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When you look at Dr. Patrick Smollen, you see a confident, fit anesthesiologist thriving professionally and personally. But just a short time ago, Patrick’s story looked very different. Overweight, tired, and frustrated with chronic gastrointestinal discomfort, he felt like he wasn’t honoring his body the way he’d like. Despite being highly accomplished in his field, something fundamental was missing: a sense of alignment between his health, purpose, and identity.

Today, Patrick is a new man. Over the last 18 months, he’s lost over 25 pounds—15 of those being pure fat—and even gained muscle during his transformation. His body fat percentage now sits at a remarkable 7.6%, and his strength and confidence have reached unprecedented levels. Most importantly, once plagued by inconsistency, his gastrointestinal health is thriving, allowing him to perform at his best every day.

What changed for Patrick? The answer lies in the numbers and the “why” that fueled his transformation.

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Start with Why: Patrick’s Turning Point

Simon Sinek’s philosophy, “Start with Why,” teaches that outstanding achievements begin with a deep sense of purpose. For Patrick, the “why” was clear: he wanted to become the best version of himself—for his patients, his family, and his own self-worth.

As an anesthesiologist, Patrick’s days are high-stakes and high-pressure. His profession's physical and mental demands require him to operate with laser focus and unyielding stamina. Yet, the extra weight and poor GI health left him feeling sluggish and disconnected from the energy and vitality he once had.

More deeply, Patrick also wanted to model strength and resilience for his partner. He realized that to inspire him to lead healthy, purposeful lives, he needed to embody those values himself. His “why” wasn’t about the scale or aesthetics—it was about aligning his health with his aspirations and creating a legacy of well-being.

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‍The Journey: From Frustration to Transformation

Patrick’s journey began when he partnered with Central Athlete, a decision that would change his life. From day one, Patrick’s coaches took a holistic approach, addressing his fitness, nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle habits.

• Personalized Training: A bespoke training program balanced fat loss with muscle gain, enabling Patrick to lose over 25 pounds and become stronger.
• Nutritional Optimization: His coach, Jesse O’Brien, identified dietary adjustments that supported weight loss and restored his GI health consistency.
• Sustainable Habits: Unlike crash diets or intense short-term programs, Patrick’s plan focused on sustainable changes that integrated seamlessly into his demanding lifestyle.

Step by step, Patrick began to reclaim his energy, strength, and confidence.

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The Results: More Than Just Numbers

Patrick’s transformation is evident in his physical stats, but the real power of his journey lies in the intangible shifts:

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1. Unshakable Confidence
   At 7.6% body fat and with visible muscle definition, Patrick no longer hides behind oversized scrubs or avoids mirrors. He carries himself with pride and self-assurance, a feeling far beyond aesthetics.
2. Enhanced Performance
   With a leaner, more muscular body and optimized GI health, Patrick feels sharper and more focused during long surgeries. His patients benefit from a doctor who brings his best self to every procedure.
3. Stronger Connections
   Patrick has cultivated stronger connections with those around him by prioritizing sleep, recovery, and overall well-being. By giving his body the rest it needs and valuing his mental and physical health, he’s not only more energized but also exudes a positive and approachable demeanor. This shift has made him much more pleasant to be around, creating deeper and more meaningful relationships. Most importantly, Patrick feels a profound sense of self-contentment and confidence, which radiates in his interactions and reinforces the value of putting his well-being first.

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Why Patrick’s Story Matters

Patrick’s story isn’t just about weight loss or fitness milestones—it’s a testament to the transformative power of starting with why. It’s a reminder that the best version of yourself isn’t defined by a number on a scale but by how deeply aligned your actions are with your purpose.

At Central Athlete, we don’t just help people lose weight or gain muscle; we help them connect with their “why” and build a life that reflects their values. Patrick’s journey illustrates that when you approach fitness as a way to enhance your purpose, the results are not only measurable but also deeply meaningful.

"Jesse and Central Athlete have not only helped me transform my body, they’ve also revolutionized my perspective on wellness, my relationship to food, and my overall confidence. My coach listens to my goals and gives me the tools on how to achieve and sustain them. With my unpredictable work and travel schedule, having flexible hours and a team of coaches around for support has proven invaluable. So far, I’ve gone from 18.6% to 7% body fat while gaining overall muscle mass — avoiding both injury and burnout. Joining this community was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself, and I’m excited to see how I can keep improving!"

-Dr. Patrick Smollen

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Your Story Can Begin Today

Patrick’s success proves that it’s never too late to transform your life. If you’ve been feeling physically, mentally, or emotionally stuck, Central Athlete can help you find your “why” and build a plan to achieve it.

Start your journey today with a personalized strategy session. Click here to take the first step toward becoming the best version of yourself.

You don’t have to settle for less than what you’re capable of. Like Patrick, you can achieve results beyond the gym and transform every area of your life. The question is: what’s your “why”?

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