Mel Gibson is no stranger to headlines. From his iconic roles in Hollywood to his controversial remarks, the actor-filmmaker always seems to find himself in the spotlight. This time, however, it’s his health transformation that’s turning heads. During a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, the 69-year-old revealed how he shed 30 pounds and turned his health around by embracing a diet endorsed by UFC President Dana White.
But weight loss isn’t the only thing Gibson opened up about. Here’s a deep dive into the highlights of the conversation that left fans and health enthusiasts intrigued.
A 30-Pound Transformation: Gibson’s Weight Loss Journey
In the podcast episode, Mel Gibson candidly shared his struggles with weight and how he found himself at 235 pounds. Standing at 5’10”, the actor described this as “too fat” and admitted it was time for a serious change.
That’s when UFC chief Dana White introduced him to the Brecka diet, a program designed by health expert Gary Brecka. This approach revolves around the “30:30:30 rule”—eating 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up, followed by 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise.
Gibson explained:
“I lost like 30 pounds… I was talking to Dana [White] and he said, ‘Oh you know’… I said yeah I got to do something about this. I’m 5’10, 235 [pounds] you know? That’s too fat. So, I had to sort of roll it back. Now I’m under 200 which is about… should be you know? That was the Brecka stuff.”
Joe Rogan’s Take on the Brecka Diet
Joe Rogan, who is no stranger to health and fitness experiments himself, chimed in during the discussion. Rogan confirmed that he had also tried Gary Brecka’s program and praised its results, though he noted that Brecka’s methods often face skepticism in mainstream circles. The conversation highlighted a shared interest between the two in exploring alternative health solutions—an ongoing theme throughout the podcast.
Mel Gibson’s Experimentation With Other Weight Loss Methods
This isn’t the first time Mel Gibson has embarked on a weight loss journey. A few years ago, the Braveheart star managed to lose 14 kilograms (approximately 31 pounds) in just eight weeks. According to Men’s Health, this incredible transformation happened thanks to Australian health coach Sam Jackson, whom Gibson met by chance during a dinner in Australia.
Jackson recalled their first conversation:
“We all got talking, and he started saying how he has this belly he can’t get rid of. I said, ‘Give me eight weeks with you, I’ll get rid of it.’ I told him I’d teach him how to eat properly and coach him through it.”
True to his word, Gibson followed Jackson’s guidance, which included tailored meal plans and a disciplined workout regime. This earlier success likely laid the foundation for his latest health-focused efforts.
Overcoming Health Challenges Post-COVID
Apart from his weight loss, Mel Gibson delved into his health struggles following his bout with COVID-19. He described a harrowing experience with remdesivir, a medication he was prescribed during his recovery:
“I couldn’t walk for three days after taking [it].”
This revelation sparked a broader discussion on alternative treatments, a topic both Gibson and Rogan have passionately explored.
A Fresh Chapter Ahead
As Gibson continues to grab attention for his personal and professional endeavors, his upcoming projects also promise to make waves. His directorial effort Flight Risk, starring Mark Wahlberg, is set to release on January 24. Meanwhile, fans are eagerly awaiting updates on the sequel to The Passion of the Christ—another ambitious project in the works.