From 190kg To Healthier Life: Man Overcomes Kidney Failure Through Lifestyle Change

KOTA BHARU, March 13 (Bernama) -- Once told he had no hope of recovery due to kidney failure caused by an unhealthy diet, 33-year-old Muhd Idzwan Syafiq Mohd Johari is now living proof that change is possible. Through sheer determination and drastic lifestyle changes, he has regained his health and no longer relies on dialysis treatment.

His struggles began when his weight skyrocketed to 190 kilogrammes (kg) due to an unchecked diet filled with fast food, nuggets and foods high in salt and sugar.

By the age of 25, he was already battling gout, and as time went on, his health worsened, leading to bone issues and even blood clots in his lungs.

However, everything changed when he decided to take control. With immense discipline, he managed to shed over 135 kg in just six months, bringing his weight down to 55 kg. This remarkable transformation helped improve his kidney condition, reducing it from stage five to stage three.

“I realised that if I didn’t change, I’d be stuck on dialysis for life. After just six sessions, I developed a bacterial infection due to the numerous gout scars on my hands and body. That’s when I knew I had to find another way to get healthy,” he told reporters at a breaking of fast event held in conjunction with World Kidney Day 2025 here today.

Muhd Idzwan Syafiq’s journey wasn’t without hardship. In 2019, he suffered a severe fall down a flight of stairs at home, leading to internal bleeding that eventually caused blood clots, further complicating his already fragile health.

“I had to undergo four surgeries between 2019 and 2022 to treat my spinal issues. But despite the pain, I never gave up. I was determined to fight for a healthier life,” he said.

Meanwhile, the founder and medical director of Neo Medicare, Prof Dr. Ab Aziz Al-Safi, said over the past 13 years, their healthcare center has helped more than 5,000 patients improve their quality of life.

“We use alternative treatments backed by scientific evidence, such as hot water therapy, saunas, massages and cupping therapy to assist patients.

“The key for kidney patients is proper nutrition. They should reduce their intake of animal protein and replace it with plant-based protein sources like vegetables, barley and honey,” he said. 

Dr Ab Aziz said many patients struggle to manage their conditions simply because they overlook the importance of diet.

However, he said with the right changes, not only can they reduce their dependence on medication, but they can also enjoy a better and more fulfilling life.

– BERNAMA