Drew Manning has had a rough summer. A certified personal trainer with a lifelong passion for fitness, Manning carried a muscle-infused 193 pounds on his 6-foot-2-inch frame when he began his yearlong

journey on May 7.

On Oct. 15, just over five months in, he weighed in at 263.4 pounds and had added more than 13 inches to his waist.

The concept of Fit 2 Fat 2 Fit, in Manning's words — see the top video below for his personal introduction to the program — is to go from "fit to fat in six months, to back to fit again in six more months." Starting May 7, he began the six-month process of letting himself go with an unrestricted diet and no exercise. He then plans to spend the next six months showing people how to get fit again, posting specific meal and workout plans on his website.

In his introduction video, Manning says he plans on gaining around 50 to 60 pounds during the first six months. In just over five months, he's gained more than 70. (See the bottom video below for his most recent weigh-in.)

In a recent

, Manning says the program has left him feeling lethargic and uncomfortable.

"I definitely feel 'addicted' to these foods," Manning tells Shine. "In the beginning, I did not like soda, but now I can’t go a day without, otherwise I’ll get the headaches, bad mood, etc. Emotionally, it's taken a toll on my confidence level, even in my marriage. I don't like the way I look in public; nothing fits right; bending over to tie my shoes or clip my toe nails has become so difficult. I've definitely taken those things for granted."

It seems the program is having its intended effect. Among Manning's goals in doing this is to be able to better identify with overweight people, so that to a certain extent he'll know what it's like and know how hard it is to get fit.

"I want to give people hope and I want to inspire them and show them that it really is possible to get back in shape again if they follow basic guidelines of good nutrition and good exercise routines," he says in the introduction video.

Manning posts weekly pictures and measurements of his body on the Fit 2 Fat 2 Fit website — at fit2fat2fit.com — where he also tracks his physical and emotional changes throughout the program. He seems optimistic about turning things around, and even a bit impatient to do so. In the

post on his blog, for instance, he concludes with "I'm just sick of feeling like a different person. I want the old Drew back."

What do you think of Manning's Fit 2 Fat 2 Fit quest? Is it inspirational or too extreme? Will he be able to get back to his May 7 fitness level after just six months? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or send me an email.

Simon A. Thalmann is the online editor for Booth Features. He can be reached at sthalmann@kalamazoogazette.com.