His struggles began when his weight skyrocketed to 190kg owing to an unchecked diet laden with fast food, nuggets, and foods high in salt and sugar.

By age 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.

Everything changed when he decided to take control. With immense discipline, he managed to shed over 135kg in just six months, bringing his weight down to 55kg. This remarkable transformation helped improve his kidney condition, reducing it from stage five to 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 an iftar event held in conjunction with World Kidney Day on Thursday.

Idzwan’s journey certainly hasn’t been 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 health.

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

Meanwhile, Dr Ab Aziz Al-Safi, the founder and director of a medical centre here, said many patients struggle to manage their health conditions simply because they overlook the importance of diet.

“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 and barley,” he said.

With the right changes, they can reduce their dependence on medication and enjoy a better and more fulfilling life, he concluded.