In Hollywood, weight-loss transformations have gained a lot of traction, though some also attract criticism. The 2023 transformation of veteran wrestler and American actor Dave Bautista is one of them. Recently, Joe Rogan was seen supporting him on his 75-lb weight-loss journey. 

On September 19, 2025, a YouTube channel named “fidzclips” shared a video in which the American podcaster and sports commentator Joe Rogan was seen shielding Bautista during his transformation.

“He lost all that weight too, and people were like, ‘Oh, you look so scrawny now.’ And he was like, ‘I'm 6’4”, 240. What are you talking about?’” said Rogan. “The difference between him at 300 pounds being very unhealthy, he's like I feel so much better now.”

In the YouTube video, which was originally a part of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, as posted by fidzclips, Rogan beleives that the weight loss is a major health boost for the former WWE star.

According to People Magazine, the Guardians of the Galaxy actor put on a lot of weight for the role in the 2023 movie “Knock at the Cabin.” After that film, he decided to lose weight. 

Speaking on the podcast “Insight with Chris Van Vliet” in September 2024, he revealed the truth behind his weight-loss transformation. He said, “I started slimming down because I ... was uncomfortably big. Now, looking back at it, I probably overdid it.”

Now, let’s see what Bautista actually does during his weight-loss journey.

Dave Bautista’s opted for weight loss

According to People Magazine, when Bautista reached over 300 lbs for his 2023 horror film, he opted for jiu-jitsu to get back into shape. In fact, during the filming of Dune in Budapest, he brought his trainer, Jason Manly.

Along with weight training, the WWE wrestler also included cardio in his daily workout routine. While speaking with Men’s Health U.K., Bautista said:

“I think a lot of people think I’m just a meathead and that I live my life lifting weights. And I actually don’t.” He includes cardio workouts such as:

• Cycling 
• Boxing

Apart from workouts, eating also played a crucial role in his transformation. He revealed to Today in 2024 that he consumed almost 2500 calories a day. He opted for a protein-dense, well-balanced diet.

He typically prefers eggs for breakfast, and his diet also includes:

• Fish
• Rice beans
• Veggies

According to the Afterburn actor, he now maintains a healthy weight for his 6'4" height and lives a healthy, happy life.

What do you like most about his transformation journey? Comment below.

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi