Teenage bodybuilder who won multiple competitions after obesity transformation dies age 19

Matheus Pavlak, a 19-year-old who took up bodybuilding to combat his obesity, transformed his physique in just five years. A police officer’s son, Pavlak regularly competed in bodybuilding events in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, where he lived. Last year, he won the under-23 contest to become Mr Blumenau, a title named after his hometown.

In May of this year, he finished in fourth and sixth place in other regional competitions.

Matheus was found dead at his home on Sunday afternoon, with reports suggesting he had suffered a heart attack. His former trainer, Lucas Chegatti, shared an emotional tribute on social media after news of Matheus' death.

He said: “Today ends in a sad day with the loss of a great friend, a spectacular boy who leaves us early, a tragedy that took us by surprise. He had a brilliant future ahead of him as a respected athlete. God has his plans but it's hard to understand, I don't have the words to explain the weight I feel in my heart.

“I was Matheus’ first coach and I'm very proud to have had the opportunity to have cared for him like a son. I promised him that one day he would beat me and said and done, the first time we competed together against each other, he ended up winning.

“He was no longer a part of my team, but I know I managed to form a great athlete. May God comfort his family and take care of our boy.”

Matheus had also documented his incredible transformation on social media, sharing pictures and videos that showed his journey from an overweight teenager to a finely-sculpted athlete. Alongside the images, he wrote: “It doesn’t matter how difficult or impossible your dream is. If you really want to you’ll make it come true. I did.”

Some critics have speculated that anabolic steroids could have contributed to Pavlak's death. Commenting on his Instagram page, one person said: “It’s impossible to get that sort of muscle definition aged just 19. If anyone is to blame here it’s the person who prescribed this torrent of steroids.”

Another added: “It’s not the fault of those who sell but those who decide to use them.”