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To the millions of viewers tuning into the latest season of Koh-Lanta: Les reliques du destin, Zakariya appears as an almost invincible force. A 29-year-old lifeguard from Cannes, he has quickly established himself as the physical stallion of the red tribe, dominating athletic challenges with a level of ease that suggests a lifetime of elite training.

However, the image of the sculpted athlete currently navigating the Philippine wilderness is a far cry from the reality Zakariya faced just a few years ago. In a series of raw and emotional revelations, the contestant has unveiled a profound physical and psychological metamorphosis, revealing that he once reached a peak weight of 157 kilos.

His journey is not merely a story of aesthetic change, but a documented battle against grief and clinical depression. By sharing his transformation, Zakariya has shifted the conversation from simple weight loss to the complex intersection of mental health and physical resilience.

The Weight of Grief: A Descent to 157 Kilos

The catalyst for Zakariya’s weight gain was not a lack of discipline, but a devastating personal tragedy. During an episode broadcast on April 7, 2026, on TF1, Zakariya opened up about the loss of his best friend in a fatal road accident. The trauma triggered a spiral of depression and isolation that manifested physically.

For years, the grief became an invisible burden that translated into visible weight. Zakariya described this period as ten years of struggle (dix ans de galère), during which he used food as a refuge from the pain of his loss. On April 8, 2026, he took to Instagram to share a montage of his former self, explicitly stating the extent of his struggle:

“As you have seen, my participation in Koh-Lanta is due to the loss of my best friend. I had gained a huge amount of weight, I went up to 157 kilos.” Zakariya, Koh-Lanta 2026 contestant

From a clinical perspective, this trajectory is a textbook example of how severe emotional trauma can disrupt metabolic health. The prolonged stress of bereavement often leads to elevated cortisol levels and emotional eating, creating a cycle where the body stores fat as a biological response to psychological instability.

The Path to Reconstruction: From Bodytime to CrossFit

Zakariya’s ascent from the bottom was not an overnight miracle, but a disciplined, multi-year process of reconstruction. His journey toward health began with a conscious decision to treat his mental and physical wounds simultaneously.

One of the first significant milestones in his recovery occurred approximately four years ago, when he participated in the Bodytime program on YouTube. This initial spark of discipline resulted in a loss of 12 kg in 28 days, providing the proof-of-concept he needed to believe that recovery was possible. According to reports from 75 Secondes, this early success paved the way for a more sustainable lifestyle overhaul.

To transition from weight loss to high-performance athleticism, Zakariya integrated a rigorous regimen of CrossFit and bodybuilding. This shift was essential not only for changing his silhouette but for rebuilding his mental fortitude. The discipline required for heavy lifting and high-intensity interval training served as a form of active therapy, replacing his previous isolation with a sense of agency and strength.

Key Milestones in Zakariya’s Transformation

The Psychology of the ‘Before and After’

Whereas social media often celebrates “before and after” photos for their visual impact, the medical value of Zakariya’s story lies in his transparency regarding the dark period he endured. He has been candid about the fact that he had to cure himself mentally and physically, acknowledging that the process took significant time.

By publicly linking his 157-kilo peak to a period of mourning, Zakariya challenges the stigma that weight gain is solely a matter of willpower. His experience highlights the necessity of psychological support when embarking on a physical transformation. As a lifeguard in Cannes, his current profession is a testament to his complete reclamation of his body—transforming a vessel of grief into a tool for saving others.

Despite his success, the transition has not been without friction. Some viewers have criticized his confidence on the show as being overly assertive. However, Zakariya views this confidence as a hard-won victory over the version of himself that once felt defeated by life.

A Message of Universal Resilience

Zakariya is now leveraging his platform to act as a source of motivation for others struggling with similar burdens. He emphasizes that his path is not the only way, but it is a proven one. In a message to his community, he offered a powerful reminder of the possibility of change:

“If I managed to climb back up, everyone can do it; I’m not here to say that I have the absolute truth, I’m just telling you that I know the way.” Zakariya, Koh-Lanta 2026 contestant

For those currently facing emotional distress or obesity, Zakariya’s journey suggests a three-pronged approach to recovery: acknowledging the emotional root of the problem, starting with small, achievable wins (such as his initial 28-day challenge), and committing to a long-term discipline that prioritizes both mental and physical health.

As Koh-Lanta: Les reliques du destin continues to air on TF1, the public will be watching not just to observe if Zakariya reaches the final pillars, but to see how his story of resilience continues to unfold. The next phase of the competition will test whether his mental steel is as enduring as his physical strength.

Do you believe that physical transformation is the best way to heal from emotional trauma, or should the focus remain solely on psychological therapy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.