Tom Hanks is known for the Forrest Gump phrase “life is like a box of chocolates.” Well, now it looks like the actor plans to put those chocolates down.
During a recent appearance on The David Letterman Show, Tom Hanks announced that he has Type 2 diabetes. This may come as a shocker to many – seeing as he barely speaks on his physical health.
The 57-year-old star recently dished to BBC that he would no longer gain any more weight for movie roles. The double Oscar winner has lost drastic amounts of weight for his roles in films Philadelphia and Castaway, only to pack on the pounds immediately after.
“Gaining and losing of weight may have had something to do with this, because you eat so much bad food and you don’t get any exercise when you’re heavy,” said the actor at a London Press Conference.
Type 2 diabetes affects the body by resisting insulin (the hormone that turns sugar into energy), or not producing enough, and affects about 24 million Americans. The disease can be life-threatening if not treated.
We’re happy Mr. Hanks is taking control of his health and speaking out. Be sure to catch the actor in his new flick Captain Phillips, which hits theaters Oct. 11.
