I understand most of the comments here. I understand giving the guy some credit even though his intentions are a bit misguided. However, I am not so understanding. As a professional personal trainer, this guy has GOT to know that overweight people have to struggle with much, MUCH more than just the weight issue. I have battled weight all my life. I have suffered from discrimination and bullying and everything else for decades. Any professional trainer with any substance and merit will know this. In my opinion, I believe trainers should not be allowed to call themselves trainers unless they have taken courses in how to deal with the emotional effects of being overweight and the discrimination the overweight people have had to endure our whole lives.

For him to simplify things to this degree makes me question his worth as a trainer and I would not hire him if he was the last trainer on the planet.

Publicity stunt? Much more likely!!

I'm not impressed either.

Maybe that is just how good he is. maybe he wants to know the feeling of being fat and how it feels to change your lifestyle. because for those fat people eating is like ecstasy, it is hard to resist. maybe it is one way on improving how he would treat his clients well for i know he is a trainer.

I have to agree with the above mentioned comments. I read about this guy about a month or two ago and thought it was just a joke. Now I am reading that it was real and find myself more than a little uncomfortable with the suggestion that this trainer (and all of his good intentions) could have any possible idea what it is like to be truly overweight. I have been on both sides of the situation and let me tell you that the negative psychological torture that overweight people go through (whether criticism or blatant rudeness) could never be fully understood in 6 months. The trainer knows his weight gain is short term and he will quickly go back to his normal weight and even more positive lifestyle. Struggling with weight issues, for most, is more of a life long war than a simple skirmish that you can reverse and go one with your life. I wonder if he has had to throw out or give away clothes that he will never fit again. Has he worked all day and not had time to eat, just to be judged by the local convenience store clerk or drive through attendant for grabbing a quick fix. I wonder if he has spent any time in a situation that he had to endure mocking and ridicule for just being near a group of people who need to push down another to pick themselves up. Has he ever had to listen to others superior ideas on how you can better yourself even when they themselves are less than perfect.

I know he has good intentions and just wants to better understand his clients, but sometimes customers don't need you to say, 'Hey, look at me. I did it and so can you!' What they need you to do is listen to them and respect their situation as individuals. No two clients are the same and lets face it 'No Two Fat People Are The Same."

Yours Truly,
A Life Long Fatty

I think its a good idea on his part to "step in his clients' shoes", and probably to gain publicity but the result will be biased. It will be much easier for him to lose this gained mass rather than for a naturally overweight person. Firstly, since he has been working out for some time, and was maintaining a relatively healthy diet(i presume this because he's a personal trainer), his body has a different metabolism (also depends on a person). Secondly, since this weight was gained over a relatively little time, it is easier for his body to return to his usual, or normal weight. For example, look at actor Christian Bale, who lost many pounds for his part in 'The Machinist', and gained it rather quickly back to his normal weight. Thirdly, again, since he is used to maintain a diet an an exercise routine of some sort before the experiment, he will less likely skip it, and cheat (speaking of food intake), than an ordinary person. Overall, though the experiment will be rather biased, it is nonetheless a great idea and dedication. It is pretty unhealthy though for the trainer.

This message is in response to "Jan", that was submitted on Sunday, Nov 6th at 3:58pm.

Dear Jan,

My name is Derek, and I am a personal trainer, and I understand you're frustrations with working a 9-5 job that involves little movement, a long commute, and a very hectic, stressful life. How do I understand, well going through school, I was leaving my house at 7:30, and not returning home until after 5 o'clock. And after completing my degree, my days have only become longer.

A typical day for me involves waking up a 5:00 am, getting to work at 5:45, and prepared for clients by 6:00am. I work non-stop from 6:00 am until approximately 11:30 am (with no breaks that a typical 9-5 job would have). I then clean the facility and then have a prepared lunch that is usually a combination of something made from the night before, complimented by some healthy snacks added that morning. After lunch, I will try and run some errands, and squeeze in a 30 minute workout. I then go back to work for another at least 4 hours, clean the gym again, and get home by approximately 9:00 pm. Throughout this day, I try to squeeze in 2 seperate 30 minute workouts, and spend a little time with family or loved ones at the end of the night.

This day adds up to be at least over 9 hours of actual paid work time, not to include any emailing, workout planning/preparation, advertising/networking that needs to be done on my own time. And on top of that, you may think that personal training is an easy gig. Well think again, for 9+ hours a day, we are working with individuals that want to see results, but sometimes lack the energy, confidence, desire, or drive to get there. In turn, we as trainers must always have a high energy, positive attitude, put up with some restraint, all the while trying to bring our clients to those levels where success will be achieved... often a very draining day!

Maintaining this energy for that long in a day, along with trying to have a personal life, and maintain our own levels of fitness is by no means an easy task. But at the end of the day, all of these aspects are important to trainers. We love what we do, and it means a lot to us, and believe it or not there is enough time in a day for us to be successful, which means there is definitely enough time in the day for someone working 9-5 with a busy schedule to be successful too. But it all comes down to priorities! Make health and fitness a priority in your life, your friends lives, your families lives; make it an event or hobby that you can do with others! Perhaps try preparing some healthy snacks the night before work, so that you can stay away from fast foods.

With everything said and done, I don't believe we as trainers are the ones that need to "get real", I strongly believe that with a different attitude, some adjusted priorities, and a little food/time management and preparation, you too can see positive results from eating healthy and finding a little time for physical activity each day. But YOU need to decide its important to YOU, as opposed to blaming others for something you are missing. Thank you

I think that it is more of a stunt than anything else. Free publicity so to speak.

He has never battled weight so the experience is not the same. He does not have to undo a lifetime of poor choices - just six months worth.

Also, their is a term in the fitness world called muscle memory which will enable him to lose the weight easier, the average heavy person does not have muscle memory.

And, assuming that he is a full time trainer, he has all day to spend in the gym. The average person has family, work and gym time. For him, gym time is work. He can go home at 5 and his work out is done.

Not impressed by him.

It's a good try but misplaced...... Just because someone puts on weight doesn't mean that he will understand what an overweight person goes through. People are overweight for different reasons. It all depends on WHY the person is overweight. And no offense but just because someone was overweight for a small time doesn't not make him an example of all people able to lose weight.

I find it very difficult to completely agree with his statements when he says that he wants to be able to relate to his clients and make them feel as if he has "Put himself in their shoes". I do agree with the comment that people have 9-5 jobs, kids, commitments outside of the gym, but I think the main point to take from all of this is that health is not a gimmick or a quick fix. It is truly a lifestyle.
I am a 21 Year old University Student, I am doing a double major, a teaching degree, I work on my days off, I coach a volleyball team and I tutor. I also try and make time for friends, family and keep my relationships a priority. Therefore, I literally pencil in physical activity and food choices into my weekly schedule. It is a personal choice to create this lifestyle, and it is possible to attain with a little motivation and perseverance. Believe me it is not easy at the beginning... but like I said, it will be a lifestyle. Therefore I find it very difficult to listen when people say " I don't have time". Who really does have time? We make time if we know it is something that is most beneficial for our personal well being. This is one area of life where people need to make themselves a priority.

It's an interesting idea ... I wish him well but it's still dangerous for him to do this since all of that extra avoirdupois around his waist is 'toxic material' which he will have to lose - but he is a fitness trainer and should know just 'how' to do it ... he can pass his knowledge and 'new' experience to us all

kudos and God bless him and his clients

Must be nice to be able to hang out at the gym for work. Unlike the rest of us and his clients we have time restraints and not that opportunity.

I hope it works for him and i see what he is trying to do. He hears everyday you try being fat and lose weight. Some people with weight problems well bitch about his approach, and all have an excuse about being to busy to look after themselves. He is trying a different approach and I hope it works for some people. It won't for all but he is trying. Change your life style and somethings are possible.

I think its a good idea, I mean now he can identify with his clients who are overweight and understand more how they struggle everyday with lifestyles that include perhaps bad eating habits, little or no exercise and maybe even emotional issues because of the bad shape they are in.

I hope some people, including myself find some inspiration from him as I have a belly like his right now too! LOL

It's nowhere near the same as person who has struggled allllll thier life.

This trainer will never, ever understand what clients go through. Training is his full time JOB! Everyone else has a full time job, families, commutes and such that make it difficult to find time for any workout, much less on a full time basis.

Get real! If you want to know what your clients go through, gain the weight, get a 9-5 job sitting on your azz,, grab that fast food lunch, struggle with a long commute and then come talk to me.

I get very frustrated with all professional trainers, celebrity work out experts etc. because they don't know what it's like to be a regular person with a weight problem on top of a very hectic, stressful life. Jan

Gaining weight on purpose and having a weight problem all your life is not a fair comparison. Actors and Actresses do it all the time ...There are many reasons why people are overweight . I have suffered with this problem all my life and probably eat less and better than the average person yet I have a hard time keeping a good weight or loosing . I don't need your advice I have talked to them all including my DR. so please don't try to sell me on your get skinny ideas after reading my comment ....they don't work for all ...Thank you

It certainly goes to show you are what you eat. I'm impressed with his theory and dedication to understanding what his clients are experiencing. ls he right or wrong to do it? Gaining the weight was only for a short time and the road to healthy eating and exercise has begun, so l'd say no he isn't wrong if he loses the weight. l'll be watching his blog to see if l'm wrong. Good luck Drew.

It's impossible to know what is going on in the mind of this man; however, I'm going to assume that his reasons are exactly what he claims they are. In that case, the risk to his own health is hardly "pointless," but rather an incredible attempt to both empathize with and practically help his clients. They see how easy it is for someone who has always been fit to become obese in a very short time, simply by changing his lifestyle habits, which is bound to hit home with many of them. Next, they will see him bring himself back to health and fitness in a relatively short time, and will understand exactly what they would need to do in order to join him. If his health is risked, and his motivations are true, then this may be a case where the good of the many outweighs the good of the one. I think it's a noble cause, and I wish him all the best.

This is great, especially if he has never been overweight before and is a fitness trainer - he should know what the journey is like for his clients so he can best serve them in their mission. That said, this guy is still is at a bit of an advantage in the sense that he still likely has a decent set of muscles under all that fat - which will burn fat more quickly than someone who has never worked out. The quick growth that "muscle memory" will allow in this situation will burn a huge chunk of calories for him, so he should have no trouble get back into his former shanpe in 6 months.

What a shame to see. That's dedication! Wow, I feel sick for him. I have no doubt that he can't wait to peel that weight off and he will. Hope there are no lasting health issues as a result.
For people like myself weight gain and loss is a roller coaster ride. Losing it isn't the biggest issue. I'm fat because I always put it back on as my lifestyle changes are never permanent. Unfortunately a person can get used to not feeling 100%.
Regardless I think Drew will definitely be able to empathize a bit more and definitely loose the weight. Drew won't be fat for long.

What a ridiculous stunt. Everyone's body is different especially when it comes to metabolism. Emotions, genetics, socio-economic, general health factors etc. all play a huge role in weight issues. As for weight loss, losing is much easier than keeping it off. I hate it when people take a complex issue and simplify it to suit their own agenda.

Awesome, I hope he succeeds. This will honestly put to rest a majority of people's disbelief that they "cannot do it" or are unable to and thrive on excuses of why they can't lose weight rather than finding the desire to win their personal struggles with obesity.

Way to go!

Interesting concept. I am curious to know how old Mr. Manning is (over or under 40?). Also I think it might be a bit more relevant if he kept the weight on for at least 6 months to a year before trying to lose it again.

I would applaud his efforts if he started off fat! However, being thin & deliberately gaining weight is just pointless (could cause some serious gallbladder problems). Some of us have thyroid issues, health issues that require steroids and massive medications. Walk a mile in a persons shoes is not being thin all your life and getting fat to prove a point. The only point I see is...."look how easy this is so why are you so fat?" His point should be do as much as you possibly can with the help of a Doctor and a nutritionist that has all your personal health history. Not I can do so you should do it too! It's just another slap across the face to all the fat people in the world.

Good on him for doing this. I think he will now be able to understand how difficult it ban be to loose the weight,however he does one advantage over anyone he is training, and that is he is in somewhat better shape than them and really does love to exercise. So I am sure he will have a easier time with his program.

No better way to understand and FEEL what someone else does or know what obstacles they face on a day to day basis. I don't know if I agree with how quickly he put on the weight as that can't be a good thing. In principle I think that is great as unfortuneatly in todays society we only seem to sympathize or have compassion when we can identify with anothers situation.

It's an ok idea but, always a but. Most people who are out of shape have been for years. Also they have full time jobs and kids/family to take care of. Now if all they had to do is train and watch what they eat all day long it would be easier. Then again everyone has an excuse. Hopefully he motivates people over this. That should be the goal. Good luck too all, it's a lifestyle!

I bet most "fit" people will disagree with what he's doing as they see fat as bad. I bet most "overweight" people will think it is inspirational as many personal trainers have always been fit and never know what it's like on the other end.

I think it takes a lot of guts to try it. I mean, even when he loses the weight, evidence of being fat will still be there (stretch marks, etc) It's a life changing experiance that will effect the way he views his world and his work. It'll be mostly benefitial to his clients as he has nothing to gain out of it. It's raising awareness and showing that what many consider to be impossible is possible.

I, for one, salute Drew and wish him a successful journey.

As study after study has shown, dropping weight that has recently been put on isn't all that difficult - not easy but doable. Try keeping it on for ten years and then try to drop it. Different story! He is proving nothing - at least nothing worthwhile.

I think he's amazing! I hope he helps a lot of people.

im 6 foot 150 lbs,30 years ago i weighed 140,i eat like a pig some days and some i dont eat much,i would like to know what you ate to gain that weight,i very rarely eat fast food and dont and never have eaten salt plus i dont drink much fluids,i would like to gain 20 lbs to get to 170 lbs can you help

I think he has proven a point, to a certain degree. However, I'm sure that he will effectively lose the weight, more so than others who are used to being fat, dislike exercise, have life-long eating habits which they do not particularly wish to change, though they might long to look otherwise. I think the effectiveness of the experiment is questionable as relates to people who don't do fitness for a livelihood. We all actually *know* that diets work, as does exercise, if people stick to them - it's motivation, willpower and habit which stand in the way.

I understand what he is trying to do, but I wouldn't be surprised if he died from this. If one was gaining weight for more bulk and muscle that's one thing. But this is 70 pounds of fat. Break it down chemically and it's 70 pounds of Water Salt and toxic byproduct from the foods we eat. That same by product doesn't just end up showing externally but internally he is risking, heart, liver, and blood glucose problems.

unless he plans to become hypothyroid or have arthritis or cancer or depression or a number of these illnesses or other major problems this is a pointless undertaking. It's also pretty insensitive to people with real problems in their life, with their health, etc. I don't imagine everyone of his clients or potential clients are perfectly healthy or will remain that way.

I think he just want publicity. A great pretender .

Certainly he is putting his health at risk. Hopefully he will be able to lose the weight and people will pay attention. Almost certainly this gentleman will learn something about nutrition (and diets). Specifically that diets don't work and that it is impossible to live your life on a calorie restricted regimen.

I would suggest that he read Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Neal Barnard to name a few. All of these doctors have been telling us for years about how to be slim and, more importantly, healthy while eating as much food as we want. Their message has not been getting very much attention because the fast food folks spend millions of dollars encouraging us to eat their products instead.