Minneapolis Man Loses 200 Lbs Through Hot Yoga and Weightlifting

Eddie Adegeye went from 400 lbs to 197 lbs by combining intense workouts and healthy eating.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:15am

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Eddie Adegeye, a 31-year-old from Minneapolis, weighed 400 pounds and was worried about developing diabetes like his grandfather. He started a fitness journey that involved hot yoga, weightlifting, and healthy eating from places like Chipotle. Over several years, Adegeye lost 205 pounds, going from a 4X shirt to a medium and 46-inch jeans to 32-inch.

Why it matters

Adegeye's dramatic weight loss journey highlights how significant lifestyle changes, including exercise and diet, can dramatically improve one's health and well-being. His story provides inspiration and hope for others struggling with obesity and chronic health conditions like diabetes that run in their families.

The details

Adegeye, who is of Nigerian descent, grew up eating large portions of carb-heavy Nigerian cuisine. In college, he continued his unhealthy eating habits, ordering takeout frequently. After graduating and seeing he weighed 401 pounds, Adegeye decided to make a change. He started going to the gym twice a day, even when it was uncomfortable, and eventually discovered a passion for hot yoga and weightlifting. Adegeye also focused on getting nutrients from healthy meals like those from Chipotle. Over several years, his hard work paid off as he lost 205 pounds.

  • In 2018, a year after graduating college, Adegeye weighed 401 pounds.
  • Adegeye started his fitness journey at age 24.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, Adegeye had to get back into a workout routine, which he did by the end of 2021.
  • Adegeye recently weighed himself at 197 pounds, having lost more than half his original body weight.

The players

Eddie Adegeye

A 31-year-old from Minneapolis who works in insurance and co-owns a food truck. He weighed 400 pounds and was worried about developing diabetes like his grandfather, so he embarked on an intense fitness journey that led him to lose 205 pounds.

Adegeye's Grandfather

Adegeye's grandfather died of complications from diabetes, which motivated Adegeye to change his lifestyle and avoid a similar fate.

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What they’re saying

“I never dreamed I'd be able to do a headstand, and here I am doing them regularly in yoga.”

— Eddie Adegeye (businessinsider.com)

“My mom would make well-meaning comments when I came to visit. She said that she loved me and cared for me, but she was worried.”

— Eddie Adegeye (businessinsider.com)

What’s next

Adegeye plans to continue his fitness journey and maintain his healthy lifestyle, potentially entering more endurance competitions in the future.

The takeaway

Adegeye's remarkable transformation from 400 pounds to 197 pounds shows that with dedication, hard work, and a commitment to both exercise and healthy eating, significant weight loss and improved health are possible, even for those facing daunting challenges like obesity and chronic illness in their families.