Sylvester Stallone recalls eating disorder and steroid use during 'Rocky' fame

Sylvester Stallone recalls eating disorder and steroid use during his Rocky fame and their lasting effects on health

Sylvester Stallone has spoken about his struggles with body image, an eating disorder and steroid use while making the Rocky films, saying the pursuit of physical fitness had lasting effects on his health.

In a New York Times interview published on September 26, the 80-year-old actor recalled becoming increasingly focused on his appearance during the 1980s.

Stallone said his physical transformation for Rocky and Rambo eventually became an obsession.

“It was my armor,” Stallone said. He explained that he wanted Rocky’s physique to change as the character became more vain, while Rambo’s appearance reflected his role as a warrior.

“And then it became an obsession, really bad,” he said. “It became to the point where I became bulimic … I got down to 2.6% body fat when I was doing Rocky III … and I couldn't hold anything down.”

Stallone also acknowledged using steroids while working on the Rocky films. “I became so obsessed with staying at that point of fitness … it got to me,” he told the Times.

Discussing the methods used to maintain a highly muscular physique, Stallone said, “Nobody does it without additives or drugs; I don't care what they say … bulls---,” while also describing what he considered a controlled approach to steroid use.

“But you do it the sensible way — six weeks on, six weeks off,” he said. “People say, 'You don't get that way naturally.' No, you don't, unless you're a freak of nature.”

Stallone said his steroid use “took a terrible toll” on his body and that he continues to deal with the consequences decades later.

“I've abused [my body]. I've had nine back operations, two shoulder operations, three neck fusions, everything,” he said. “I'm held together with baling wire, but I still have the want to stay in good shape.”

Stallone added that he takes medication to maintain his health and said he would approach his career differently if given another chance.