Schumacher’s lost a QUARTER of his body weight

Michael Schumacher has lost a quarter of his body weight while in a coma after his Christmas break skiing accident.

Schumacher has been in a medically-induced coma at the University of Grenoble Hospital following an accident while skiing at French resort Meribel.

The Mercedes Formula One driver has suffered drastic weight – and muscle – loss while in his artificial coma.

Doctors at the hospital began decreasing the F1 driver’s anaesthetics medication a month ago but he is still unconscious, with no clear signs that he is beginning to recognise his external environment.

But Prof Dr Curt Diehm, of the Karlsbad teaching hospital in Germany, said: “While a weight loss in coma patients is normal, 20 kilos is a lot for people with normal body weight.

“One must assume that his muscles have degraded greatly due to the immobility.”

It was revealed recently that doctors have warned the family that only a “miracle” could bring about a full recovery.

Medical experts also warn that the 45-year-old racing champion would need years of intensive therapy to regain full limb movement and speech if he does wake up.

There have been some suggestions that the Formula One world champion could remain in a ‘waking coma’.

Since the start of the 2014 racing season, Formula One management and fans worldwide have paid homage to the F1 legend.  

Bahrain renamed the first corner after the F1 star while Nico Rosberg, winner of the Melbourne Grand Prix, dedicated his victory to Schumacher.

Executive Director at Mercedes, Toto Wolff, said: “This victory has a very special meaning for us.  I would like to dedicate it to Michael, who has been in all our thoughts this weekend.

“He will keep fighting, as only he knows how, and we are sending all our strength to him.”