that looks and appearances are just a first impression, but if someone is in peak physical condition, it implies that they are active and look after themselves. Subconsciously, there is a part of everyone that glorifies people who are fit. We feel respect and admiration for them.
How did you get into modelling?
After I started losing weight, I was approached on the treadmill at the gym. A talent scout asked me if I would be interested in that sort of thing. I never thought I'd be a model -- my family runs a local school and I always imagined that I would be helping with that after my graduation. Instead, look where I am now. I do commercials, I've walked on runways and I've even been in stage productions. I'm eternally grateful for the opportunities I've been given and there have been many wonderful experiences that I'm thrilled to have been a part of.
Do people treat you differently now?
Definitely. There's a lady who sells food just outside my soi. I've been buying food from her for years. Before, she used to treat me with indifference, but ever since my body transformation, she definitely talks to me differently. Now, I'm "sud lor" (handsome boy), greeted with a smile and an extra packet of free food instead of "ai uan" (fat kid).
And do you feel different about yourself?
Nowadays, I'm quite happy with the way I am. My goal now is just to be the best role model I can be for others aspiring to lose weight or live a healthier lifestyle. I want to be able to inspire people to work out and look after themselves.
What tips would you would give to people trying to achieve a healthier lifestyle?
1. Actually start. If you don't start today, you'll never get round to doing it. People always put exercising or eating healthier off. If you keep telling yourself that you'll start tomorrow, there will be no end to the procrastination. 2. Make working out enjoyable. Keep reminding yourself why you're trying to change your lifestyle. Of course, getting started will be the toughest part, but if you persevere, your body will get used to the regime, and you'll have a much easier time. 3. Don't resort to short-term weight loss strategies. You may lose 10kg in a month, but it's definitely not sustainable, or good for your body. Exercising to lose weight may take a year or more, but it's definitely better for you in the long term.
