Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson recently disclosed his dramatic weight loss of about 28 kg for his part in the film ‘The Smashing Machine.’ Although Johnson is well-known for having a muscular body, his new slimmer appearance gained the attention of both fans and the media when he appeared on the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival on September 1. On social media, his new appearance has gone viral.
What was Dwayne Johnson’s weight loss strategy?
Johnson’s performance as renowned MMA fighter Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine” was the reason for his weight loss. Kerr, who struggled with substance abuse and personal challenges throughout his career, had a much leaner physique than Johnson’s usual muscular build.
Johnson reduced his weight from about 300 pounds to about 240 pounds in order to portray the fighter’s authenticity. He saw the shift as a challenge on both a personal and professional level, challenging himself to move beyond the conventional Hollywood roles that had characterised a large portion of his career.
“I just had this burning desire and this voice that was saying, ‘What if? What if there is more and what if I can?’” Johnson told BBC, explaining his motivation for the transformation.
What was Dwayne Johnson’s main strategy to lose weight?
Though fans initially speculated about possible shortcuts such as weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Johnson clarified that his weight loss was the result of disciplined effort and a shift in lifestyle.
In addition to focusing on the physical demands of the role, Johnson stated that health concerns, particularly digestive issues as a driving force behind his decision to slim down.
He admitted to experiencing joint pain and inflammation, which motivated him to take a more sustainable approach to fitness and longevity.
“I wanted to be around for the long haul,” Johnson said. His new routine involved MMA-inspired training, is focused on endurance and agility over pure muscle mass.
Nutrition-wise, he adopted a high-protein, low-sugar diet, eliminating processed foods in favour of lean meats, grains, and vegetables.
Despite rumours and speculation about potential drug use, Johnson says no to any shortcuts. “Sweating it out at the gym has always been an essential part of life for me,” he said, adding that his weight loss journey was rooted in commitment, discipline, and hard work.