The Viral 70-Pound Baby Who Stunned Viewers on Jerry Springer Has Grown Up — And His Transformation Is Truly Inspiring
Back in 1996, audiences of The Jerry Springer Show met baby Zach Strenkert, a 17-month-old who weighed an astonishing 70 pounds and stood just three feet tall.
His parents, Laurie and Chris, were desperate for answers. Despite not being a big eater, Zach was growing at an alarming rate — an inch and two and a half pounds every two weeks.
During their emotional appearance, Laurie told host Jerry Springer, “He’s not a big eater… that’s why we’re so concerned. Where is the growth coming from?”
Springer later connected the family with a geneticist, leading to the discovery that Zach had Simpson-Golabi-Behmel Syndrome (SGBS) — a rare genetic overgrowth disorder that causes individuals to grow much larger than average and affects primarily males.
Growing up in Port Jervis, New York, Zach became somewhat of a familiar face, appearing on programs like Oprah, Maury, and Inside Edition.
But while the exposure helped raise awareness, Zach admits it also came with a price.
“They presented me as different, which separated me from everyone else,” Zach told The Mirror. “People thought my mom was chasing fame, but she only wanted answers — help from doctors we couldn’t afford.”
The family didn’t earn much from their TV appearances.
“It was never about money. It was about finding help and spreading awareness,” Zach explained.
Years later, after the release of Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action on Netflix — a documentary exposing how the show exploited guests for shock value — Zach reflected, saying, “It didn’t show anything new, just the same old story dressed up. My mom just wanted me to be okay.”
Today, Zach Strenkert is 29 years old — and thriving. Once weighing nearly 485 pounds, he has shed over 200 pounds, now sitting at around 280, feeling stronger and healthier than ever.
His journey has become a source of inspiration for many.
“If I can do it, anyone can,” Zach said in an interview with Today. “Go at your own pace. You’ll get there if you just keep moving forward.”
From a misunderstood child on a talk show to a man who found strength in his struggles, Zach’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience and hope can outshine even the harshest spotlight.
👉 Share this inspiring transformation with your friends and family to remind them that no challenge is too big to overcome.
