“Stomach Has Shrunk”: Matthew McConaughey Faced Extreme Side Effects, Post Jaw-Dropping Physique Transformation in a $55 Million Oscar Hit (2012)

Hollywood is known for its versatility in filmmaking. While the writers and directors come up with fascinating scripts, the onus lies on the actors to portray the roles to perfection. Many elite actors have undergone drastic weight transformations to fit into their characters. Among famous actors, Matthew McConaughey will be remembered for his drastic weight loss to act as an AIDS patient in the $55 million blockbuster.

In an interview with HitFix in 2012, the Oscar-winning actor opened up about his 38-pound weight loss transformation for The Dallas Buyers Club movie and the after-effects.

Matthew McConaughey discussed side effects after severe weight loss for the role

The Dallas Buyers Club tells the true story of Ron Woodroof, an electrician in Dallas who contracted AIDS. The lead role demanded McConaughey ace a frail condition, and the actor took up the challenge head-on and weighed 143 pounds during the shoot.

While speaking to HitFix in 2012, McConaughey said, “I feel good now. Overall, probably got 35 percent less energy,” about his weight loss. However, the journey was not easy for the actor, as he had to overcome multiple hurdles. Revealing the key to his transformation, the actor said, “I’m doing cardio, but I’ll tell you what, the more I’ve learned is — and I think it comes with age, too—is it’s 90 percent diet.“

The extreme diet regime did affect the actor’s body. “The organs shrink, so my stomach has shrunk as well,” he said, noting that his appetite had greatly decreased during his transformation journey. However, he persisted on the sets and received the prestigious Academy Award for his performance. Another Oscar-winning actor who is known for his drastic physical transformation for movie roles is Christian Bale.

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Christian Bale aced Hollywood’s physique transformation game

DC’s superheroes are known to fight the villains in ripped avatars. So, when Christopher Nolan offered Bale the role of Batman, the Academy Awardee had to transform his 110-pound self from The Machinist into a 220-pound-ripped hero. However, Bale took up the challenge. His transformation into a jacked superhero in the movie is one of the greatest transformations in Hollywood.

But to reach 110 pounds for the role of an insomniac in The Machinist, Bale had to starve himself to lose 63 pounds. Such is the dedication of the two iconic actors who have gone beyond limits for their passion for movies.

Hollywood transformations have been in discussion among the fitness community for a long time now. While some praise the dedication of the actors, others fear the health effects associated with such drastic weight transformations. On which side do you fall? Let us know in the comments below.

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