Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, a name synonymous with Herculean strength and a larger-than-life physique, shocked the world at the 2025 Venice Film Festival with a dramatically leaner frame, sparking widespread conversation. Known for his towering, muscular build honed through decades as a WWE superstar and Hollywood action hero, Johnson reportedly shed approximately 60 pounds, dropping from around 300 pounds to a leaner 240 pounds at age 53.
This transformation, while partly attributed to his role as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in the upcoming film The Smashing Machine, appears to be driven by deeper health concerns, including potential heart issues possibly linked to past substance use. This article explores the motivations behind Johnson’s weight loss, the medical implications of his past, and the role of low-dose hormone therapy in maintaining his health.
A Transformation for Art and Health
Johnson’s appearance at the Venice Film Festival on August 30, 2025, turned heads as he stepped out in a light blue silk shirt and black trousers, showcasing a noticeably slimmer silhouette. Fans, accustomed to his massive physique, took to social media with quips like “The Rock turned into a pebble,” reflecting both surprise and admiration.
The transformation was deliberate, tailored for his role in The Smashing Machine, a biopic directed by Benny Safdie about Mark Kerr, a UFC heavyweight champion who battled painkiller addiction. Johnson’s commitment to authenticity required him to lose significant muscle mass to mirror Kerr’s leaner MMA fighter build, a stark contrast to the bulky action hero roles in films like Fast & Furious and Jumanji. He described the process as a personal challenge, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “This transformation was something I was really hungry to do. I had been very fortunate to have the career that I’ve had, but there was a voice inside of me that said, ‘What if I could do more?’”
Beyond the demands of the role, Johnson’s weight loss aligns with a broader shift toward health and longevity. In a June 2025 appearance on The Dr. Mark Hyman Show, he revealed he had been addressing digestive health issues since early 2024, which required rehabilitating his gut after damage from multiple rounds of antibiotics. This health focus likely contributed to his decision to reduce his body mass, as maintaining a 300-pound frame at 53 can strain the cardiovascular system, particularly if compounded by other health factors.
Heart Health and the Shadow of Substance Use
While Johnson has not publicly confirmed a history of drug abuse, speculation about his past use of performance-enhancing substances, such as anabolic steroids or human growth hormone (HGH), has persisted. In a 2022 podcast, Joe Rogan suggested that Johnson’s massive physique at age 50 was unlikely to be “clean,” pointing to the physical demands of maintaining such a body as evidence of possible hormone use. Although Johnson has not addressed these claims directly, the physical toll of his career—decades of intense training, wrestling injuries, and the pressure to maintain a superhero-like build—raises questions about the long-term impact on his health, particularly his heart.
Anabolic steroids and HGH, often used to enhance muscle growth and recovery, can have serious cardiovascular consequences. Medical research indicates that prolonged steroid use can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, a thickening of the heart muscle that increases the risk of heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.
A 2017 study in Circulation found that long-term anabolic steroid use is associated with a 2-3 times higher risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks. Additionally, steroids can elevate blood pressure and cholesterol levels, further stressing the heart. If Johnson used such substances during his wrestling or bodybuilding days, these risks could have prompted a reevaluation of his physical regimen as he aged, especially as he approached his 50s, when the body’s ability to recover diminishes.
Johnson’s reported digestive issues, treated since 2024, may also intersect with his cardiovascular health. Chronic inflammation from gut dysfunction can contribute to systemic stress, including on the heart. By shedding 60 pounds, Johnson likely reduced the strain on his cardiovascular system, as excess body mass—particularly muscle mass requiring high caloric intake—demands greater cardiac output. Fans on social media have noted this shift, with one X user commenting, “He’s getting older and his fitness goals have changed… carrying excess weight doesn’t serve his overall health interests.”
The Role of Low-Dose Hormone Therapy
If Johnson has a history of hormone use, as speculated, discontinuing such substances entirely could lead to significant physiological challenges. Long-term use of anabolic steroids can suppress the body’s natural testosterone production, leading to hypogonadism—a condition characterized by low energy, reduced muscle mass, and diminished libido.
To maintain a sense of normalcy, individuals in this situation often turn to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which involves low doses of testosterone or other hormones to restore balance. According to the NHS, HRT is commonly used when the body cannot produce sufficient hormones naturally, such as after prolonged steroid use.
Low-dose HRT could allow Johnson to stabilize his energy levels and preserve some muscle tone without the extreme bulking of his past. A 2020 study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that low-dose testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism improves quality of life, mood, and physical function without significantly increasing cardiovascular risk when carefully monitored. For Johnson, this approach could support his transition to a leaner physique while mitigating the effects of aging and potential hormone imbalances. However, any hormone therapy would require close medical supervision to avoid exacerbating cardiovascular risks, especially given his possible history of heart strain.
A New Chapter for The Rock
Johnson’s transformation is more than a physical shift; it’s a testament to his desire to evolve as an actor and prioritize his health. The Smashing Machine received a 15-minute standing ovation at Venice, signaling critical acclaim for his dramatic performance, a departure from his action-star roots. By shedding the “Herculean” persona, Johnson is not only chasing artistic depth but also responding to the realities of aging and health.
His disciplined diet changes—moving from 6,000-8,000 calorie days to lean proteins and controlled portions—combined with fasted cardio and mobility-focused workouts, reflect a commitment to longevity.
The speculation about past drug use, while unconfirmed, underscores the broader conversation about the physical toll of maintaining an extreme physique in Hollywood and professional sports. Johnson’s leaner frame may signal a rejection of unsustainable standards, prioritizing a healthier, more agile body. As one fan noted on X, “The Rock is close to 60. Maintenance on that size wasn’t physically possible. Shout out [to him] for living healthier lifestyles.”
In conclusion, Dwayne Johnson’s stunning weight loss transformation reflects both his dedication to his craft and a strategic response to health challenges, possibly including heart concerns tied to past physical demands. Low-dose hormone therapy may play a role in maintaining his vitality, but the core of his journey is discipline, self-awareness, and a willingness to redefine what it means to be “The Rock.” As he steps into this new phase, Johnson proves that even a pebble can make a mighty splash.