Japanese competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi has announced his retirement in a new Netflix documentary after revealing that he no longer has an appetite. In the film “Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut,” Kobayashi, 46, discusses his health concerns and shares that he has eaten around 10,000 hot dogs over his 20-year career. He expresses jealousy towards those who feel hungry and happy after eating, as he has lost his ability to feel hunger and has even gone days without eating a meal due to his lack of appetite. This lack of appetite has been a major concern for Kobayashi, causing him to question the damage he has done to his body throughout his competitive eating career.
The documentary follows the lives of four individuals, each with their own digestive health issues, including Kobayashi. After undergoing tests, Kobayashi is informed that while his gut microbiome is fine, his brain scans show cause for concern. This was a wake-up call for Kobayashi, leading him to decide to retire from competitive eating after dedicating 20 years to the sport. With mixed feelings about stepping away from competitive eating, he expresses both worry and excitement about his future. Despite retiring from competitive eating, Kobayashi plans to continue working with hot dogs and hopes to create a healthier version that incorporates Japanese ingredients.
While Kobayashi is stepping back from competitive eating, hot dogs will still play a significant role in his future endeavors. He hopes to create a healthier hot dog by combining it with Japanese ingredients. Throughout his career, Kobayashi has been more influenced by the hot dog itself than competitive eating and aims to continue working with the food he has become known for. His retirement from competitive eating marks the end of a successful career that includes six victories at the famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, but he is eager to explore new opportunities that lie ahead.
Kobayashi’s decision to retire from competitive eating comes after concerns about his health and the impact on his body from two decades of intense eating competitions. Despite his successful career in competitive eating, he no longer feels hunger and has experienced days without meals. In the documentary, Kobayashi shares his worries about the damage he may have done to his body and expresses a desire to focus on creating a healthier version of the food that has been a staple of his career. With a mix of emotions, including concern and excitement, Kobayashi looks forward to the future and the opportunities that await him outside of competitive eating.
Reflecting on his time as a competitive eater, Kobayashi expresses gratitude for the experiences and opportunities the sport has provided him. He acknowledges the influence hot dogs have had on his career and plans to continue working with them to create a healthier version. His retirement marks the end of an era in competitive eating, but Kobayashi is eager to explore new challenges and opportunities in the future. With a focus on his health and well-being, Kobayashi’s decision to retire from competitive eating is a significant one that will shape his future endeavors and allow him to pursue new interests and passions.
