Inside the tragic death of bodybuilder who achieved zero percent body fat before blood vessels burst in his stomach
A BODYBUILDER was able to achieve zero percent body fat before blood vessels burst in his stomach.
Bodybuilding is a sport that celebrates the amazing physiques of its competitors, making it physically demanding on the body.
Andreas Münzer, an Austrian-born bodybuilder was known for his shredded look and paper-thin skin after achieving zero% body fat.
Münzer hoped to become a legend in the sport like his idol, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
However, due to his overuse of steroids and diuretics, his life was cut short at the tragic age of 31.
Münzer had been competing since he was a teenager in Austria, winning several local competitions and eventually appearing in international contests.
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While most bodybuilders would let their figures go during the off-season, Münzer maintained his body shape year-round.
The highest weight he ever gained was 15 pounds more than his average competition weight.
His strict routine helped him focus on maintaining his chiseled physique.
Münzer followed a rigid low-calorie diet of 2,000 calories per day, which is low for any athlete following an intense training regimen.
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Unfortunately, his poor diet would ultimately contribute to his heartbreaking end.
BEGINNING OF THE END
Like many athletes, pain is an inevitable part of bodybuilding needed to reach the peak of their careers.
In 1995, Münzer felt pain in his stomach that he didn’t give much attention to, despite speaking about it with his friends.
The next year, he participated in the Arnold Classic, an annual multi-sport event named after Schwarzenegger.
The Terminator actor praised Münzer’s leanness and muscles, however, he critiqued him on his imbalances.
He would ultimately finish sixth in the contest.
Just weeks later on March 12, 1996, Münzer was admitted to the hospital after blood vessels ruptured in his stomach.
Doctors had to operate to stop the bleeding but his liver and kidneys failed immediately afterward.
His condition was too severe for a blood transfusion and Münzer eventually died on the morning of March 14.
According to his autopsy, his cause of death was dystrophic multiple organ failure.
Despite an extremely muscular physique and the complete absence of body fat, Münzer’s liver reportedly had several tennis ball-sized tumors and his heart weighed doubled that of a normal man.
The athlete’s electrolytes were also out of balance and he had extremely high levels of potassium in his system.
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The autopsy found traces of about 20 different drugs along with acute toxicity.
Schwarzenegger sent a wreath to Münzer’s funeral with the message: “A last greeting to a friend.”
