Dana White's health challenges: A timeline
UFC CEO Dana White has experienced several major health issues throughout his career. While his public persona often projects resilience and strength, he has been open about personal battles that led to significant health changes. His health history is marked by two distinct periods: a chronic inner-ear disorder and a metabolic health crisis.
Ménière's disease: The initial health battle
White's first major health challenge was Ménière's disease, an inner-ear disorder that he was diagnosed with in May 2012. According to the Mayo Clinic, Ménière's disease can cause debilitating episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear. White famously described the symptoms as "vertigo on steroids" and revealed that it caused him to miss a UFC event for the first time in 11 years, which he said was "killing" him.
Over the years, White sought various treatments for the condition. In 2012, he underwent surgery to drain excess fluid from his ear, though reports later suggested the procedure was not effective in the long run. In 2013, he also received an experimental Orthokine treatment after a tip from baseball star Alex Rodriguez, which he claimed helped reduce his symptoms at the time. However, according to a 2025 report, symptoms from Ménière's disease have since returned.
The 2022 metabolic health scare
A more recent and alarming health crisis for White occurred in 2022. He revealed that after undergoing extensive blood and DNA testing with human biologist Gary Brecka of 10X Health Systems, he was given a prognosis that he had only 10.4 years left to live if he continued his unhealthy lifestyle. Brecka detailed White's various health issues, which included:
- Extremely high triglyceride levels (measured at 764 mg/dL, with a normal range being 80-150 mg/dL)
- Early-stage kidney failure
- Signs of pre-diabetes
- Dangerously high blood pressure
- Severe sleep apnea, with 90 episodes per hour
- Chronic leg pain
This diagnosis served as a massive wake-up call and motivated White to make drastic changes to his diet and lifestyle immediately.
The health transformation and recovery
Following Brecka's guidance, White adopted a strict ketogenic diet and a regimen of wellness protocols. By implementing these changes, he experienced a rapid transformation in his health. Within just six weeks, he saw a significant improvement in his health markers. By 2024, he had lost over 40 pounds and reported feeling like a much younger man. His triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and other critical health indicators returned to normal, and his sleep apnea was reportedly remedied.
In a June 2025 interview, Brecka stated that White's improved health and longevity put his estimated lifespan at over 37 years, a dramatic increase from the 10.4-year prognosis just a few years prior. The regimen, sometimes referred to as the “Superhuman Protocol,” involves several elements intended to optimize body and cellular function.
Comparison of White's health metrics
| Health Metric / Condition | Before 2022 Health Transformation | After 2022 Health Transformation |
|---|---|---|
| Triglycerides | Extremely high (e.g., 764 mg/dL) | Normal |
| Weight | Struggles with weight gain; overweight | Significant weight loss (40+ lbs) |
| Sleep Apnea | Severe (90 episodes/hour), causing constant fatigue | Reportedly remedied |
| Blood Pressure | Brittle hypertension, dangerously high | Returned to normal |
| Ménière's Disease | Chronic issue since 2012, with recurring symptoms | Variable; treatments have offered relief but symptoms reportedly returned |
| Overall Vitality | Low energy, joint pain, felt older | Feels like a much younger man, more energetic |
| Medication Use | Required multiple prescriptions for various issues | Completely medication-free |
Components of Dana White's 'Superhuman Protocol'
- Keto Diet: A high-fat, low-carb diet focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods to reduce sugar and process inflammation.
- Cold Plunges: Involves daily immersion in cold water for improved recovery and energy.
- PEMF Therapy: Uses Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy to stimulate cellular repair.
- Red Light Therapy: Exposes the body to low levels of red or near-infrared light to improve cellular function.
- Oxygen Therapy: Involves various methods of increasing oxygen intake for enhanced performance.
Conclusion
Dana White's public health journey has been a testament to the fact that prioritizing one's well-being is crucial, regardless of one's public status. While he continues to manage the chronic, unpredictable nature of Ménière's disease, his successful reversal of a life-threatening metabolic crisis provides a powerful example of the potential for transformative change through disciplined lifestyle choices. The path from a 10.4-year prognosis to feeling like a younger man with decades ahead demonstrates the profound impact that focused diet and wellness protocols can have on overall health. This remarkable recovery highlights how the right intervention can lead to a significant upgrade in health and longevity, a story he openly shares with others as an inspiration. You can learn more about this approach, according to a June 2025 Sports Illustrated article about his health journey critical update on UFC CEO's longevity.
