Story perspectives

Stallone Says Steroid Cycle Led to Multiple Surgeries

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 10:45 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Sylvester Stallone disclosed he developed bulimia and used steroids while filming Rocky III.
He said his body fat fell to 2.6 percent, preventing him from keeping food down.
Stallone described a six-week on, six-week off steroid cycle he deemed necessary.
The regimen led to nine back, two shoulder surgeries and three neck fusions.
He says his body is held together with baling wire and he relies on medication.

History

Historical Context

The 1988 Seoul Olympics doping scandal, when sprinter Ben Johnson tested positive for stanozolol, shocked the sports world. The International Olympic Committee and Canadian Olympic Committee stripped Johnson’s gold medal and imposed a $1.5 million fine, prompting tighter drug testing protocols. Similarly, Sylvester Stallone’s recent revelation of a six-week on/off steroid cycle and 2.6 percent body fat mirrors the extreme performance-enhancing pressures that drove Johnson’s illicit regimen. The episode spurred the World Anti-Doping Agency’s 1999 creation and heightened scrutiny of Hollywood’s fitness culture, urging stricter medical oversight.

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Story summary

Sylvester Stallone disclosed he developed bulimia and used steroids while filming Rocky III.
He said his body fat fell to 2.6 percent, preventing him from keeping food down.
Stallone described a six-week on, six-week off steroid cycle he deemed necessary.
The regimen led to nine back, two shoulder surgeries and three neck fusions.
He says his body is held together with baling wire and he relies on medication.

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