Zack Khan explains that steroids are both physically and mentally addicting – and it’s getting worse
In the fourth and final episode of GI Conversation With Zack Khan, director Vlad Yudin and outspoken bodybuilder Zack Khan take a deep dive into one of the most controversial and pressing topics in bodybuilding: the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). With his signature no-nonsense approach, Khan offers hard-hitting insights on why aspiring bodybuilders should reconsider their approach to steroids, the dangers of misinformation, and the addictive nature of PEDs beyond just muscle growth.
Should Aspiring Bodybuilders Use PEDs?
Yudin begins the conversation with a fundamental question: Should someone who wants to be a bodybuilder today stay natural or use PEDs?
Zack Khan is clear in his response—before even considering steroids, an individual needs to ask themselves why they want to be a bodybuilder in the first place. The sport is not for everyone, and if someone is entering it for the wrong reasons—whether for fame, social media clout, or instant gratification—they are setting themselves up for failure.
He urges young bodybuilders to stay natural for as long as possible, pushing their bodies to their natural limits before even thinking about PEDs. According to Khan, the problem with modern bodybuilding is that people want results too quickly. Instead of mastering the fundamentals of diet and training, they turn to steroids as a shortcut to a big physique.
But this shortcut, he warns, comes with a heavy price.
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The Dangerous Chain Reaction of Drug Use
Zack Khan explains that once someone starts using steroids, they often trigger a cycle of further drug dependence. The side effects of PEDs—such as gynecomastia (gyno) or erectile dysfunction—lead users to take additional substances like beta blockers or Viagra. On top of that, many young athletes also engage in recreational party drugs, creating a toxic cocktail of substances that wreak havoc on their health.
The worst part, Khan says, is that most of this damage happens when people feel invincible. At a young age, they don’t consider the long-term consequences. “They have no idea how permanent these problems will be in the long run,” he warns, adding that many won’t even realize the extent of the damage until they reach their 30s or 40s.
To avoid these pitfalls, Zack Khan emphasizes the importance of taking the right approach—training naturally, learning proper nutrition, and seeking guidance from real experts. He also stresses the importance of regular doctor visits and blood tests to monitor health changes.
The Problem with Misinformation in the Fitness Industry
Yudin counters that in today’s digital age, it’s increasingly difficult to determine who the real experts are. With social media flooded with fitness influencers pushing false information, how can young athletes find legitimate guidance?
Zaxk Khan agrees that misinformation is rampant, especially on social media, where scammers and self-proclaimed fitness gurus exploit young athletes for financial gain. He urges individuals to be extra vigilant, reminding them that their health is not something to gamble with. “You only live once,” he says. “It’s not worth playing around with your health.”
He believes that, if people were properly educated about training and nutrition, they would be shocked at how far they could go naturally before even needing to consider steroids.
Steroids as a Source of Power and Psychological Addiction
Yudin then poses an interesting question: Could part of the reason athletes don’t want to stop using steroids be less about their physique and more about how steroids make them feel?
Zack Khan fully agrees. He believes many young bodybuilders aren’t just addicted to the physical transformation—there’s also a psychological addiction to the power and confidence that PEDs bring.
Many teenagers start using steroids because they want to feel strong, respected, and admired. When a young man suddenly looks bigger than his peers, gains attention from girls, and commands respect in his social circle, it fuels an intoxicating cycle.
“We all remember how important it was to feel ‘cool’ in school,” Khan explains. The need for validation, combined with the immediate physical effects of steroids, makes it incredibly difficult to stop. This cycle makes PEDs not just physically addictive but also mentally and emotionally consuming.
Final Thoughts: The Cost of Taking the Easy Route
As the series concludes, Zack Khan leaves viewers with a crucial message: bodybuilding is not about shortcuts. He reiterates that patience, discipline, and knowledge should be the foundation of an athlete’s journey—not a blind reliance on PEDs.
While social media glorifies fast results, Khan warns that those who take the easy route often pay the highest price later in life. The true path to longevity in bodybuilding is through education, smart training, and responsible choices.
Wrap Up
The fourth and final episode of GI Conversation With Zack Khan is a powerful and sobering discussion about the dangers of PED use in bodybuilding. Khan’s brutally honest take on steroids, misinformation, and addiction serves as both a warning and a guide for young athletes navigating the modern fitness landscape.
For anyone looking to build a long-term career in bodybuilding—or simply maintain their health while training—this episode is a must-watch. With his blend of experience, wisdom, and unfiltered truth, Zack Khan delivers one final message: “Do things the right way, even if it takes longer. Because in the end, your health is all you’ve got.”
With GI Conversation With Zack Khan now concluded, fans will undoubtedly look forward to more from this fearless voice in bodybuilding.
