Fat model proves a point

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It is not often someone has a goal to become obese but that is what a former underwear model did to prove a point on fitness.

Last time we saw him, Paul "PJ" James had stacked on 20kg since the New Year, in part of what he calls a social experiment to better understand his overweight clients.

The gym instructor had never been in triple figures and his target of 120kg is now just a few "supersized" snacks away.

Link: Today Tonight diet resources

"When I'm at my fittest, I allowed myself a cheat day where I eat anything I want to so it breaks up the cycle," he said.

"I've been having cheat months."

But the novelty of eating whatever he wants is wearing off.

"Outside on the street and walking around, I'm very, very self conscious," PJ said.

Not only feeling lethargic and unmotivated, PJ's unhealthy lifestyle is costing him a small fortune.

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"I'd normally get away with spending about $80 a week at the supermarket, at the moment I spend about $300 a week," he said.

"I've found all these foods I've never eaten before."

This unusual weight battle has even made headlines around the world.

Fellow trainer Alistair White believes PJ will be like any other client when he tries to lose his bulge.

"A lot of people say it will happen automatically because PJ has a muscle mass established, he's got a fast metabolism," Alistair said.

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"At the end of the day he still has to shift 30kg and it's not going to happen without hard work and dedication to a controlled diet."

As a model, PJ stuck to a diet of egg white omelettes, protein shakes and grilled fish which was a total of 51g of fat a day.

But PJ's supersized diet includes soft drinks, pizzas and chips. That is about 180g of fat a day.

Nutritionist Dr Tim Crowe said anyone who can gain the weight and lose it quickly is not really learning from it.

"Carrying that much weight isn't just an aesthetic and body image problem," he said.

"Carrying that weight has 30 different health problems."

PJ insists a doctor is monitoring his progress but to prove he is taking the issue seriously, he is willing to let a viewer take the challenge with him.

"I'm going to bring someone back with me, someone that has a similar weight to myself, 30kg overweight," he said.

"I'll educate them about eating and follow them for six months and we can come back together."

PJ plans to reach 120kg by April and he will start his weight loss regime in July.

Be a part of the challenge

To be a part of PJ's return to fitness, visit www.youtube.com and type in "pjfatandback".

Attach your own video detailing why you want to be PJ's fitness partner and include your contact details.

PJ will select a person with whom he will train for six months.