In the year 1996, Zach Strenkert made headlines when he appeared on The Jerry Springer Show. As a 17-month-old toddler, he weighed a staggering 70 pounds and stood 3 feet tall. His parents, Laurie and Chris, were seeking answers, puzzled by their child’s rapid growth which saw him growing an inch and gaining 2.5 pounds every fortnight.

“He’s not a big eater, and that’s why we were so concerned. Where is the growing coming from?” Laurie shared during their TV appearance, expressing their worry and confusion.

After some investigation, doctors diagnosed Zach with a rare genetic disorder known as Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS). This condition primarily affects males and results in excessive growth. Although they finally had a name for what Zach was experiencing, there was no available treatment to counteract its effects.

Growing Up with SGBS

Zach’s years growing up were fraught with challenges. By the time he reached three years old, he weighed 110 pounds. His weight continued to increase, reaching 250 pounds by the fifth grade. “I was always hungry because of the rate at which I was growing,” Zach remembers.

Gym classes became a nightmare for him due to constant pain from issues like fibromyalgia, scoliosis, and arthritis. Nevertheless, Zach pushed through his childhood, even as the emotional and physical burdens of his unique condition became more pronounced.

When Zach turned 23, the growth spurt he’s been accustomed to finally slowed. He adjusted to a more regular weight and height for his 6-foot-4-inch build, but years of consuming processed foods took a toll on his weight, and it climbed back to 500 pounds.

A Turning Point During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 marked a significant turning point for Zach. He found himself isolated and sinking deeper into depressive states, as a competitive gamer who was habitually cut off from social interactions. Given his health conditions and obesity, Zach was particularly vulnerable to severe effects of the virus.

“One day, I woke up and thought, ‘What can I do?’” Zach recalls of a pivotal moment that spurred his desire for change.

Zach started small, spending just 10 minutes walking around his backyard. “I could barely do it, but I did,” he recalls. Each day, he attempted to walk a little more, fueled by music playlists and meditation to push past his mental hurdles.

Embracing Fitness and Health

Eventually, Zach progressed to power walking around his neighborhood, aiming for 30 to 45 minutes daily. “Now, I can do about eight miles in an hour,” he says, brimming with pride. Occasionally, he challenges himself further by carrying a weighted backpack but takes care to avoid injuring himself.

Strength training was another element Zach integrated into his regimen. To protect his body from fibromyalgia pain, he chose wall pushups, sneaking them in during TV commercial breaks. Even when gaming, he maintains his activity levels by jogging in place, clocking impressive feats like running 20 miles in a single day.

A Balanced Approach to Diet

When it came to his diet, Zach made significant changes. He swapped out high-calorie energy drinks for healthier choices like dry cereal with nuts, chicken breast, and whey protein shakes. He practices moderation, treating himself occasionally with takeout but primarily staying focused on mindful eating habits.

At one point, Zach’s weight dropped to 234 pounds, but it wasn’t sustainable long-term. “People started worrying, saying I looked gaunt,” he recalls. Right now, he weighs in at 280 pounds, a weight that he finds both healthy and comfortable. His philosophy remains: “Make more good decisions than bad, and stay active.”

Sharing His Story to Inspire Others

Zach wishes that his personal tale will inspire others to embark or continue on their own paths towards better health and fitness, no matter how intimidating the beginning might seem.

“If I can do it, anybody can do it,” he states confidently. “You have to go at your pace. You’ll get there as long as you stay on the road and keep taking those steps.”

Zach’s astounding transformation underlines a story of resilience and tenacity, demonstrating that even the smallest steps can bring about life-changing progress.