Sylvester Stallone says body-image obsession led to bulimia

Sylvester Stallone said he developed bulimia after becoming obsessed with his physique while preparing for his role in Rambo, according to an interview with The New York Times covered by NBC News and Fox News. He said he wanted to look more animalistic for the film. While filming Rocky III, he reached 2.6% body fat, a level the National Academy of Sports Medicine considers dangerously low, NBC reported.

Stallone also said he periodically took steroids and that doing his own stunts contributed to injuries. NBC reported he had nine back operations, two shoulder surgeries and three neck fusions. He described experiencing anxiety attacks, including before television appearances. Stallone discussed these experiences while promoting his memoir, The Steps.