Shocking results show what happened when one man used steroids for 100 days while another trained naturally
Warning: Contains discussion of weight, weight loss and steroid use some readers may find upsetting.
A YouTuber tested out the real differences which can occur when working out alongside taking steroids for 100 days versus working out 'naturally', and some of the results were 'insane'.
Despite the dangers associated with steroid use, many gym-goers continue to leap on the drugs in a bid to maximise their results in the gym anyway.
And so YouTuber Jeremy Either decided to put it to the test what difference it can make if you work out for over 14 weeks using steroids on the side, too, versus working out 'naturally'.
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In a video shared online, Jeremy explains: "I'm seeing so many new lifters immediately hop on gear, I want to prove that you don't need steroids to make amazing progress."
But is this what his experiment ultimately proved?
What were the participant's starting weights?
Two participants, Brandon and Todd, assisted the social media user with his experiment, with Brandon working out naturally and Todd using steroids as part of his workout regimen.
Both men's progress was tracked - and we're not just talking about their physical appearance; we're talking about measuring down to their body fat percentage, lean mass and weight.
DXA scans were used to measure the overall fat and muscle mass of both the men, alongside ultrasounds 'across all major muscle groups to know exactly where each person experiences the most growth'.
The initial readings showed Todd to weigh 183 lbs, 19 per cent body fat, and 148 lbs of lean mass.
Brandon weighed 148 pounds, came in with 13.6 per cent body fat, and had 128 pounds of lean mass. Todd already had more experience with weightlifting and the gym than Brandon; however, Jeremy noted that Brandon was leaner to begin with.
So, how did Jeremy approach the pair's different plans?
Brandon vs. Todd's regime
Jeremy explained that he ensured Brandon's workout regime incorporated exercises that 'maximize[d] the challenge' and helped him build muscle as quickly as possible while also teaching Brandon how to 'actually train to failure'.
Brandon noted training with Jeremy was 'extremely hard' if not 'painful' at times.
On the other side, Todd's 'chemically enhanced body was now performing at a completely different level than it used to,' Jeremy noted.
Todd ended up training for two hours rather than his typical one-hour period, which was the time Brandon trained. The steroids also ended up 'pushing the volume and intensity' of his workouts to 'his natural limit', leading to 'more muscle growth' alongside aiding him training 'longer and harder than Brandon yet still be able to recover from it'.
The pair also underwent specific diets to complement their training regimes, with Brandon taking creatine to boost his results - still in a more 'natural' way to Todd.
But what were the results in both the men after 100 days?
What were the results of the steroid experiment?
In just 30 days, Todd had added two centimetres to his shoulders, but Brad's measured the same. However, Todd noted that he still felt dissatisfied with his body image despite this physical progress.
But what about after 100?
Brandon reflected: "I feel like my strength has really been progressing well. At the beginning of the challenge I was dumbbell pressing around like 50- 55lbs and now I can do three sets of 10 with 75, so I think that's a pretty good improvement."
The final day of the test revealed Todd at seven per cent body fat - losing over 10lb in weight, gaining 'over 13lb in muscle' - as Jeremy said, 'insane'.
Brandon's body fat measurements came in at 13.5 per cent, a weight of 154 pounds, having gained '5lbs of pure lean muscle'.
The ultrasound results showed Brandon had 'more growth' in his delts and biceps, as well as a specific leg muscle.
Jeremy resolved: "So while I respect Todd's choice to hop on gear, in my opinion, unless you're as dedicated to competing as Todd or need testosterone for health reasons - the risks simply aren't worth it.
"Brandon is proof that with the right approach, us nattys - 'natural' worker-outers - can still make incredible progress without putting our health at risk."
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone, contact National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). You can reach them on their free hotline at 1(888)-375-7767, which is open Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm CST.
Poppy Bilderbeck