After reaching a peak weight of 578 pounds, the lifelong San Diegan quietly began reshaping his life through consistent movement, discipline, and the outdoor spaces that define the city he calls home. Over the past five years, Anderson’s transformation has unfolded not in a gym spotlight or on a television show, but along Mission Trails paths, Mission Bay boardwalks, and neighborhood streets, turning San Diego itself into both his training ground and his proof of progress.
At his heaviest, Anderson weighed 578 pounds. Known growing up as “Big B,” he says size-based nicknames followed him from childhood into adulthood. By the time he graduated high school, he was already over 400 pounds and cycling through restrictive diets that never stuck. For years, weight loss came in bursts, followed by burnout and relapse.
By 2019, the scale was creeping toward 600 pounds, a number that terrified him. “I had to do something, or I felt like life was done,” Anderson said. Living and working in San Diego as a 911 fire dispatcher, he began with the smallest possible change: cutting out soda and juice. The first 30 pounds came off quickly. Then the pandemic hit.
While much of the world shut down, Anderson saw opportunity. He began walking in stairwells, using outdoor 24 Hour Fitness setups, and moving through nearby canyon parks. He didn’t start with dramatic workouts. He started with movement. “Even doing small workouts was super beneficial,” he said.
San Diego’s geography quietly became his training partner. Anderson found himself returning again and again to Mission Trails, particularly the paved path toward the Old Mission Dam, which he now calls his “home away from home.” Mission Bay boardwalk walks, sunset strolls between Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, hikes near Sunset Cliffs, and loops through Rancho Mission Canyon all became part of a routine rooted in the city itself.
At first, being outside felt intimidating. “I tried not to make eye contact,” he said. “I’d awkwardly smile when I was unsuccessful.” Over time, that fear transformed into motivation. Now he walks with his head up, returning smiles and accepting encouragement from strangers. “You never know who’s watching your journey,” he said. “You might help someone you’ll never even meet.”
Balancing fitness with 12-hour overnight shifts wasn’t easy. Anderson began working out before his night shifts and using the gym at work during lunch breaks. He even incorporated stair workouts near the training tower behind Fire Station 28. “It’s not much,” he said, “but it gets the job done.”
The changes extended beyond exercise. Anderson opted against GLP-1 medications, citing cost and a desire to rely on sustainable habits. He estimates spending about $1,000 per month on training, food, and supplements. When eating out, he gravitated toward accessible, healthier options around San Diego, including Flame Broiler, Urbane Cafe, California Fish Grill, and Panini Kabob Grill.
As the weight came off, so did barriers he didn’t fully realize he’d been carrying. One of the most emotional moments came recently at Belmont Park, when Anderson rode the Giant Dipper for the first time since he was 12. “It showed me how far I’ve come,” he said. “It made me grateful for every part of the journey, even when I was 578 pounds.”
Another milestone came on his birthday in October 2021, when he hiked Cowles Mountain weighing well over 400 pounds, surrounded by close friends. “It was hard. It was challenging,” he said. “No one told me the hardest part was coming back down.”
Now hovering around 300 pounds, Anderson is roughly 75 pounds away from his goal weight. He has completed the 75 Hard challenge once and is currently in the middle of another round, committing to daily outdoor workouts regardless of weather. “San Diego makes consistency possible,” he said. “Even when it’s cold or windy, it’s still beautiful.”
His relationship with the city has changed along with his body. Places he once avoided are now invitations. He’s eyeing the Seven Bridges Walk, regular trips to Mount Helix, the Santee water tower climb, and even using his Zoo pass more often. “My journey made me fall in love with San Diego all over again,” he said.
Working as a first responder has sharpened his perspective. “You see every day how fast life can change,” Anderson said. “That makes you want to live fully, stay capable, and be here for the people you love.”
Recognition comes differently now. Compliments from strangers at the gym no longer cause discomfort. Instead, they serve as quiet reminders that progress is visible and contagious. “The old me would have cringed,” he said. “Now I say thank you and keep going.”
For anyone in San Diego who feels stuck, Anderson offers simple advice rooted in the city itself: start small, stay consistent, and treat change as a lifestyle, not a deadline. “Slow and steady really does win,” he said. “One percent better every day changed everything.”
Looking ahead, Anderson hopes to continue building his platform, sharing his journey, and helping others—especially those starting from where he once stood—find their reason to begin.
To follow Brian Anderson’s ongoing journey, find him on Instagram at @iambrianjacobi and @duckingfocused.
At his heaviest, Anderson weighed 578 pounds. Known growing up as “Big B,” he says size-based nicknames followed him from childhood into adulthood. By the time he graduated high school, he was already over 400 pounds and cycling through restrictive diets that never stuck. For years, weight loss came in bursts, followed by burnout and relapse.
By 2019, the scale was creeping toward 600 pounds, a number that terrified him. “I had to do something, or I felt like life was done,” Anderson said. Living and working in San Diego as a 911 fire dispatcher, he began with the smallest possible change: cutting out soda and juice. The first 30 pounds came off quickly. Then the pandemic hit.
While much of the world shut down, Anderson saw opportunity. He began walking in stairwells, using outdoor 24 Hour Fitness setups, and moving through nearby canyon parks. He didn’t start with dramatic workouts. He started with movement. “Even doing small workouts was super beneficial,” he said.
San Diego’s geography quietly became his training partner. Anderson found himself returning again and again to Mission Trails, particularly the paved path toward the Old Mission Dam, which he now calls his “home away from home.” Mission Bay boardwalk walks, sunset strolls between Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, hikes near Sunset Cliffs, and loops through Rancho Mission Canyon all became part of a routine rooted in the city itself.
At first, being outside felt intimidating. “I tried not to make eye contact,” he said. “I’d awkwardly smile when I was unsuccessful.” Over time, that fear transformed into motivation. Now he walks with his head up, returning smiles and accepting encouragement from strangers. “You never know who’s watching your journey,” he said. “You might help someone you’ll never even meet.”
Balancing fitness with 12-hour overnight shifts wasn’t easy. Anderson began working out before his night shifts and using the gym at work during lunch breaks. He even incorporated stair workouts near the training tower behind Fire Station 28. “It’s not much,” he said, “but it gets the job done.”
The changes extended beyond exercise. Anderson opted against GLP-1 medications, citing cost and a desire to rely on sustainable habits. He estimates spending about $1,000 per month on training, food, and supplements. When eating out, he gravitated toward accessible, healthier options around San Diego, including Flame Broiler, Urbane Cafe, California Fish Grill, and Panini Kabob Grill.
As the weight came off, so did barriers he didn’t fully realize he’d been carrying. One of the most emotional moments came recently at Belmont Park, when Anderson rode the Giant Dipper for the first time since he was 12. “It showed me how far I’ve come,” he said. “It made me grateful for every part of the journey, even when I was 578 pounds.”
Another milestone came on his birthday in October 2021, when he hiked Cowles Mountain weighing well over 400 pounds, surrounded by close friends. “It was hard. It was challenging,” he said. “No one told me the hardest part was coming back down.”
Now hovering around 300 pounds, Anderson is roughly 75 pounds away from his goal weight. He has completed the 75 Hard challenge once and is currently in the middle of another round, committing to daily outdoor workouts regardless of weather. “San Diego makes consistency possible,” he said. “Even when it’s cold or windy, it’s still beautiful.”
His relationship with the city has changed along with his body. Places he once avoided are now invitations. He’s eyeing the Seven Bridges Walk, regular trips to Mount Helix, the Santee water tower climb, and even using his Zoo pass more often. “My journey made me fall in love with San Diego all over again,” he said.
Working as a first responder has sharpened his perspective. “You see every day how fast life can change,” Anderson said. “That makes you want to live fully, stay capable, and be here for the people you love.”
Recognition comes differently now. Compliments from strangers at the gym no longer cause discomfort. Instead, they serve as quiet reminders that progress is visible and contagious. “The old me would have cringed,” he said. “Now I say thank you and keep going.”
For anyone in San Diego who feels stuck, Anderson offers simple advice rooted in the city itself: start small, stay consistent, and treat change as a lifestyle, not a deadline. “Slow and steady really does win,” he said. “One percent better every day changed everything.”
Looking ahead, Anderson hopes to continue building his platform, sharing his journey, and helping others—especially those starting from where he once stood—find their reason to begin.
To follow Brian Anderson’s ongoing journey, find him on Instagram at @iambrianjacobi and @duckingfocused.
Originally published on January 12, 2026.