This Is Dave Bautista's 22 Kg Weight Loss Secret

Dave Bautista, best known for his role as Drax in Marvel’s "Guardians of the Galaxy," has recently captivated fans with his dramatic weight loss. The 55-year-old actor showcased a noticeably slimmer physique at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, prompting widespread curiosity about his transformation.

Dave Bautista's weight loss strategy, challenges

In a past interview on "LIVE with Kelly and Mark," Bautista opened up about his weight loss strategy and the challenges he faced. The actor admitted that he had gained significant weight for his role in "Knock at the Cabin," reaching over 300 pounds (approximately 136 kilograms). To shed the extra pounds and avoid being typecast, Bautista turned to jiu-jitsu as his primary weight loss method.

“I put on all this weight for Knock at the Cabin,” Bautista explained. “I was really big, and I decided to use jiu-jitsu to get back in shape.” He revealed that he enlisted the help of his trainer, Jason Manly, who accompanied him to Budapest while Bautista was filming “Dune.”

Bautista described their rigorous training regimen: “We did nothing but grapple for hours,” he said. This intense focus on jiu-jitsu helped him lose approximately 50 pounds (22.67 kilograms). He noted, “I started shedding the weight, and I figured I’d stick with it to earn my brown belt.”

Despite losing significant muscle mass, Bautista expressed contentment with the results. He acknowledged, “I’ve sacrificed a lot of muscle, but I feel more comfortable.” When Kelly Ripa remarked that muscle weighs more than fat, Bautista confirmed that while his body has changed, he’s embraced the new look for its comfort and overall health benefits.