Sylvester Stallone Struggled with an Eating Disorder During “Rocky” Fame, Admits Steroids ‘Took a Terrible Toll’ on His Body

Sylvester Stallone Opens Up About Body Image Issues and Steroid Use During Rocky Fame

In a revealing interview, Sylvester Stallone, the iconic figure behind the Rocky franchise, has spoken openly about the struggles he faced regarding his body image during the height of his fame in the 1980s. The 80-year-old actor discussed his experiences with an eating disorder and the misuse of steroids, shedding light on the pressures that actors may face in the pursuit of physical perfection.

Stallone, known for his role as the resilient boxer Rocky Balboa, reflected on a particularly challenging period while filming “Rocky III.” “I got down to 2.6% body fat when I was doing ‘Rocky III,’” he stated, recalling the extreme measures he took to achieve that level of fitness which ultimately impacted his health. “I couldn’t hold anything down,” he lamented, hinting at the toll it took on both his physical and mental well-being.

The actor recalled how his obsession with appearance began when he was portraying Rocky. He noted how the character evolved from a humble champion to one that seemed more vain, prompting Stallone to alter his own physique dramatically. “I started to think, design your body like a jaguar, a cat,” he explained, demonstrating how the role influenced his perception of himself as well as his fitness regime.

However, as Stallone pursued this idealised figure, his habits spiralled into a troubling obsession. “It became really bad,” he admitted, elaborating on how he developed bulimia as a result of his relentless quest for the perfect body. The repercussions of his extreme dieting and steroid use have haunted him for years, as he described the physical ailments he has endured, including multiple surgeries.

“Heavily influenced by the desire to maintain peak fitness, Stallone confessed to using steroids during the making of the Rocky films. He expressed disbelief in others’ claims that they achieved similar physiques without supplements, stating, “Nobody does it without additives or drugs; I don’t care what they say.” His critiques of the fitness industry’s unrealistic standards are evident as he noted the impracticality of trying to remain in shape while consuming limited diets.

As he reflects on his past choices, Stallone indicated that he had paid a steep price for his past actions. “I’ve abused my body,” he remarked, detailing the nine back operations, two shoulder surgeries, and three neck fusions he has endured over the years. “I’m held together with baling wire, but I still have the want to stay in good shape,” he revealed, underscoring his ongoing commitment to fitness despite the challenges.

Currently, Stallone described himself as “sort of fit,” yet it comes at a cost—he relies on a variety of medications to maintain his health. He expressed regret about some of the risks he took, saying, “If I could do it over again, I would say, let someone else carry the banner, don’t do your own stunts,” indicating a newfound wisdom acquired through his experiences.

The candid discussion was conducted in advance of the release of “I Play Rocky,” a new film that delves into the making of the landmark 1976 boxing movie. Scheduled to premiere in select theatres on November 6 before expanding nationwide on November 20, it stars Anthony Ippolito as the younger Stallone, bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved franchise.

Stallone’s revelations not only resonate with fans of the Rocky series but also serve as a poignant reminder of the pressures that accompany fame, particularly in relation to body image. His honesty about the darker aspects of his journey may provide a lifeline to others grappling with similar challenges.

For those struggling with eating disorders, support is available through organisations such as The Alliance for Eating Disorders, which offers a helpline. Additionally, individuals dealing with substance abuse can contact the SAMHSA helpline for assistance and resources.

Stallone’s courage to share his story represents a growing trend of celebrities being transparent about their struggles, which may encourage open conversations about mental health and the impact of societal expectations on self-image.