Dwayne Johnson, popularly known as The Rock, is currently generating buzz for attaining great honour for his acting prowess, which left him emotional. He received a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival for his performance in the movie, The Smashing Machine, on September 1, 2025. However, the actor has not been making headlines just for his craft; his appearance is also very much on the talk.
During his recent Film Festival appearance, his transformed physique was something that caught people’s attention. Dwayne appeared slimmer due to a drastic weight loss he underwent for his role as a former MMA fighter, Mark Kerr, in his biopic, The Smashing Machine. Fans expressed curiosity about his weight loss process and whether his transformed physique was achieved naturally.
The Rock flaunted his transformed look at the Venice Film Festival
The Rock not only looked leaner, but he had actually lost a significant amount of weight for his upcoming movie, The Smashing Machine, set to release on October 3, 2025. He underwent a physical transformation, losing approximately 60 pounds, which took him from 300 pounds to 240 pounds, as reported by Daily Mail. The weight loss was necessary to authentically portray Mark Kerr, who had a different physique than the 53-year-old actor’s usual massive build. Dwayne’s new look garnered widespread attention and comments online, with many alleging that he resorted to Ozempic.
Did The Rock resort to Ozempic or similar means of quick weight loss?
Following Dwayne Johnson’s appearance at the Venice Film Festival, speculation has arisen on social media that the actor may have used Ozempic for weight loss. For those unversed, Ozempic is a medication for managing Type 2 diabetes; however, it has gained popularity for its potential weight loss effects and has been used by multiple celebrities. Although some X-users alleged that The Rock was one of the latest cases of Ozempic use, the actor has not confirmed this. Moreover, there is no credible evidence to support these claims.
How did The Rock lose 60 pounds and attain a slimmer build?
The Rock made several dietary changes and workout modifications to lose 60 pounds. He adopted a high-protein, low-sugar diet, replacing his traditional high-calorie routine. This diet was rich in protein and fibre, focusing on lean protein sources like chicken, fish, and beef, along with complex carbohydrates such as rice and potatoes, and a lot of vegetables. Regarding going strict on himself and attaining the transformed build, he said in a press conference:
“[It was] something I was really hungry to do.”
While Dwayne is known for intense strength training, his workout regimen shifted to focus more on endurance and authenticity for his role in The Smashing Machine. The training was tailored to the physique of an MMA fighter rather than a bodybuilder. It involved a combination of consistent strength training and regular cardiovascular exercise.
The Rock started his weight loss journey due to health issues
The Rock began his weight loss transformation before his role as ‘Mark Kerr’ required it of him. In 2024, he revealed that he had been experiencing digestive issues for several years. Through a doctor’s consultation, he learned that his previous antibiotics had disrupted the balance of bacteria in his gut. It led to a leaky gut and a lack of the beneficial bacteria, Akkermansia. It was a factor in Johnson’s noticeable weight loss and leaner physique, which became a topic of discussion in 2025.
What are your thoughts about Dwayne Johnson’s drastic weight loss for his role in The Smashing Machine? Let us know.
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