Haub expects that his diet will affect his health and knows it could be a risk. But he points out that other diets have risks, as does gastric bypass surgery -- which is performed all the time.

Haub is monitoring his health by measuring his body mass index, body composition, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.

He believes the U.S. has an obesity epidemic.

"We have become heavier as a nation and that's undeniable," he said. "The debatable part is what the health outcomes are that come with that increased weight gain."

Many think increased weight gain leads to diabetes, heart disease, mortality and more. But Haub said research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found overweight people have lower mortality rates and health care costs.

Haub said his diet also is easy on a budget.

"It's very inexpensive and I get all of my calories for about five bucks a day," he said. "I am not promoting this or recommending it; it's just an exercise in nutrition."

SOURCE Kansas State University