The Rise of Fakery in Fitness: How Influencers Are Selling Illusions, Not Health

The Guardian recently pulled back the curtain on a dangerous trend in the fitness world: the rise of fake fitness influencers. These are the social media stars with shredded physiques who claim their gains come from hard work, raw liver, and "biohacking" stacks. What they don't tell you? Many are using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), editing their photos, or cycling through dangerous hormone regimens.

The article serves as a wake-up call for anyone pursuing fitness goals through online inspiration. It reveals the truth: much of what influencers promote as "healthy" is often built on illusion.

So, what exactly are they hiding? Let’s take a closer look.

Steroids in Disguise: How TRT and HRT Are Being Marketed as Wellness

A 2023 global meta-analysis in Sports Medicine estimated that 15–20% of recreational male athletes have used anabolic steroids, with a growing number of women following suit. The shocking part? Many of these individuals aren't athletes at all. They're:

• Office professionals trying to reclaim their youth

• Parents with body image anxieties

• Women seeking quick fixes through hormonal treatments

And the deception runs deeper. Rather than openly admit to steroid use, many influencers cloak it under sanitized terms like:

• TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy)

• HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)

• "Biohacking" and longevity protocols

These medical-sounding labels suggest legitimacy and health benefits. But make no mistake: these are serious drugs that can have lasting consequences.

Now that we understand what’s being concealed, it’s important to know what’s at stake.

The Dangerous Side Effects Influencers Rarely Mention

Influencers love to highlight the rewards: six-pack abs, endless energy, and ageless appearances. But here's what often gets left out:

• Fertility issues and hormonal dependency

• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

• Aggression, mood swings, and mental health challenges

• Prostate problems and long-term organ stress

• Menstrual disruptions and irreversible changes in women

While TRT and HRT can be legitimate treatments under medical guidance, using them purely for aesthetics or performance—especially without proper oversight—is a dangerous game.

The problem isn’t just what they take, but how they sell it to you. That’s why it’s crucial to develop a filter for fitness fakery.

How to Spot a Fake Fitness Influencer: 6 Red Flags to Watch For

Before you invest time, money, or trust in an online fitness guru, use this checklist to spot the fakes:

1. Unrealistic Transformations: Muscle gain and fat loss take time. Dramatic changes in 6 weeks? Probably fake or enhanced.

2. Extreme Diets or Workouts: If they promote raw organs or daily 100-rep workouts, beware.

3. Only Positives, No Risks: Real fitness involves trade-offs. If they never discuss downsides, it’s likely marketing over science.

4. Buzzword Overload: Terms like "detox," "superfood," or "age reversal" without evidence are red flags.

5. Miracle Supplements: No supplement replaces consistent training and a balanced diet.

6. Aesthetics Over Credentials: Six-pack abs don’t equal coaching expertise. Look for certifications and science-backed advice.

So, what’s the alternative to this smoke-and-mirrors approach to fitness?

Green Flags: Signs You're Following a Legitimate Fitness Professional

To find real guidance in a world full of filters and fakery, look for these positive indicators:

• Transparency About Methods: Professionals explain how results are achieved, not just showcase them.

• Evidence-Based Practices: Advice is grounded in science, not trends.

• Credentials & Experience: Look for certifications, qualifications, and a track record of helping others—not just a perfect physique.

• Realistic Expectations: They emphasize consistency, habit-building, and sustainable change.

• Open Discussion of Trade-Offs: No path is perfect—reliable coaches will talk about both pros and cons.

• Focus on Health First: Mental and physical health are prioritized over aesthetics.

Whether you’re working with a coach or consuming content online, these are the signals that someone is committed to your long-term well-being—not just their engagement metrics.

Ready for Real Results? Book Your Free Consultation Today

Don’t let filters and pharma define your health journey. Discover what sustainable strength looks like with a team that values your wellbeing over social metrics.

✉️ Book your free consultation today and start your transformation—honestly.

Final Thoughts

In a digital world overflowing with illusions, your health deserves authenticity. By learning to recognize the signs of deceptive fitness marketing and seeking out genuinely qualified professionals, you can protect your progress and prioritize what truly matters: your long-term well-being. The right guidance isn’t flashy—it’s honest, grounded, and built to last.

About the Authors

Ross and Stephanie O’Loughlin are certified strength coaches and EQF Level 4 personal trainers based in Wexford/Wicklow, Ireland. Through their coaching brand, The FitBoss, they help busy men and women reclaim energy, build strength, and feel confident—without fads or fluff. With years of hands-on coaching experience and a science-based approach, they specialize in sustainable fitness strategies that fit real lives.

📍 In-person & Online Coaching Available📧 Learn more or book a consult at thefitboss.ie