‘I lost more than 45kgs’: Dubai-based Indian, Pakistani expats win UAE’s weight loss challenge

Ras Al Khaimah: Amrith Raj, an Indian expat who shed 45.7kgs, and Spin Ghatai Muhammad Yaqoob, a Pakistani national who lost 25kgs, emerged as the male and female champions in the RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge 2025.

Now in its fifth edition, the nationwide initiative organised by RAK Hospital in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) – Ras Al Khaimah, invited individuals across the country to battle against obesity. The campaign concluded with a ceremony announcing the winners of the three-month-long challenge.

Raj and Spin, both Dubai residents, were ecstatic as their names were called.

“I was expecting to finish in the top 10, but being named the winner came as a surprise,” Raj, who recently got married, told Gulf News.

Raj, who won a cash prize of Dh13,800, described joining the challenge as a major “turning point” in his life. “I began my journey the very next day after registering, and over three months, I lost more than 45kgs through sheer discipline and determination.”

So, how did he do it?
Raj noted that initially making lifestyle changes for the challenge was an “extremely difficult” task, but through his perseverance and family support, especially form his wife, he was able to pull it off.

“My weight was very high and even simple tasks like walking felt exhausting. But I committed to a strict diet, completely eliminating sugar and carbs, and made it a point to walk every evening after work, even if only for 15 to 30 minutes.”

And gradually, the 31-year-old started noticing changes.

“Today, I feel lighter, more energetic, and I no longer experience shortness of breath when walking. This transformation has been truly life-changing. The challenge gave me the motivation I needed to take control of my health. With the support of a coach, I now plan to maintain and build on this progress,” said Raj, who is currently at 179kgs.

Personal, emotional journey

Spin, who lost 25kgs loss and bagged Dh7,500 as the winner in the female category, said the past three months have been a deeply personal and emotional journey.

“I was hesitant at first, but joining this challenge turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. Initially, I started with a simple diet and gym visits, but I wasn’t seeing much progress.”

She then decided to get serious and began intermittent fasting and shifted to one meal a day during Ramadan.

“Even when the gym was closed for 20 days, I didn’t stop. I walked 6,000 to 7,000 steps daily in multiple rounds. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that 80 per cent of weight loss is about diet.”

Currently, at 75kgs, she feel light, active and genuinely happy.

“It feels like I’ve reclaimed my energy and spirit. This challenge reminded me of my school days when I’d win prizes. And now, stepping onto the stage as the first prize winner in the female category, I experienced that same joy again. RAK Hospital truly made this possible, and I believe initiatives like this can transform many lives.”

24,289 participants  
Khalid Abdulla Mohammed Al Shehhi, Director of the Representative Office, MoHAP – Ras Al Khaimah, alongside key dignitaries, healthcare leaders, and sponsors.

This year’s challenge saw an unprecedented 24,289 participants from across the UAE, making it the most successful edition to date. Ras Al Khaimah accounted for 49 per ent of total participation, reflecting the emirate’s growing commitment to health and wellness. With an almost equal gender split (54 per cent male, 46 per cent female), the initiative engaged individuals, families, corporate teams, and school communities, cementing its role as the UAE’s most inclusive wellness movement.

Dr Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, said the initiative is not just growing in numbers but in its social influence.
“This year’s record participation is a testament to the UAE’s rising awareness and commitment to health. People from all walks of life – families, employees, educators, joined with a shared goal: to live healthier,” Dr Siddiqui said.