VIDEO Animal Planet’s My Big Fat Pet Makeover to premiere September 30

Animal planet is getting in on the popular weight loss reality show craze as pet expert and trainer Travis Brorsen puts plump and portly pets through “a four-month long weight-loss and behavior modification journey” on the new series My Big Fat Pet Makeover.

From the network:

Obese animals can experience health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart failure, thus leading to a shorter life. In MY BIG FAT PET MAKEOVER, Brorsen creates individual exercise and diet plans in addition to implementing positive reinforcement training methods. He also uses creative techniques as wake-up calls for owners, using visual experiments that let them experience what their pets are going through. As an example, one individual is forced to wear a weighted vest to experience the extra weight the dog is living with each day.

Here is a preview trailer highlighting some of the four-legged cast members to be featured in the premiere season:

Ugh – ZERO episodes in and I’m already addicted! (Even without Dr. Nowzaradam or the need for gastric bypass surgery.)

This cat and dog are motivational memes waiting to happen:

Travis Brorsen shared his excitement and thoughts about what he hoped the show would accomplish in an Animal Planet press release. “My goal for this series is to raises awareness of the pet obesity problem while educating and empowering pet owners to make big changes for their furry family members,” he says. “I’m thrilled to be sharing health, wellness and training tips to the Animal Planet audiences that will help owners find new ways to love their pets and add years to their life.”

My Big Fat Pet Makeover premieres Saturday, September 30 at 10/9c on Animal Planet.