New Animal Planet series takes on pet obesity

The rate of overweight and obese pets in the US is more than 50%. In line with this, Animal Planet launched the new series, My Big Fat Pet Makeover Sept 30.

Pet expert and trainer Travis Brorsen begins a four-month weight-loss and behavior modification journey with pet owners and their overweight animals with the aim of helping each pet live a healthier, happier life. Each story ends with a final weigh-in to see just how far the pets and pet owners have come.

Obese animals can experience health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart failure, thus leading to a shorter life. Brorsen creates individual exercise and diet plans in addition to implementing positive reinforcement training methods. He also uses creative techniques such as exercises that help pet parents experience what their pets are going through. For example, wearing a weighted vest to experience the extra weight a dog is living with.