Instagram has become one of the biggest platforms for fitness influencers, bodybuilders, and everyday lifters to showcase their physiques. But behind the photos and workout clips lies a growing controversy: the rise of “fake natty” culture. A “fake natty” refers to someone who claims to be natural while actually using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. With Instagram’s global reach, the question arises—has this culture gotten worse?
The Rise of Social Media Fitness Influencers
Before social media, bodybuilding inspiration came from magazines, gyms, and competitions. Today, anyone with a phone can post fitness content and gain thousands—or even millions—of followers. While this can be motivating, it also creates pressure for influencers to present the most aesthetic, shredded, and muscular physiques possible. For many, this leads to using steroids while still claiming to be natural to maintain marketability.
Why Fake Natty Culture Exists
There are several reasons why influencers choose to hide their steroid use:
- Sponsorships and Brand Deals – Companies prefer “relatable” athletes who appear natural but still have elite physiques.
- Influence and Authority – Claiming natural status builds credibility among younger or new lifters.
- Fear of Judgment – Many worry that admitting steroid use will damage their reputation.
- Monetization – Selling workout programs and diets often relies on the illusion that followers can achieve the same results naturally.
The Impact on Followers
The biggest harm from fake natty culture is the unrealistic expectations it sets for natural lifters. Young followers may feel inadequate when they don’t see the same progress despite training hard and eating right. This can lead to:
- Frustration and quitting fitness altogether
- Turning to steroids too early out of insecurity
- Developing body image issues and body dysmorphia
Instagram filters, lighting, and editing tools make the illusion even stronger, pushing natural lifters to constantly compare themselves to enhanced physiques they can never match.
Is It Getting Worse?
Many argue that fake natty culture is worse than ever because of how profitable the fitness industry has become on Instagram. With fitness coaching, supplement sponsorships, and affiliate deals, there’s a financial incentive to keep the lie alive. At the same time, a growing “transparency movement” is emerging. More influencers are starting to admit they use PEDs, either to build trust with their audience or to stand out from the crowd.
What Can Be Done?
While fake natty culture may never disappear completely, there are steps that can help:
- Encouraging transparency among influencers
- Teaching young lifters about the realities of PED use
- Promoting realistic, natural physiques in fitness media
- Creating more awareness around filters and photo manipulation
The fitness community can benefit greatly from honesty and education rather than deception.
Final Thoughts
Steroids and Instagram go hand in hand in today’s fitness world. Fake natty culture may be getting worse, but awareness is also growing. The more followers learn to question what they see online, the less power this illusion has. Fitness should be about personal growth, not chasing an image built on lies.