For years, Zac Efron was considered one of Hollywood’s ultimate fitness icons.

Whether it was his breakout role in High School Musical or his famously shredded physique in Baywatch, millions of fans viewed the actor as the gold standard of physical perfection. But according to Efron himself, maintaining that image came at a significant personal cost.

In a recent interview with Heat magazine, the 38-year-old actor opened up about the extreme measures he took to achieve his Baywatch body and why he now prioritizes happiness and mental wellbeing over maintaining ultra-low body fat.

The Reality Behind the Baywatch Physique

When Baywatch hit theaters in 2017, Efron’s chiseled physique became one of the most talked-about aspects of the film.

While fans admired the results, Efron says the lifestyle required to maintain that body wasn’t sustainable.

“The shape I was in for Baywatch wasn’t sustainable,” Efron admitted.

“I wasn’t happy living the way I was to get in that shape.”

The actor explained that his outlook on health has evolved dramatically over the years.

“These days, I place a much bigger priority on my mental health,” he said.

Extreme Dieting and Strict Discipline

Efron has previously spoken openly about the intense preparation required for physically demanding roles.

In a 2023 interview with Men’s Health, he detailed the strict regimen he followed during Baywatch, which included intermittent fasting, carefully timed meals, carb cycling, and highly controlled portions.

His diet often consisted of lean fish or meat paired with sweet potatoes, repeated day after day throughout filming.

At times, the actor admitted that food deprivation became part of the process.

When asked about the most difficult diet he had ever followed for a role, Efron offered a surprisingly blunt answer:

“Probably just not eating.”

The revelation highlighted the extreme expectations often placed on actors tasked with transforming their bodies for blockbuster films.

A New Perspective on Success

Today, Efron says his priorities have changed.

Rather than focusing exclusively on work and physical appearance, he is placing greater emphasis on balance and personal fulfillment.

“It’s taken me a while to get there, but my biggest motivation is to be happy in both my professional and personal life,” he explained.

“For too long, I only focused on work, and I neglected my personal life.”

The actor has spent much of the last several years living in Australia, away from the constant spotlight of Hollywood, and appears to be embracing a healthier approach to both career and life.

Addressing the Rumors About His Appearance

Efron’s comments come after years of intense public scrutiny surrounding his appearance.

In 2021, social media users speculated endlessly about changes to his face after he appeared in Bill Nye’s Earth Day special. The internet quickly filled with rumors suggesting cosmetic surgery.

However, Efron later revealed that his appearance had changed because of a serious accident.

According to the actor, he slipped and hit his chin on a granite fountain, losing consciousness and severely injuring his jaw. During recovery, facial muscles compensated for the injury, causing noticeable changes to his appearance.

Despite the rumors and constant commentary, Efron appears focused on a different goal these days.

Rather than chasing the impossible standard that once made him a fitness icon, he’s choosing something he says matters far more: happiness.

And for the first time in years, it sounds like he’s found it.