Hollywood movie star Sylvester Stallone is back on the big screen playing a bulked-up Rambo – and isn't afraid to talk about what helped him get in fighting shape. Sylvester Stallone admits he used Human Growth Hormone (HGH) to improve the appearance of his body for his latest Rambo movie, and does not think it was wrong to do so.

In an interview with Time magazine, the actor says HGH is not a steroid and defends its use.

The 61-year-old star tells that he pumped up to 209 lbs. with the help of prescription testosterone.

"Testosterone to me is so important for a sense of well-being when you get older," he says and recommends that everyone over the age of 40 should look into using it because it increases testosterone in the body and improves quality of life.

Stallone says opposition to the use of HGH and testosterone will someday change, predicting that "In 10 years it will be" available without a prescription.

Synthetic human growth hormone is used to replace the growth hormone that's normally produced in the pituitary in amounts that decline with age.

Curiously, although there's scant clinical evidence that HgH increases strength, it does appear to improve muscle appearance. Growth hormone removes the fat from between the muscles, so you get improved definition. That's what the weight lifters use it for.

Although associated with sports, HGH is said to be very popular in Hollywood among stars trying to stave off the effects of age. Doctors in anti-aging clinics also prescribe it because of its reported ability to add thickness and elasticity to skin, improve vision, and make it easier to recover after physical exercise — a big advantage for athletes and bodybuilders. And, apparently, for action heroes.