Boxing icon Butterbean, aka Eric Esch, is known for two reasons – his formidable punching prowess, and his hulking stature.
However, the latter has undergone a radical transformation thanks to advice endorsed by NHS cardiologists. In a remarkable turnaround, he’s lost a staggering 212lbs (nearly 15 stone) through an unwavering dedication to yoga and the guidance of ex-WWE star Diamond Dallas Page.
At his heaviest, Esch tipped the scales at a massive 515lbs, but he astounded fans last year by revealing a weight drop to just over 300lbs in under two years. “I’ve been working my butt off, getting in shape and getting back at it,” he said at the time.
Central to his weight loss has been the adoption of a gluten-free and dairy-free diet, coupled with an intense yoga regime inspired by Page. After retiring from professional wrestling, Page turned to fitness coaching and founded DDP Yoga, which Esch credits with his life-altering transformation.
Esch revealed the secret to his success in a 2022 interview with The Sun. “I took a challenge to accept a docuseries or a reality show with Diamond Dallas Page and I’ve been here the past four months.
“And it’s given me more energy and life since I was fighting regularly. But now, I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in my life.”
Esch’s transformation is impressive, but makes complete sense considering how much the NHS and health bodies around the world champions physical activities like yoga as top methods for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. In a recent discussion with Surrey Live, senior cardiologist Dr Christopher Broyd emphasised the impact of exercise and the necessity of maintaining fitness for heart health.
“A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain, high cholesterol, and increased blood pressure, all of which increase your risk for cardiovascular disease,” he said. “Regular exercise is crucial for heart health.”
However, Dr Broyd reassured that there’s no need to overwhelm oneself with daily gym sessions – starting small is key. “Begin with simple activities like walking, stretching, or using a stationary bike,” he suggested.
“Even short bursts of activity, such as 10-minute walks, can accumulate over time and gradually build your stamina.”
Dr Broyd also shed light on how chronic stress, often stemming from demanding jobs or family issues, can foster unhealthy habits that contribute to heart problems. While coping mechanisms like overeating and smoking may seem understandable in stressful times, they ultimately worsen heart health, hence the recommendation for physical exercise.
“Regular physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or exercise, can help release built-up tension and improve mood by boosting endorphins,” Dr Broyd explained. He also mentioned that mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation can be effective in calming the mind and reducing stress levels.
“Prolonged stress can negatively affect the heart by raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep can increase blood pressure, contribute to obesity, and disrupt the body’s natural repair processes,” he added. “Sleep disorders like sleep apnoea can also significantly affect heart health.”
Esch had a successful boxing career, winning 77 of his 91 professional fights, 57 of them via knockout. He also clinched the IBA World Super Heavyweight Championship and the WAA World Heavyweight Championship.
In addition to his boxing career, Esch also held a 3-4 record in kickboxing and a 17-10-1 record in MMA, with fights in renowned promotions like Pride, KSW, and K-1.
The 58-year-old American explained that his physical condition eventually made it difficult to walk for long periods, and was badly affecting his mental health.
“I went through a stage where I was looking at the end of my life,” he said. “Not that I was going to kill myself, but in my life I was getting down, I was way overweight and just feeling down. I didn’t know if I had a couple of years to live or not,” he said.