Competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi retires amid health concerns: ‘I no longer feel hunger’

Japanese competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi has announced his retirement in a new Netflix documentary in which the six-time winner of the famous Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest revealed that he no longer has an appetite.

Kobayashi, 46, opened up about his health concerns in the film "Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut." He estimated that over the course of his 20-year career, he has eaten around 10,000 hot dogs.

competitive eater takeru kobayashi retires amid health concerns: ‘i no longer feel hunger’

Takeru Kobayashi of Japan sits in exhaustion after downing 44 hot dogs at the annual hot dog eating contest at Coney Island July 4, 2003 in New York City. Kobayashi, who set a world record of 50 1/2 hot dogs in last years contest, asily won again this year. Getty Images

"I hear people say they’re hungry, and they look very happy after they’ve eaten," Kobayashi said in the documentary. "I’m jealous of those people because I no longer feel hunger."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The informational film follows the lives of four individuals, each of which has their own digestive health issues. Kobayashi talks about his lack of appetite, which his wife revealed has led the competitive eater to go days without having a meal.

"Ever since I started this career, I’ve wondered what damage I’ve done to my body," he said.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

competitive eater takeru kobayashi retires amid health concerns: ‘i no longer feel hunger’

All-time world record holder Takeru Kobayashi of Japan, who ate 50 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes in 2001, breaks his own record in 2002 by eating 50 1/2 hot dogs and buns. Getty Images

JOEY CHESTNUT WINS MEN'S HOT DOG EATING CONTEST AFTER WEATHER DELAY

After undergoing a series of tests, Kobayashi is informed that while his gut microbiome appeared to be fine, his brain scans were cause for concern, a wake-up call that eventually led to him walking away from the sport. .

"I’ve decided to retire from competitive eating. It’s all I've done for the last 20 years. I am worried about what my next step will bring, but I am also excited about my future. I have mixed feelings."

competitive eater takeru kobayashi retires amid health concerns: ‘i no longer feel hunger’

Competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi challeges 2011 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition Contestants via satellite at 230 Fifth Avenue on July 4, 2011 in New York City. Getty Images

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

While taking a step back, Kobayashi isn’t taking hot dogs off the menu any time soon.

"Throughout my career, what’s influenced me more than competitive eating is the hot dog. I want to create a healthier hot dog by combining it with healthy Japanese ingredients."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Original article source: Competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi retires amid health concerns: ‘I no longer feel hunger’

OTHER NEWS

8 hrs ago

A Braves trade to make with division rival amid Orlando Arcia's looming issues

8 hrs ago

US says China fears N.Korea crisis after Putin trip

8 hrs ago

Hunter Biden requests new federal gun trial

8 hrs ago

Phillies dominate All-Star voting update; could new record be set?

8 hrs ago

'House of the Dragon' Erryk and Arryk actors talk deadly battle: Episode 2 recap

8 hrs ago

Dow Jones, Nasdaq, S&P 500 weekly preview: Markets brace for Micron earnings

8 hrs ago

Venture firms could be the latest target for AI disruption, and that's not the only threat to VCs

8 hrs ago

These Houseplants May Actually Cool Your Home, According to NASA Research

8 hrs ago

Things heating up between the Niners and WR Brandon Aiyuk

8 hrs ago

Macron warns podcast of 'civil war' risk as French elections loom

8 hrs ago

CNN Anchor Takes Trump Spokeswoman Off Air for Attacking Network’s Debate Moderators: ‘Ma’am, We’re Going to Stop’

9 hrs ago

Presidential trips yield $19 billion investments – DTI

9 hrs ago

Dog Treats Sold Nationwide Are Being Recalled Over Metal Pieces, FDA Says

9 hrs ago

Canada says it might impose import tariffs on Chinese EVs

9 hrs ago

Don’t Waste Your Money on These 9 Unreliable Car Products

9 hrs ago

CNN faces defamation suit over Afghanistan withdrawal story: 'Evidence of actual malice'

9 hrs ago

ZUS Coffee gets top pick for inaugural PVL Rookie Draft

9 hrs ago

One Of The Worst NASA Space Shuttle Disasters Accidentally Made It Into War Thunder

9 hrs ago

MDT may already be invoked, law professors say

9 hrs ago

‘Monster’ CCG ship spotted near Ayungin

9 hrs ago

Tencent’s New Blockbuster Game Exceeds $270 Million in 30 Days

9 hrs ago

I’m a Concierge for the Ultra-Rich: 7 Most Unique Services I’ve Provided

9 hrs ago

It’s Looking Like Wegmans Will Open a Second Manhattan Location

9 hrs ago

Foundational Portland Brewery Cascade Brewing Suddenly Closes

9 hrs ago

Airbus Cuts Guidance as Supply-Chain Snags Continue to Bite

9 hrs ago

Peso stays at P58.80:$1; PSEi snaps 8-day slump

9 hrs ago

Adam Thielen tells Barstool Sports that he was almost traded during time with Vikings

9 hrs ago

Ex-Pres. Noynoy Aquino remembered for arbitral ruling on 3rd death anniversary

10 hrs ago

Phillies vs. Tigers: June 24, 2024 game notes, betting odds, etc.

10 hrs ago

A Popular Chicken Sandwich Chain Is Planning To Open 50 New Restaurants

10 hrs ago

Army soldier collapses on Mall in London heat

10 hrs ago

Coffee recall: See full list of products impacted by Snapchill's canned coffee drink recall

10 hrs ago

A 2024 NBA offseason preview for the Dallas Mavericks

10 hrs ago

Zus Coffee eyeing Gagate

10 hrs ago

Morgan Stanley says market focusing on softening growth

10 hrs ago

Apple's EU issues, Broadcom's chips, talks over EV tariffs - what's moving markets

10 hrs ago

Los Angeles Chargers Day 3 pick has great chance at starting as rookie

10 hrs ago

Denver Broncos may have leader in the clubhouse at key defensive position

10 hrs ago

Texans quarterback does not hold back on Stefon Diggs

10 hrs ago

PFT pre-camp power rankings: Jaguars barely crack NFL's top 20