“It Was Bad”: Mark Wahlberg Reveals the Mental Toll of Gaining 30 Pounds for Father Stu

For Mark Wahlberg, transforming into Father Stuart Long for the 2022 biopic Father Stu was more than just another role—it was a full-body sacrifice that left lasting effects not only on his physique, but also on his mental health.

To portray the real-life boxer-turned-priest who later battled inclusion body myositis, Wahlberg, then 50, underwent an extreme weight gain process that pushed his body and mind to the limit. He consumed up to 11,000 calories per day, packing on 30 pounds in a matter of weeks. But what might sound like a dream diet of endless bacon and steak quickly became a nightmare.

“I was eating every three hours, even when I wasn’t hungry,” Wahlberg told People. “It wasn’t fun.” The transformation began with 7,000 daily calories over two weeks, followed by a grueling jump to 11,000 calories for another two weeks. The plan included hearty breakfast spreads of eggs and bacon, constant protein intake, drinking olive oil, and eating massive portions of starch and sodium to achieve a bloated, unhealthy look consistent with the character’s later-life illness.

While Wahlberg is no stranger to physical transformations—his Hollywood career has included roles demanding intense fitness regimes—Father Stu marked a turning point. “I wouldn’t do it again,” he admitted in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “It was bad. Really bad.”

The mental strain of the process matched the physical toll. Constant overeating disrupted his mood, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. At 50, his metabolism wasn’t what it used to be, and the forced consumption created a kind of psychological fatigue that lingered even after filming wrapped.

“I noticed the emotional and mental effects more than anything,” he said. “It changes your relationship with food, your body, your focus.”

Wahlberg’s candor about the psychological challenges adds to a growing awareness in Hollywood about the hidden costs of rapid body transformations. While audiences may marvel at an actor’s dedication to fully inhabiting a role, the toll on mental health often goes unseen.

The role of Father Stu was a passion project for Wahlberg, and despite the challenges, he has expressed deep admiration for the man he portrayed. But the experience also served as a wake-up call—a reminder that dedication to craft has its limits, especially when health is on the line.

For Wahlberg, Father Stu was more than a film—it was a test of endurance. And while the weight may have been temporary, the lesson was lasting: not all transformations are glamorous, and some come at a high cost.