The Fat Project

Welcome to the Fat Project

Some time ago, in the primorial days of the Internet, we had the idea that it would be an interesting twist on the usual weight-losing schemes to pay people to gain weight instead. 30 pounds in 30 days for $3000 was the offer, and surprisingly enough we found many takers. We put out a call to our users, and from 426 applications, we selected Eric and Nicole. He's a gentleman punk from Cincinnati and she's a comparatively proper Southern girl, a homecoming queen from Alabama. We flew them both up to Boston, gave them a nice furnished apartment, and promised them all the food they could eat. Here they are before the cellulite and the jowls distorted their good looks.

NICOLE 20 years old 5' 7" Beginning Weight: 121.5 lbs. In her own words: "I have a nice bod. That's all anyone ever looks at—so I want to get disgustingly fat and see how everyone reacts."

ERIC 21 years old 6' 2" Beginning Weight: 174 lbs. In his own words: "I do not have a nice bod. But I do have a girlfriend. Go figure. She's volunteering for Habitat for Humanity this Fall, so she has no idea I'm doing this. I plan to use the $3000 to buy an engagement ring. Seriously."

And despite those innocent looks, they really went for it. For the next 30 days, Eric and Nicole stuffed themselves silly, chasing pounds, money, and dubious internet fame. Of course, we documented the whole thing, which, looking back, seems to taken place mostly with them in their underwear.

compare & contrast superficial traits