A fitness influencer discusses the use of steroids in bodybuilding, sharing his own experiences as a natural bodybuilder. He explains that steroids can significantly increase muscle mass, but also highlights the potential risks, including increased risk of heart failure, anxiety, and decreased intelligence. He interviews another bodybuilder who shares his own experiences with steroid use, including severe anxiety and hair loss.
The influencer notes that while some people may use steroids responsibly, many others do not, and the risks associated with steroid use are often downplayed. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of the potential risks and taking steps to mitigate them, such as getting regular blood work and heart scans.
The influencer also discusses the psychological effects of steroid use, including increased aggression and body dysmorphia. He notes that some people may feel pressure to use steroids in order to achieve their fitness goals, but emphasizes the importance of being patient and committed to natural training and nutrition.
Ultimately, the influencer encourages his viewers to prioritize natural training and nutrition, and to be cautious of the potential risks associated with steroid use. He also announces that he will be conducting an experiment with McMaster University to see how much muscle he can build naturally, and invites his viewers to join him on a year-long journey of dedicated lifting and eating.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Steroids can build muscle faster than creatine, with a normal bodybuilding dose potentially adding 20 pounds of extra muscle in a year.
2. The speaker's testosterone levels are 485 nanograms per deciliter, which is around the middle of the normal range for someone of their age.
3. The world's most honest enhanced bodybuilder, Chase Irons, has testosterone levels that are "literally off the charts" with a test max of 10,000 nanograms per deciliter.
4. More people are taking steroids now than ever before, possibly due to fitness influencers opening up about their anabolic use.
5. Steroids can affect brain development, particularly in high doses.
6. A 2020 study found that steroid users had a significantly bigger brain age gap than non-users, indicating that their brains were aging faster.
7. Steroids can cause anxiety, with some people experiencing severe anxiety disorder.
8. Steroids can also cause intelligence degradation over time.
9. Steroids can increase the risk of heart failure by making the heart bigger and less effective at pumping blood.
10. Injecting testosterone can cause the testicles to shrink to about half their usual size, shutting down the body's natural ability to make testosterone.
11. Steroids can make sebaceous glands on the skin grow bigger, causing acne.
12. Steroids can convert into a hormone called DHT, which causes hair follicles to shrink faster, leading to baldness.
13. Steroids can also convert into estrogen, increasing breast tissue formation in men, leading to soft puffy nipples (gyno).
14. The most reliable way to get rid of gyno is surgery.
15. Steroids can cause "roid rage" or aggression, which can manifest as violent acts or disturbing thoughts.
16. A 2024 paper followed over 10,000 steroid users for 11 years and found that 2.8% of them had died, compared to 1% of non-steroid users.
17. Steroid use can shorten one's lifespan, although the exact amount is unknown.
18. There is a healthy way to use steroids, involving starting with small amounts, checking blood work, and consulting with a professional coach.
19. Steroids can stunt growth plates in young people, potentially preventing them from reaching their full adult height.
20. The brain develops in high-level ways until the late 20s, and steroid use before this age can stunt brain development.
21. The speaker recommends waiting until at least age 25 before considering steroid use.
22. The speaker is conducting an experiment with McMaster University to see how much muscle it's possible to build naturally this deep into their lifting journey.