What's That Voice? Natty or Not
Greg DoucettePublished on June 5, 2025
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
A conversation between YouTuber Kenny Ko and a female bikini competitor highlights the blurred lines between being 'natural' and using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in bodybuilding. Despite initial hesitation, the competitor's admission of using bioidentical testosterone pellets opens a discussion on the pressures athletes face and the importance of transparency and understanding the risks of PED use.
Key Points
- The definition of being 'natural' in competitive bodybuilding is often ambiguous and varies widely among athletes.
- Bioidentical hormones, despite their natural-sounding name, are considered performance-enhancing and are banned in natural competitions.
- The use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) offers significant advantages but comes with potential side effects, including virilization in females.
- Honesty and transparency about PED use in the fitness industry are crucial for setting realistic expectations and understanding the risks involved.
Decoding Natural Status in Competitive Bodybuilding
In the world of competitive bodybuilding and fitness, the question of being 'natty' or not - shorthand for natural, meaning free of performance-enhancing drugs - is often met with ambiguity. A recent interaction between fitness YouTuber Kenny Ko and a female bikini competitor brings this issue to the forefront. The competitor's hesitant response to the question of her natural status reveals a complex landscape where definitions of 'natural' are blurred and the use of substances to enhance physique and performance is a nuanced topic.
The Thin Line Between Natural and Enhanced
The conversation begins with a seemingly straightforward question: "Are you natural?" However, the competitor's response, "What is natural? What does entail naturally?" opens up a Pandora's box of interpretations. Her admission of using bioidentical testosterone pellets, despite initially denying any use of anabolic steroids, highlights a common misconception. Many do not realize that bioidentical hormones, despite their natural-sounding name, are in fact performance-enhancing and banned in natural competitions.
The Reality of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs)
Performance-enhancing drugs, from anabolics like testosterone and Anavar to fat-burning aids like T3 and T4, offer significant advantages in terms of muscle growth, fat loss, and overall physique enhancement. However, their use comes with a cost, including potential side effects such as virilization in females, which can lead to deepening of the voice, clitoral enlargement, and facial hair growth. These effects underscore the serious decision athletes face when considering PEDs to achieve their physique goals.
Honesty and Transparency in the Fitness Industry
The female competitor's eventual admission of not being natural, despite the initial hesitation, is a step towards transparency in an industry often shrouded in secrecy regarding PED use. It reflects a broader discussion about the expectations placed on athletes, particularly women, and the pressures to achieve certain aesthetic standards. While some may choose the path of enhancement, understanding the implications and potential risks is crucial.
Conclusion
The conversation between Kenny Ko and the bikini competitor sheds light on the complex issue of PED use in bodybuilding. It challenges us to consider what being 'natural' truly means and the lengths to which athletes go to meet the often-unrealistic standards of their sports. As the fitness industry continues to evolve, fostering an environment where honesty and health are prioritized over aesthetic perfection is essential.