Victor Martinez gets honest about Jake Paul’s boxing career and whether or not he uses steroids

In the latest episode of The Generation Iron Podcast, hosted by Victor Martinez, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Vlad Yudin – the hosts address a variety of compelling topics, ranging from the potential diabetic risks associated with using insulin in bodybuilding, whether or not Jake Paul uses steroids, and if 2024 will be the year Chris Bumstead is dethroned at the Classic Physique Olympia. 

Victor Martinez holds nothing back as he shares his opinions and insights on a variety of topics ranging from functional nutrition advice to analysis on the latest trending topics in bodybuilding. Here’s a breakdown of what’s discussed in this week’s episode:

Check out our full recap of the podcast episode right here. Let’s dive in!

The Risk of Diabetes in Bodybuilding

This week’s fan question digs deep into health risk-factors associated with bodybuilding and using PEDs. More specifically, Victor Martinez was asked if he was ever worried about becoming diabetic or pre-diabetic from eating every two hours during bulking, in combination with steroid use and other PEDs such as insulin?

Victor Martinez opened up about a crucial concern in the bodybuilding community—the risk of diabetes due to frequent eating and PED use. Interestingly, Victor admitted that he never got tested for diabetes during his prime years. Despite not knowing his exact risk levels, he experienced side effects associated with high sugar levels and pre-diabetes, such as shakes and blurry vision, particularly after indulging in post-competition binges.

Victor emphasized that while he rarely abused insulin during his bodybuilding preps, he wasn’t immune to the dangers. He recounted a harrowing experience where he nearly overdosed on IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) after being released from prison.

This incident underscored the life-threatening risks of using such substances irresponsibly. Victor’s candidness serves as a stark warning to aspiring bodybuilders about the potential consequences of PED misuse.

The Use of Insulin in Bodybuilding

Vlad Yudin circled back to the discussion on insulin use, posing a critical question: Can a bodybuilder develop diabetes from using insulin?

Victor Martinez’s response was unequivocal — yes, it’s possible. The development of diabetes from insulin use largely depends on the dosage. He shared that he knows individuals who use massive amounts of insulin to boost their appetite for bulking, a practice he never advocated. Victor’s cautionary advice is clear: force-feeding through excessive insulin use is dangerous and should be avoided.

It should be noted that Victor Martinez is not a doctor nor is he sharing medical advice. These comments are simply from his own personal experience and what he has seen within the bodybuilding industry. Those who worry about the impact insulin may have to your health should seek the advice of a doctor.

Victor Martinez Answers: Is Jake Paul on Steroids?

The conversation shifted to a hot topic in the sports world—Jake Paul’s potential steroid use. Vlad Yudin asked Victor Martinez if he believed Jake Paul was on steroids, referencing Conor McGregor’s recent social media accusations (that has since been deleted).

Victor Martinez’s take was nuanced. While he didn’t dismiss the possibility, he leaned towards the likelihood that Jake Paul might be using GH (Growth Hormone) rather than traditional steroids, based on the noticeable changes in his jaw structure.

However, Victor was quick to acknowledge Jake Paul’s dedication to training, highlighting that effective training is necessary to maximize the benefits of any PEDs. He cautioned against undermining the hard work and effort athletes put into their training by solely focusing on PED use.

Ultimately, any successful pro athlete can be reasonably accused of using steroids – because they perform at a top level that can warrant that kind of speculation. Victor Martinez believes, personally for himself, that he would rather shift the conversation about an athlete’s accomplishments rather than speculate whether or not a person uses PEDs.

Is Michal Krizo’s Hype Fading? And Can He Get It Back?

The hosts then discussed Michael Krizo’s unfortunate exit from Olympia 2024 due to injury. The bodybuilder has had many starts and stops since moving from the IFBB Elite Pro league into the IFBB Pro. Victor Martinez reflected on Krizo’s journey, noting that his initial hype stemmed from his dominance in the IFBB Elite Pro league, where he faced less formidable competition compared to the IFBB Pro.

Transitioning to the IFBB Pro league placed Krizo under intense scrutiny, revealing the significant gap between his physique and those of the top-tier athletes in this league. It showcases just how hard it is to go from the top 10% into the top 1% of all-time best champion status.

In addition to this, the initial hype also put Michal Krizo under a microscope on social media. Victor’s analysis highlighted the challenges of maintaining hype and meeting expectations in a highly competitive environment.

But it also should be noted that Michael Krizo’s career in the IFBB Pro has been relatively brief – and despite his injury, he has time to recover and evolve his physique into something special.

Wesley Vissers vs. Chris Bumstead

A significant point of discussion was the potential showdown between Wesley Vissers and Chris Bumstead at the upcoming Classic Physique Olympia contest. Victor Martinez acknowledged the possibility of Vissers overpowering Bumstead, citing Bumstead’s previous injuries over the years as something that can become a challenge with each passing Olympia competition.

So can Wesley Vissers actually rise up to defeat Chris Bumstead this year? Victor Martinez praised Vissers’ impressive physique and noted that he has set himself up as a formidable contender. The real challenge lies with Bumstead, who must continue to improve and impress the judges as the reigning champion. This potential rivalry adds an exciting dimension to the Classic Physique Olympia, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcome.

The Rise of the Wellness Division in Female Bodybuilding

The final topic explored the future popularity of female bodybuilding divisions. Victor expressed his belief that the Wellness division is poised to become the most popular female division in the coming decade. He attributed this to cultural trends favoring women with bigger legs and butts, which align with the Wellness division’s focus.

The Wellness division’s rapid growth in popularity suggests it may soon overtake the Bikini division. Victor’s insights reflect broader societal shifts and underscore the evolving preferences within the bodybuilding community.

Wrap Up

The latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast provided a wealth of insights into the bodybuilding world. Victor Martinez’s candid discussions about the risks associated with PED use, the potential steroid use of athletes like Jake Paul, and the evolving competitive landscape offered listeners valuable perspectives.

As the podcast continues to delve into these critical topics, it remains an essential resource for bodybuilding enthusiasts, offering both entertainment and education. Whether you’re an aspiring bodybuilder or a seasoned professional, the Generation Iron Podcast delivers the information and inspiration needed to navigate the complexities of the sport.

For more in-depth discussions and updates from the world of bodybuilding, make sure to tune in every week to future episodes of the Generation Iron Podcast.

Derek Dufour
Derek Dufour
Derek Dufour has been managing all digital operations on the Generation Iron Network for over six years. He currently manages a team of editors, writers, and designers to provide up-to-date content across the GI Network.