Magda Szubanski admits ‘everyone thinks I am a walking heart attack’

Magda Szubanski hopes to raise awareness about the importance of healthy living in her new ABC television series Magda’s Big National Health Check.

The actress and comedian, 61, said on Tuesday she was mindful of potential health issues after years of struggling with her weight.

‘Everyone thinks I am a walking heart attack. I can’t remember a time when I haven’t been on a wellness journey or diet,’ she told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Magda Szubanski (pictured) hopes to raise awareness about the importance of healthy living in her new ABC television series Magda’s Big National Health Check 

The former Kath & Kim star said the solution to obesity is more complicated than the oft-repeated mantra ‘eat less, move more’, and her new show aims to investigate the root causes of the problem.

‘Clearly the reasons I am overweight are complex. We have to create food security and accessibility for people across the board,’ she said.

She revealed a recent health scare, which saw her hospitalised, encouraged her to reflect on the broader issue of public health.

‘Everyone thinks I am a walking heart attack. I can’t remember a time when I haven’t been on a wellness journey or diet,’ she told The Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday

Magda is one of Australia’s most well-known comedians, and is best known for playing lovable loser Sharon Strzelecki on ABC sitcom Kath & Kim. 

Earlier this week, she opened up about the poor state of her health, revealing she has battled several illnesses throughout her life.

The Babe star listed her various health woes in an interview with TV Week magazine, and said she wondered if there were others with similar problems.

Magda (pictured in 2015) is one of Australia’s most well-known actresses and comedians, and is best known for playing lovable loser Sharon Strzelecki on ABC sitcom Kath & Kim 

‘There are times in my life I’ve been absolutely blighted by illness,’ she said.

‘Osteoarthritis, migraines, anxiety – I also suffer from sleep apnea – and that leads me to ask, “Am I the only one who feels like this? Are other people feeling the same way? Do they have the same challenges?”‘ she added. 

Magda’s Big National Health Check will premiere on the ABC on Tuesday, November 1, at 8:30pm