Dan's Operation Transformation hopes have been dashed as doctors have decided that the 44-year-old is not medically fit to continue with the process.
During the programme he was complaining of stomach cramps and after attending a doctor he was diagnosed as having severe colitis, inflammation of the colon.
Despite suffering from symptoms since October, he had waited until now to attend a doctor, admitting in his interview with Ray D'arcy today on RTÉ Radio 1 (see below) that he: "...thought it would pass...like all men."
For the first time in the nine series of the show, he was the first Operation Transformation leader to miss a weigh in and last week he vowed to return. However since then he has undergone numerous tests and his surgeon told Dr Ciara Kelly that he had "the worst case of colitis that he has ever seen" and he needs to recuperate following treatment.
"We are all so disappointed for Dan that he is no longer medically fit to continue as a leader," Operation Transformation host Kathryn Thomas has said: "He approached the Operation Transformation plan with huge enthusiasm, determination and great humour.
The most important thing for Dan right now is to focus his attentions on getting well again and we all wish him a very speedy recovery.
Dr Ciara Kelly added: "I, and the rest of the Operation Transformation team, would like to wish Dan a healthy and speedy recovery.
"This was a pre-existing condition which neither Dan's GP nor anyone on the Operation Transformation team was aware of.
"Anyone who has watched Dan on the show, will have seen his dedication and commitment to getting healthy.
"This is an unfortunate reminder to all Irish men to be more proactive and attentive regarding their health."
Dan is due for release from hospital this week and the RTÉ LifeStyle team wish him a speedy recovery.
Listen to Dan Kennedy's exclusive interview on The Ray D’Arcy Show on RTÉ Radio 1 today (January 26).
For anyone following Dan’s plan on Operation Transformation, his weekly meal and exercise plans will still be available here
Watch Operation Transformation, Wednesdays and Thursdays, RTÉ One at 8.30pm and check out many of the recipes and other healthy eating options here on RTÉ Food.
