Thai superstar Nadech Kugimiya opens up about the health problems he experienced after years of intense exercise and strict dieting.
The actor revealed that he now takes daily medication for hypothyroidism, which, he explains, is a condition associated with his diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
During his appearance on the YouTube show On the Way with Chom, published October 26, 2026, the actor recalled pushing himself through demanding workouts while preparing for his career on screen.
Despite his dedication to fitness, his health eventually suffered.
Nadech also discussed his struggles with body image and eating habits.
He admitted that the pressure to maintain his physique for acting roles contributed to an unhealthy relationship with food.
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Nadech Kugimiya recalls struggling with exhaustion
Nadech said he became deeply committed to exercise after watching himself on screen and feeling dissatisfied with his appearance.
During his mid-twenties, he would sleep around midnight before waking up at 5 a.m. to train. His routine left little room for rest, and he felt compelled to continue exercising.
"I'd go crazy if I stopped exercising for just two days!" he said, describing his former attitude toward working out.
By around age 28, however, Nadech began experiencing serious health problems. He recalled feeling constantly exhausted and struggling to get out of bed.
He also experienced hot flushes across his face and neck.
Medical examinations eventually revealed that he had hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid condition caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, described as a chronic autoimmune disease.
According to the Mayo Clinic, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones.
These hormones help regulate how the body uses energy.
Common symptoms include fatigue and weight gain, although symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition.
Nadech said his hormone levels at the time were comparable to those of a person in their 60s.
The actor now takes medication every day. His doctors also monitor his condition and adjust his dosage when necessary.
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How Nadech handles binge eating disorder
Beyond his physical health, Nadech discussed the difficulties he experienced while trying to maintain his physique.
His acting career sometimes requires him to alter his body composition for a role. Some characters call for a lean build, while others require a more muscular appearance.
Strict dieting became part of his preparation for certain roles.
However, Nadech said restricting his food intake could leave him struggling to control his eating later in the day.
He recalled episodes of binge eating at night, followed by guilt and renewed attempts to restrict his diet.
The cycle made it difficult for him to maintain a healthy relationship with food.
Nadech eventually sought professional help to address his eating habits and change his mindset about his body.
His experience highlights the challenges actors face when professional demands influence their eating habits and expectations about their appearance.
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Adopting a healthier fitness routine
Nadech said he has since learned to approach exercise and nutrition with greater consideration for his overall health.
He now eats three to four meals a day and follows a more balanced training routine.
Rather than pushing himself to the limits of his endurance, he pays closer attention to his body's needs.
The actor remains passionate about fitness, having related his plans to train for a HYROX fitness race with his wife, Thai actress Yaya Urassaya.
Nadech has expressed interest in competing in bodybuilding as well.
His continued enthusiasm for exercise reflects his commitment to fitness, although his past health problems have given him a different perspective on its demands.
Reflecting on his experience, Nadech offered a reminder for people who push themselves too hard in pursuit of their physical goals: "The mind can be very strong, but the body isn't a robot."
His experience serves as a reminder that even disciplined athletes and fitness enthusiasts need to pay attention to their health.
Extreme training and restrictive eating can carry risks, while medical conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis require appropriate diagnosis and ongoing care.
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