During the Golden Era of bodybuilding in the 1960s and 1970s, the emphasis was on developing aesthetic physiques with balanced proportions and graceful posing presentations. Schwarzenegger, known for his near-flawless physique, embodies this classical ideal. However, the sport has since shifted towards a “bigger is better” mentality, often at the expense of classic beauty and aesthetics.
What are the likely causes of “bubble gut” or “Palumboism”
The phenomenon of “bubble gut” or “Palumboism” in bodybuilders has been a topic of debate in the fitness community. While previously attributed primarily to growth hormone and insulin use, recent discussions suggest a more complex, multifactorial cause.
One significant factor appears to be the extreme diet required to maintain and grow such massive amounts of muscle. Bodybuilders often consume enormous quantities of food, including protein shakes with hydrolyzed whey, branch-chain amino acids, and various supplements. This constant state of excessive food intake can lead to perpetual stomach distension, similar to what one might experience after an extreme cheat day.
The sheer volume of food, combined with the need to consume it quickly, especially pre-workout when using insulin, can cause significant gastrointestinal issues. This may result in impaired intestinal motility, bacterial overgrowth, and other digestive problems that contribute to the distended appearance.
PED use, particularly insulin and growth hormone, may still play a role. These substances can potentially cause organ growth, including enlargement of the intestines, which could contribute to the protruding abdomen. Autopsy reports of bodybuilders have shown enlarged organs, particularly hearts three times their normal size, indicating that systemic organ growth is a real phenomenon in this population.
Interestingly, some bodybuilders have successfully reversed their “bubble gut” by significantly reducing their food intake, even at the cost of some muscle mass. This suggests that while PED use may contribute to the condition, diet plays a crucial role in its development and potential reversal.
Schwarzenegger’s Harsh Criticism?
“So Many of those guys have their stomach sticking out. It used to be that you were expected to have a V-shaped body. Now, kind of like a bottle. People don’t come to a show to see bellies. If that’s what they wanted, they’d go to a maternity ward or something.”
Schwarzenegger expressed concern over the use of certain PEDs, particularly insulin and human growth hormone, which are believed to contribute to the “bubble gut” appearance. He noted that audiences don’t attend bodybuilding shows to see protruding bellies, jokingly suggesting that if they did, they’d go to a maternity ward instead. The former champion called for a return to traditional physiques, emphasizing the importance of vacuum poses – a technique where bodybuilders suck in their stomachs to create a dramatic hollow below the rib cage.
This pose, once a staple of bodybuilding routines, has become increasingly rare as competitors’ midsections have grown larger. Schwarzenegger challenged judges to stop rewarding what he considers “ugly bodies” and to seek out more perfect physiques reminiscent of the sport’s golden age. He stressed the importance of maintaining control over one’s midsection, suggesting that bodybuilders should practice the vacuum pose for hours to keep their stomachs in check.
Body builders are far from the only people that are suffering from this type of predicament. In the past, UFC commentator Joe Rogan was spotted with a major case of Palumboism during his Sober October diet weigh in.
What’s wrong with Joe’s gut?
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In 2017, ahead of UFC return, Georges St-Pierre was spotted with a distended gut in a photoshoot ahead of his title shot against Michael Bisping. It would be revealed following the match that St-Pierre was suffering from a bad case of diverticulitis which ultimately made him retire.
Joe tells Derek he’s never had HGH gut, it’s just from eating pasta
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Palumboism is far from the only byproduct of excessive PED use in bodybuilding, body builders are also dropping like flies
The world of elite bodybuilding is facing a growing crisis as an alarming number of competitors are dying young. While the infamous “bubble gut” known as Palumboism has long been associated with PED abuse, recent deaths in the bodybuilding community reveal a much darker and more complex issue.
The bodybuilding world has witnessed several tragic losses in recent years, with many stars passing away at relatively young ages. Kevin Gebhardt, a professional bodybuilder, died at 31 following a knee surgery, though no official cause has been confirmed. Other notable losses include Neil Currey, who died from an overdose at 34, and Jo Lindner, a fitness influencer who passed away at 30 from an aneurysm. Bodybuilders such as Paul Poloczek, Cedric McMillan, and Shawn Rhoden also died unexpectedly due to heart-related issues, while figures like John Meadows and Andy Haman suffered from blood clots and embolisms.
The pursuit of ever-larger physiques has led to increasingly dangerous practices, with competitors pushing chemical enhancements to new extremes. Beyond anabolics, bodybuilders are experimenting with research chemicals, advanced pharmacology, and risky combinations in their quest for size and definition.
These practices are taking a devastating toll. Autopsies of deceased bodybuilders have revealed enlarged hearts, liver damage, and blood so thick it’s described as “sludge.” Heart attacks and kidney failure are becoming common, with some competitors developing life-threatening conditions like sleep apnea due to their extreme muscle mass.
The psychological toll is equally concerning. Many bodybuilders report cognitive issues, mood swings, and even violent thoughts while on certain PEDs. The pressure to maintain an impossibly muscular physique can lead to body dysmorphia and dangerous behaviors.
Coaches and “gurus” in the industry have come under fire for providing potentially lethal protocols to their clients. Without formal medical training, these individuals often walk a dangerous line between performance enhancement and reckless endangerment.
The culture of bodybuilding itself contributes to the problem.
While some in the industry are calling for change, others argue that the demand for “monster” physiques will continue to drive extreme practices. As the death toll rises, many are left wondering what it will take for meaningful reforms to be implemented in professional bodybuilding.