What Are The Dangers Of Rapid Weight Loss? Orlando Bloom Faced Health Risks On This Crash Diet

Orlando Bloom's method acting approach to his art has led him down an outright dangerous rabbit hole of extreme dieting for his 2025 film "The Cut." Starring as a boxer fighting through the emotional toll of a career-ending match, the actor had to look physically fit enough to step into the role of an athlete. When the trailers and stills for the film were released, his mission was obviously accomplished. Bloom appeared stereotypically healthy and muscular, yet not bulky; however, the actor admitted that despite the stoney figure, his crash dieting had taken a hefty impact on his body while filming. 

Following a strict tuna-and-cucumber-only diet, the actor had lost 30 pounds in 3 months. In addition to the low caloric intake, he underwent intense cardio and boxing training, adding strain to his body while starving himself of a sustainable diet. The combination was tricky and definitely unsuitable for the everyday, which Bloom was honest about. In a conversation with People in August 2025, Bloom detailed the medical means that were put in place to ensure his safety while undergoing the intense weight loss. "I was supervised weekly and my blood work monitored by an expert nutritionist, Phillip Goglia, who helped me lose 30 pounds in approximately three months." But, in Bloom's own words, "The mental challenges were arguably worse than the physical ones" (via E! News).

"I was like, lying on the floor of the set between, between takes just to be able to summon the energy for everything that was required," Orlando Bloom told Today. "It's a very interesting thing when you deplete your body of about all it requires for brain function." At his lowest weight, the actor was severely underfeeding himself and his brain. Also at this time, the "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor admitted that he was even depriving himself of water in order to reach his ideal weight. The result? Constant daydreaming of what he'd be able to eat after the production had wrapped, alongside total deterioration of his brain power and capability. 

Bloom described more of the mental side effects of his weight loss. "What I hadn't expected and was surprised by was the mental toll that this kind of intense discipline takes," the actor commented on his experience, going on to say that he developed paranoia and anxiety due to the lack of sleep he was getting during the prep time (via People). Despite his initial excitement for the role, Bloom's health, both mental and physical, carried the burden of the extremism of the crash diet. He has since spoken out against his own decision to lose so much weight in such little time, strongly discouraging others from doing the same. (Here's why you shouldn't even think about going on a crash diet.)

Crash diets are categorized by their harsh restrictiveness and extreme eating recommendations. Often suggesting that dieters partake in meal plans that result in mood swings, hormonal changes, and frequent disordered eating. They eliminate large chunks of food groups from your diet, promising quick fixes to unwanted weight, and promote malnourishing your body, which are all key signs a diet is going to do more harm than good. As Orlando Bloom himself said, these types of diets are not sustainable. There are plenty of diets designed by accredited nutritionists, dietitians, and doctors that put safety and health first. Steering clear of crash diets and speaking with dietitians about your desired goals are better suited for weight loss and maintaining healthy eating habits. 

"I was a horrible person to be around," Bloom admitted to People, saying that he felt "exhausted" and "hangry." Bloom's physical and mental response to his dieting holds an obvious disapproval of such diets and an educational lesson for anyone looking to partake in a similar style diet. Diets are supposed to give you energy and feed your body and mind, while also offering a healthier outlet to an everyday activity: eating. To move toward a healthier diet, beware of the popularization of the crash diet.