14 DAY TRIAL // It's been revealed recently that Chinese martial artist and famous Hollywood action star Jet Li is suffering from a hyperactive thyroid, which is causing him weight issues.
During filming for a Chinese talent show he's judging, Jet Li admitted to his diagnosis but said that he was getting treatment: “I have hyperthyroidism, sometimes I'd lose 15 kilograms [33 lbs], sometimes I'd gain 15 kilograms.”
Li decided to address the issue, since he was seen on the show with a noticeably heavier frame and a fuller face. He admitted that “I'm really fat right now. That's a fact. And I haven't had a chance to slim down because of the medication I am taking controls my heart rate, so I cannot exercise. I'll wait until the doctor says I can do simple exercises before slimming down.”
Although battling a complicated illness, Jet Li is determined to face it head-on and not let it get him down. But even with his high spirits, there are moments when he hesitates. “I have brilliant days when I am at my best […] as well as days when I question whether I can still continue working. I can be in pain, but I cannot cry, and must face it head on,” he noted.
Li also wanted to underline the fact that he shouldn't be viewed as the tough guy he usually portrays in films. Rather, he reminded people that he's just a regular guy. “I'm just like you,” he said on the show.
Illness hasn't kept him off work so far, so it's unlikely that Li will be overwhelmed in the future. Apart from his television work, he's still doing movies. His latest production saw him line up with the toughest action stars in Hollywood for his role in “The Expendables 2,” and now he's slated to appear in the sequel “The Expendables 3,” which is billed for release in August 2014.