Actor and former WWE star Dave Bautista has revealed the challenges and successes of his personal weight loss journey after deciding to shed 75 pounds for health and comfort. The Hollywood actor, who is widely recognized for his roles in the WWE and as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy, said he began his transformation right after gaining significant weight for his role in the horror movie Knock at the Cabin, which was released in early 2023.
Bautista explained that his decision to lose weight was driven by how uncomfortable he felt at his biggest. He said that he initially put on the weight by eating foods like pancakes and French fries, pushing his weight to over 300 pounds. According to Bautista, looking back, he may have gone too far with the weight gain for the film role.
In an interview, Bautista shared that he took up jiu-jitsu as a main part of his exercise routine, working closely with a trainer while filming another movie in Budapest. He said that hours of grappling helped him begin to lose weight, and he even started thinking about earning his brown belt in jiu-jitsu. However, he noted that certain areas like his stomach, chest, and face were especially hard to lose weight from, despite the effort.
Bautista also adapted his workout by including cardiovascular exercises such as cycling and boxing. He said that, contrary to common belief, he does not train just to look like a bodybuilder but focuses instead on feeling good and staying healthy. Bautista mentioned that keeping his exercise routine fresh and varied helps him stay motivated.
Diet played a significant role as well. He described following a balanced diet centered on proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables, and using intermittent fasting to control his calorie intake, typically around 2,500 calories per day. His meals often include eggs, a variety of fish, rice, and beans, as he moves closer to a more plant-based diet. At 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 240 pounds, Bautista emphasized that he is at a healthy weight for his height and feels comfortable with his current balance of health and appearance.
