Takeru Kobayashi Retires from Competitive Eating Due to Health Concerns
Takeru Kobayashi, a six-time Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion, has retired from competitive eating due to severe health issues caused by decades of overeating. Kobayashi, 46, revealed in a Netflix documentary that his chronic overeating has left him without an appetite or sensation of fullness, affecting his overall well-being. Despite stepping away from competitions, he aims to create a healthier hot dog using traditional Japanese ingredients.