World’s Strongest Man champion Mitchell Hooper has taken an unusually transparent stance on PEDs, particularly when it comes to young athletes. In a recent discussion about his off-season protocol, Hooper emphasized that individuals under 21 have “almost no reason” to use these unless facing a significant medical condition.
The Canadian strongman, who won both World’s Strongest Man and the Arnold Strongman Classic, addressed the reality that young people are already aware these compounds exist.
“Kids know about this,” Hooper stated. “We’re not hiding it from those kids, they know about it. We’re not hiding it from athletes, they know about it.”
His concern centers on parents who remain unaware of the prevalence and risks associated with early use.
Hooper highlighted specific consequences that disproportionately affect younger users, including gynecomastia and significant increases in acne. By openly discussing these outcomes, he aims to educate families about the genuine health risks involved.
Currently in his off-season phase, Hooper has reduced his intake to 250 mg of testosterone weekly, allowing his body to recover from the demands of competition-level dosing. This approach reflects a calculated balance between maintaining some conditioning while prioritizing organ health, particularly the liver, heart, and kidneys.
The strongman was candid about the trade-offs required at elite levels. Taking compounds at high levels creates strain on the liver and kidneys, while affecting blood pressure and cholesterol profiles. For Hooper, who has a family history of heart complications, these considerations carry extra weight.
Both his paternal grandparents passed away before age 55 due to heart-related issues.
One critical point Hooper stressed involves the permanence of certain effects. While the liver recovers well and the heart can rebound from short-term stress, kidney function does not bounce back the same way. Chronic high blood pressure combined with filtering unfamiliar compounds can create lasting consequences.
Hooper also addressed the psychological dimension, noting that while these compounds are not chemically habit-forming, users can become attached to the results.
“You can get a**icted to the results,” he explained, warning that tying identity to size and strength creates a dangerous pattern.
His message for middle-aged individuals differed markedly from his advice to youth. Hooper actively encourages older adults experiencing low energy, reduced muscle mass, or decreased well-being to seek medical consultation and testing.
