Jet Li Being Treated For An Overactive Thyroid

Action-movie actor and martial arts champion Jet Li says he is being treated for an overactive thyroid. The actor says he kept his 2010 diagnosis under control with medication but the condition has recently returned stronger than ever.

The Chinese star discussed the diagnosis during a taping of a talent show that he is hosting in China, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter. The 50-year-old Li appeared in public with a fuller face and a frame that had clearly gained a few pounds. Despite his condition, Li is reportedly taking the situation in stride, even going as far as to joke about his weight gain.

"I'm fat, I don't have time to lose it. It's a fact!" he said.

Apparently exercise is not advised with the medication that he is taking for his hyperthyroidism. The condition itself, for those who don't know, changes a person's metabolism and heart rate, among some other symptoms. The condition is generally treatable with the right medication.

Li confessed that he's known about the condition since he was diagnosed in 2010. However, he kept it a secret as he was able to control it with his medication but it recently came back "with a vengeance."

"I'm just a regular guy, I'm not Wong Fei Hung, I'm not Huo Yuan Jia, I'm not a hero. I'm just like you," he said, using famous kung fu characters he's played as reference. Li seems determined to take on his condition with bravery and a strong-will.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Li began his career as a young martial arts champion who turned to acting later in his life. He began showing off his kung fu skills on the big screen in the 1980s. He took fame in the 1990s with the release of Once Upon a Time in China films. In those he portrayed Wong Fei Hung. Since that time he's had roles in major Hollywood films like Leathal Weapon 4, Romeo Must Die and The Expendables 1, 2 and 3.

Li confesses that there are times when he is unsure if he will be able to carry on with his work, but remains determined saying, "I'm in pain, but I'm not suffering. I'm happy."