A picture of Joe Rogan with his UFC broadcasting team at UFC 300 caught the attention of the entire MMA world, but the reason is not what you might expect. The community pointed out that Rogan’s core was so tight that it was protruding in an unusual way. And it wasn’t just his bell͏y that appeared tight, but his organs, too. Well, months after the UFC 300, fans have gotten to witness another similar photo of Joe Rogan.

This time, it wasn’t at a UFC event. Rather, it was on Action Bronson’s food show, F*ck, That’s Delicious. KG BBQ posted the picture on Instagram, writing, “Blessed with 2 legends visiting my food truck this week! [Bronson], thanks for choosing us for your amazing show, and [Rogan], can’t believe it took you that long to visit!!” What caught most fans’ eye was, once again, Joe Rogan’s ‘bubble gut’ – which they attribute to an overdose of HGH (Human Growth Hormone). But what is HGH?

The growth hormone is a naturally occurring element produced in the pituitary gland. The hormone alone is responsible for the growth of all the tissues in developing children and adolescents. However, the production of these hormones decreases with age. As such, Rogan, who is in his 50s, has been using it for quite some time, and it seems like it’s taking a toll on him now. That said, this is not the first time Rogan’s gut has come into the limelight.

In 2019, when the color commentator bared it all for his Sober October Weigh-In, his protruding midsection became the talk of the ton. Explaining the reason behind it to Andrew Schultz on the Joe Rogan Experience, he disclosed that he uses a dosage of one international unit (IU) of HGH per day, which is within the accepted limit. However, because of what the pictures suggest, the reality might be a bit different.

Time and time again, the 56-year-old has emphasized that he uses a very small dosage of the HGH, which the doctors have naturally verified. The UFC commentator also emphasized that he started using HGH back in 2011. On an episode of JRE, he said, “I took a lot of different stuff. Now, I take human growth hormone and testosterone. I go for hormone replacement therapy. I don’t need more [testosterone]. It’s a very light dose. The testosterone is cream. It’s healthy. It does wonders for your body.”

Does it, in fact, do wonders for his body? Because 13 years later, from the looks of it, Joe Rogan’s ‘bubble gut’ has caused widespread concern in the MMA community. So, when a follower posted KG BBQ’s Instagram post on Reddit, others took cognizance of his enlarged midsection and expressed their worries, while some also called him out for his body type.

Fans believe Joe Rogan needs to take care, especially since “he’s pushing 60”

A worried fan addressed that Joe Rogan has been using HGH for more than a decade now, and it seems like the after-effects of overdose are starting to show now. “That’s what happens when you spend years abusing HGH like he did.” Referring to the numerous times Rogan has addressed his HGH usage on the JRE, they added, “Dude couldn’t stop raving about it on his forum and the early days of the pod.”

Another Redditor emphasized that it would be better for Rogan to stay as lean as possible. The commentator weighs around 190-200 pounds, and his height is 170 cm. His height-to-weight ratio doesn’t match up, as his body weight is significantly higher than his height should support. Giving some fitness advice, the user wrote, “I thought he only takes a few IUs, not Olympia doses. Regardless, at his age carrying around 200lbs on that frame has to be a strain. What’s wrong with just being 180lbs & lean? It would look better & he would be healthier.”

The condition where one’s belly looks like a bubble is known as Palumboism. It generally happens to bodybuilders who overuse HGH or other hormonal therapies. Joe Rogan’s condition might not be advanced as of now, but it can take a turn for the worse. Studies have shown that high usage of HGH could lead to abnormalities in the human body, like carpal tunnel syndrome, increased insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, and much more.

“You can admit he’s in good shape for his age and also admit he has a distended belly due to HGH abuse. They aren’t mutually exclusive, especially when he’s pushing 60,” wrote a user. Rogan used to look athletic when he was actively involved in martial arts, but in the past few years, he has become overly muscular, which fans haven’t taken too well to.͏͏͏͏ “Joe has the weirdest f*ckin body shape I’ve ever seen.”

Echoing that sentiment, another seemed to have some problems with how Rogan looked. “He’s so damn weird looking now.” However, it was not all criticism, as Joe Rogan also found some support and love from the people. Defending the UFC commentator and applauding him for being fit, a fan wrote, “You think that’s what it is? Idk Joe gots 20 years on me and dude is definitely in better shape than me. And I’m a mailman and walk daily. I for sure would take whatever he’s taking that has him in that kinda shape and health as he approaches his 60s.”

What’s your take on the podcaster’s physique? Let us know in the comments!