Zephyrhills man needs your help to become the next ‘Biggest Loser’
By Sarah Whitman
Senior Staff Writer
At 464 pounds, Zephyrhills resident Ken Gezelman is ready to tackle his biggest enemy: Obesity. He hopes to do so on the reality television show, “The Biggest Loser,” where contestants battle it out to lose the most weight.
The Facebook page “Help get Ken Gezelman on The Biggest Loser” has more than 1,100 fans.
“I’ve had a weight problem all my life and I’m ready to change,” Gezelman said. “I want to be on the show because I’m ready to give up my old habits. It’s scary, but it wouldn’t be a challenge if I wasn’t scared.”
Gezelman, 41, grew up in Addison, Mich. where he said bullies berated him for his size. Both his parents were overweight and family dinners consisted of greasy foods, making it difficult for a young man to stay fit.
Gezelman was 250 pounds when he graduated high school.
“I got picked on a lot, so I had to develop a tough exterior,” Gezelman said. “I became the funny fat guy.”
Gezelman worked odd jobs out of high school, including teaching line dancing. He moved to Zephyrhills in 1999 and soon after went to work as a custodian in the Pasco County school system. He has slowly gained more and more weight.
He has had girlfriends, but said being obese makes it difficult to maintain a serious relationship.
“I’ve always pictured myself married with children but that hasn’t happened because of my weight,” Gezelman said. “It’s definitely a factor when I date.”
Gezelman remembers one date in particular.
“It was at Universal Studios and we went on a water ride,” Gezelman said. “When I went to get off the ride, I couldn’t. I was stuck. Twenty logs backed up behind me while I fought to get out of the ride. It was one of my most embarrassing moments. The woman I was with said she didn’t mind, but I knew it bothered her.”
Gezelman loves roller coasters but can no longer ride them. The seatbelt in his truck doesn’t fit around his waist. His work uniforms won’t button. He has stopped line dancing. He takes medication for diabetes and high blood pressure.
“At this point, it’s a health issue,” he said.
He has attempted to lose weight in the past but has gained it back. A few years ago, he lost 88 pounds; then went back to unhealthy eating and gained back extra pounds. He said food has always been an issue. He likes to cook and he works nights as a plant manager for West Zephyrhills Elementary, so he eats late.
“Ken has really struggled with his weight,” said West Zephyrhills principal Emily Keene. “He’s tried so many things to lose it, like doing diet programs with the teachers here at the school. This show could be his chance and he’s got the support of the school. Everyone wants him to succeed.”
Gezelman decided to try out for “The Biggest Loser” after watching season eight.
“I was astounded by the contestants and the amount of weight they lost,” he said. “I went to the Tampa auditions and wasn’t automatically picked but they said to send in a video. So, I made a video. They said they wanted contestants to offer something different, which was where I got the idea for the Facebook page and bringing a fan base with me.”
Gezelman’s roommate Denise Fackender is one of many cheering on her friend.
“Ken is the best hearted person I’ve ever met,” Fackender said. “I think he would be great on the show. He truly needs the help. He deserves it.”
The Biggest Loser is known for helping contestants lose drastic amounts of weight. Last season’s winner Danny lost 201 pounds.
“I want to lose at least 200 lbs,” Gezelman said. “I think I can do it.”
The show pairs contestants with professional trainers, health experts and cooks who make losing weight less complicated. Contestants work out rigorously and compete in challenges. Each week, the competitors who lose the least weight are in danger of elimination. The contestants vote to send one person home until the finale, when the winner walks away with $250,00, a new body and a new outlook on life.
“I’m nervous about cutting it on the show, about not being able to lose the weight and letting my supporters down,” Gezelman said. “I’ve been going to the gym to work up my stamina so I’ll be ready.”
Gezelman exercises at The Local Gym in Zephyrhills.
“The community has given me so much support,” Gezelman said. “We started a written petition with signatures for people just in Zephyrhills and I have over 300 signatures from people who want me to make it on the show.”
Fackender thinks he would be a season 10 favorite.
“He’s such a great guy,” she said. “He’s charismatic and funny. He charms people.”
Keene agrees.
“He’s such a kind man and he’s always willing to help others,” she said. “He deserves to be on the show.”
Gezelman said the show hasn’t announced when producers will decide on season 10 contestants. He hopes to know soon. Whether or not he makes it, he intends to lose the weight.
He has dreams of riding roller coasters, dancing until sunrise and sharing his life with someone special.
“There are so many things I want to do but can’t because of my weight,” he said. “I want to lose the weight to see my dreams come true.”
To support Ken, become a fan on his Facebook page.
