This bodybuilder used to eat 7 meals a day with 108 pieces of sushi and 2.5 kg steak

Standing at 6ft 1 inch, with a 61-inch chest and 25-inch biceps, he became known as the "340lbs Beast" and "The Mutant."

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | Updated: September 20, 2024 06:35 PM IST

3 min read

Despite not competing professionally, his feats—like a 600-pound bench press and 700-pound deadlifts—earned him a massive following of over 300,000 fans on Instagram (Source: Instagram)

Illia ‘Golem’ Yefimchyk, the Belarusian bodybuilder known for his extreme physique, tragically passed away at the age of 36 following a heart attack. Renowned for his impressive size and strength, Yefimchyk maintained a colossal diet of 16,500 calories a day in 7 meals, consuming vast amounts of food, including 108 pieces of sushi and 2.5 kilograms of steak. Standing at 6ft 1 inch, with a 61-inch chest and 25-inch biceps, he became known as the “340lbs Beast” and “The Mutant.”

Despite not competing professionally, his feats—like a 600-pound bench press and 700-pound deadlifts—earned him a massive following of over 300,000 fans on Instagram, where he inspired many by pushing human physical limits. He had attributed his transformation from a 70kg teenager, unable to perform a single push-up, to rigorous training, discipline, and a deep understanding of exercise physiology and nutrition.

Daily Star UK quoted him as saying, “My transformation is a result of years of hard training and discipline, paired with an understanding of exercise physiology and nutrition. My mission is to instil a work ethic in people so they can overcome and surmount their fears while acting confidently towards the betterment of themselves and those around them.”

Sadly, Yefimchyk suffered a fatal heart attack on September 6. His wife Anna performed CPR while waiting for emergency services, but despite being airlifted to a hospital, he could not be saved. Though his heart started beating again briefly, doctors later informed Anna that his brain had died. Yefimchyk’s death was officially confirmed on September 11 by a Russian newspaper, leaving his family and fans grieving.

“I prayed all this time, hoping that Illia would recover,” his grieving wife Anna shared with Belarusian news outlet Onliner.

“I spent every day by his side, hoping, and his heart started beating again for two days, but the doctor gave me the terrible news that his brain had died.”

His passing adds to the list of young bodybuilders who have died prematurely, such as 26-year-old Antonion Souza from Brazil and the UK’s Neil Currey at 34, raising concerns about the health risks associated with extreme bodybuilding.

Bharathi Kumar, Dietician, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, Bangalore, says eating patterns like this can push the body into extreme stress, leading to severe health consequences:

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The excessive calorie intake causes a rapid increase in weight gain, potentially leading to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
The digestive system is overwhelmed, leading to bloating, discomfort, and potentially life-threatening conditions like gastric rupture.
The liver and kidneys are strained, increasing the risk of organ damage and disease.
The heart is forced to work harder, potentially leading to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Nutrient imbalances and deficiencies can occur, causing a range of symptoms from fatigue and weakness to neurological damage.

She added that consuming such a large amount of food can lead to eating disorders, mental health issues, and social isolation. If this eating pattern continues, it can significantly shorten the person’s lifespan and severely impact their quality of life, according to Dr Kumar, making it essential to seek medical attention and adopt a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits.

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