Billion-dollar market, online fame and health risks: behind the scenes of the bodybuilding universe

Fantástico dives into the universe of bodybuilding, which requires extreme discipline
The bodybuilding craze was the subject of a special report by Fantástico, which revealed the behind-the-scenes of a universe marked by extreme discipline, a billion-dollar market and health risks.
The program followed athletes who face years of sacrifices in the search for a super strong and sculpted body. Experts also warned about the limits of the human body and the dangers of inappropriate use of substances aimed at muscle gain - a practice that is widespread in one of the fastest growing segments of the fitness market.
The issue has gained greater repercussion after the recent death of bodybuilder Gabriel Ganley, aged 22, found dead last Saturday (23), in the East Zone of São Paulo. The death certificate indicated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a heart disease that can be worsened by the use of anabolic steroids. Ganley revealed, in July 2025, that he had started using substances.
Fantástico dives into the universe of bodybuilding, which requires extreme discipline
Reproduction/TV Globo
Fever on the networks and billion-dollar market
In recent years, bodybuilding is no longer a niche restricted to gyms and has gained space on social networks, attracting thousands of young people. Fitness influencers have amassed millions of followers by sharing workout routines, strict diets and impressive physical transformations. Some of them became national celebrities.
The biggest symbol of this explosion in Brazil is Ramon Dino, the "Dinosaur of Acre". The 30-year-old athlete became the first Brazilian man to win the main bodybuilding competition in the world.
To Fantástico, Dino said that he started training in public squares in Rio Branco using only his own body weight. Without money to buy meat, he consumed 30 eggs a day to maintain his diet. During the pandemic, training videos went viral on social media and completely changed his life.
"And this caught a lot of people's attention. 'If the guy did what he did with a little bit, can you imagine investing in him?'", he says.
Currently, Ramon has millions of followers and is among the main names in world bodybuilding. His rise coincided with the boom in sport in Brazil - driven mainly by social media.
The growth of the sport also generated a huge market. According to Tamer El Guindy, one of the largest promoters of fitness events in the world, the sector generates between R$2 billion and R$3 billion per year in the country. Brazil is already considered the second largest bodybuilding market in the world, behind only the United States.
Professionalization has brought major events, sponsorships, supplement brands, fitness clothing, specialized gyms and a legion of fans who follow every detail of the athletes' routine.
Fantastic dive into the universe of bodybuilding, which requires extreme discipline
Reproduction/TV Globo
Extreme sacrifices
But behind the muscles and fame there is a reality marked by extreme sacrifices.
Bodybuilders can consume up to 8 thousand calories per day during certain phases of preparation. In pre-competition periods, they spend weeks on extremely restrictive diets to reduce their body fat percentage as much as possible. Some athletes take the stage with just 2% or 3% fat.
In addition to strict nutrition, there are intense training protocols, social deprivation, absolute control of the routine and severe dehydration processes before competitions to make the muscles more visible.
Known as 'Ferrari Humana', Brazilian bodybuilder responds to criticism: 'I like it, my husband thinks it's beautiful, so everything is fine'
Known as 'Ferrari Humana', bodybuilder Brazilian woman responds to criticism about her body
Reproduction/TV Globo
Use of anabolic steroids and health risks
Another central - and most controversial - point of bodybuilding involves the use of hormones and anabolic steroids.


Although the use of these substances is common in professional bodybuilding, experts warn that there is no safe dose for aesthetic purposes.
"Testosterone works as a treatment, which is hormone replacement therapy. Outside of this clinical situation, the use of it, yes, is considered a wrong use, of an anabolic steroid -- which we will call here, in layman's terms, a bomb", highlights endocrine specialist, Ricardo Oliveira.
Doctors interviewed by the report state that the effects side effects range from acne and hair loss to serious cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure. According to experts, inadequate use of testosterone and other steroids can cause testicular atrophy.
There are also risks of anabolic steroids for the heart, as described by cardiologist Alexandre Carvalho. time."
When asked, Ramon says that he recognizes the risks of this lifestyle he has adopted:
"Yes. I have to do it knowing that I am taking this risk. And for people who are just starting out, for young people, we have a tip here: don't do it if you are not an athlete, don't do it.
Fantástico delves into the universe of bodybuilding, which requires extreme discipline
Reproduction/TV Globo
READ ALSO:
'The heart is also a muscle': how anabolic steroids can lead to arrhythmias and sudden death
Bodybuilding: what are the risks when the body stops being 'natural' and practice relies on the use of hormones and anabolic steroids
Gabriel Ganley: dead bodybuilder in SP reported feeling ill after using insulin; understand the risks
GloboPop: click to see the videos from the Fantástico stage
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