Matt Lozano is 'thriving' after being cast in 'Voltes V: Legacy' following years of weight struggles

Matt Lozano got real about his struggles with weight in an interview on "Updated With Nelson Canlas."

The actor told host Nelson Canlas, "Matagal ko nang problema ang weight ko."

"Ang tagal ko po na magpapayat, kailangan guwapings, kailangan fit na fit ako para 'pag nag-audition," he said.

He added that he spent his whole youth this way, but eventually stopped, because he asked himself: "Bakit parang palagi ko na lang kailangan i-please 'yung mga tao para lang makuha nila ako?"

Asked if his weight bothered him, he candidly said: "Yes, of course" — particularly during his younger years. He admitted he used to body shame himself, because he felt unhealthy.

Things changed, however, when Matt was cast as Big Bert in the upcoming "Voltes V: Legacy" series by Mark Reyes.

He said that although he had always worked out, he had an issue with discipline. Due to the show, he was inspired to overcome that.

"Ngayon lang ako nagkaroon ng disiplina sa sarili ko kasi mayroon tayong malaking pinaghahandaan, e," he said. "And nakaka-proud kasi kaya ko rin pala na maging disiplinadong tao."

In fact, Matt successfully lost weight, but it did not fit his role. Direk Mark had to tell him to bulk up.

Matt then changed his diet to a high-protein one. In addition to this, he took up martial arts in preparation for the show.

His weight now is lower than before, even with the muscle he built up. He said that presently, he is "thriving."

"And thankful ako kasi sa Voltes V, nabago nila ako. Kahit na mataba pa rin ako, I can say na I'm healthy," he said. "Okay lang na mataba ako basta healthy."

"Voltes V: Legacy," which also stars Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Radson Flores, and Raphael Landicho, recently released a trailer. It hit two million views in under  24 hours. —JCB, GMA Integrated News