Matthew Johns has revealed he had thoughts he was going to die after receiving shock health news that prompted a body transformation.
Matthew Johns has revealed he had thoughts he was going to die after receiving scary news during a check-up with a heart specialist last year.
The popular footy legend detailed his significant weight loss earlier this year and has now explained one of the motivating factors behind the lifestyle changes he has made recently.
The 50-year-old says it was an appointment with a cardiologist that kicked him into gear after being told his cholesterol level was too high.
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The Newcastle Knights great said he was measured at 7.4mmol per litre, significantly higher than the 5mmol per litre acceptable range recommended by health agencies.
He said on Friday the news ultimately forced him to confront his mortality.
тАЬI started to have morbid thoughts on mortality when I was 7.4,тАЭ he said on his radio show on SEN Sydney.
тАЬI was going, тАШOh God, IтАЩm gonna dieтАЩ. When you reach 50 itтАЩs going to happen sooner or later.
Johns said he had ballooned out to 93kg before making changes to his diet and lifestyle.
He explained his health imbalance was a result of binge eating while hungover.
тАЬIтАЩm in love with my cardiologist because I went and saw him yesterday. I went and saw him 12 months ago and my cholesterol was 7.4m,тАЭ Johns said.
тАЬI ended up 93kg and then with the fasting with Sammy and the boys which we all did. And then just watching not getting on the sauce too much and now IтАЩm down to 3.4. Thanks very much.тАЭ
Johns said earlier this year his improved health was the result of intermittent fasting.
His program included having multiple days of fasting during the week.
Johns finished his NRL career in 2002 with a recorded playing weight of 89kg when he carried significantly more muscle.
He joked earlier this year about giving up alcohol for an extended period, which left his tolerance for a tipple significantly reduced when he again started enjoying a quiet drink.
Johns is one of the busiest men in football media and will again be front and centre in Fox LeagueтАЩs coverage of the NRL finals, beginning on Friday night with South SydneyтАЩs preliminary final showdown against Manly.
Originally published as Matthew JohnsтАЩ body transformation after death fears
