The child you’re referring to is Zach Strenkert, who appeared on The Jerry Springer Show in 1996 when he was just 17 months old and weighed about 70 pounds (32 kg) due to a rare genetic disorder. His story has resurfaced in recent years after he spoke publicly about his childhood and adult life.
Why was he so large?
Zach was eventually diagnosed with Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS), a very rare genetic condition that causes:
- Rapid growth before and after birth.
- Unusually large height and weight.
- Increased risk of certain birth defects and medical complications.
- A higher risk of developing some tumors, requiring ongoing medical monitoring.
His parents appeared on television because they were desperate to find medical answers and specialists, not because they were seeking fame. The publicity ultimately helped connect them with doctors who diagnosed his condition.
What happened after the show?
Growing up was difficult for Zach:
- He was recognized everywhere as “the 70-pound baby.”
- He has said he often felt like a “circus act” because of the attention.
- He experienced bullying and felt isolated from other children.
- Despite appearing on several television programs, including The Oprah Winfrey Show and Inside Edition, his family did not become wealthy from the appearances. Much of the money went toward travel and expenses.
Where is Zach Strenkert now?
As an adult:
- He has worked in environmental services.
- He continues to live with the effects of Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, his weight reportedly increased significantly, but he later committed to improving his health through regular exercise and lifestyle changes.
- He has spoken openly about accepting himself while continuing to work on his physical and mental well-being.
Returning to Jerry Springer
In 2019, Zach returned to The Jerry Springer Show as an adult. During the reunion:
- He talked about how difficult childhood fame had been.
- He thanked Jerry Springer for treating him and his family with kindness.
- Viewers saw a confident adult reflecting on his journey rather than the child they remembered.
His perspective today
In recent interviews, Zach has explained that:
- He wishes people understood his family was searching for medical help.
- He doesn’t blame his mother for taking him on television.
- He hopes people see him as a person rather than just “the 70-pound baby.”
- He continues to advocate for understanding rare genetic conditions and has said he’s focused on living a healthier, more balanced life.