Fitness
Exercise should keep your heart safe but professional bodybuilders are dying at fivefold higher rates
Professional bodybuilders often strain their hearts through extreme training, rapid weight loss, and dehydration. Bulking-cutting cycles, harsh diets, and intense regimens can cause heart rhythm issues and long-term cardiovascular damage
Synopsis: The sudden death of Mr. India Senthil Kumaran Selvarajan highlights a disturbing trend in Indian bodybuilding: young, peak-condition athletes dying from heart attacks and organ failure, often linked to suspected steroid abuse. Similar fates befell Akash from Tamil Nadu and champion Dheeraj Dahiya. Even fitness icon Puneeth Rajkumar’s cardiac arrest in 2021 underscores hidden health risks in extreme fitness pursuits.
The promising career of Senthil Kumaran Selvarajan, India’s Mr. India titleholder, ended abruptly with a fatal heart attack. He was young, seemingly at peak physical condition, and represented the pinnacle of bodybuilding achievement in the country. His death wasn’t an isolated tragedy.
Akash, a 25-year-old bodybuilder and gym trainer from Avadi, Tamil Nadu, collapsed while preparing for competition. Doctors discovered multiple organ failure—his heart, kidneys, and liver had all shut down, likely from what they suspected was excessive steroid and supplement abuse. Another champion, Dheeraj Dahiya, who held multiple prestigious titles including Mr. India and Mr. North India, died suddenly from a reported heart attack, joining a growing list of elite athletes whose pursuit of physical perfection ended in premature death.
Even beyond competitive bodybuilding, the fitness world was shaken when Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar, renowned for his fitness regimen, died of sudden cardiac arrest in 2021. Though not a competitive bodybuilder, his case drew national attention to cardiovascular risks among seemingly healthy, fit individuals.
These Indian cases reflect a troubling global pattern that has now been quantified by groundbreaking research. A comprehensive 16-year study published in the European Heart Journal has exposed alarming mortality rates among competitive bodybuilders worldwide, with sudden cardiac death claiming 38 percent of fatalities in a sport increasingly scrutinized for its hidden health risks.
The global study that confirms the crisis
Dr. Marco Vecchiato from the University of Padova, Italy, who led the groundbreaking study, was motivated by observing exactly these kinds of tragic cases worldwide. “I’ve seen a growing number of reports of premature deaths among people involved in bodybuilding and fitness,” he said in a statement. “These tragic events, often affecting young and apparently healthy athletes, highlight a gap in our understanding of the long-term health risks associated with competitive bodybuilding.”
The research team examined 20,286 male bodybuilders who participated in International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) events between 2005 and 2020. Through meticulous cross-referencing of media reports, social media, bodybuilding forums, and official sources across five languages, researchers identified 121 deaths among these athletes, with an average age at death of just 45 years.
Most alarmingly, professional bodybuilders faced a more than fivefold increase in sudden cardiac death risk compared to amateur competitors, suggesting that the intensity and methods of elite-level competition—the very practices that likely contributed to deaths like those of Senthil, Akash, and Dheeraj—significantly amplify health dangers.
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But why?
The study identified several interconnected factors that create a perfect storm for cardiovascular catastrophe in competitive bodybuilding.
Dr.Vecchiato explained that “bodybuilding involves several practices that could have an impact on health, such as extreme strength training, rapid weight loss strategies including severe dietary restrictions and dehydration, as well as the widespread use of different performance-enhancing substances.”
While only 16 percent of deceased athletes had documented histories or toxicology reports confirming performance-enhancing drug (PED) use, researchers believe this figure dramatically underrepresents reality due to underreporting and limited autopsy access.
The available autopsy reports revealed telling patterns: heart muscle thickening or enlargement, coronary artery disease, and in some cases, clear evidence of anabolic substance abuse.
The study’s data becomes even more concerning when considering anti-doping statistics. Despite organizing over 6,000 events annually, the IFBB submitted only 80 doping samples to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in the most recent reporting year—with a shocking 13 percent positivity rate, far exceeding most other sports. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the adequacy of current anti-doping measures and suggests widespread PED use remains largely undetected.
Extreme training and competition practices
Professional bodybuilders engage in practices that place extraordinary strain on the cardiovascular system. Extreme strength training combined with rapid weight loss strategies—including severe dietary restrictions and dangerous dehydration techniques—can trigger irregular heart rhythms and structural heart changes over time. The pursuit of competition-ready physiques often involves cycling between bulking and cutting phases that shock the body’s systems.
“The risk may be greater for professional bodybuilders because they are more likely to engage intensively in these practices over prolonged periods and may experience higher competitive pressure to achieve extreme physiques,” Dr. Vecchiato noted.
Beyond physical risks, the study uncovered a disturbing mental health component. Approximately 15 percent of deaths were categorised as “sudden traumatic deaths,” including car crashes, suicides, murders, and overdoses. Researchers linked these to psychological pressures surrounding body image, performance expectations, and the relentless pursuit of extreme physiques.
“These findings underline the need to address the psychological impact of bodybuilding culture,” Dr. Vecchiato emphasized. “These mental health challenges, sometimes worsen with substance abuse and can elevate the risk of impulsive or self-destructive behaviours.” The toxic combination of body dysmorphia, depression, and performance pressure creates a dangerous psychological environment, particularly for younger athletes.
The regulatory gap
Unlike established professional sports, bodybuilding often operates without adequate medical oversight, especially in countries where it isn’t formally recognized as a sport. This regulatory vacuum means athletes rarely undergo pre-participation cardiovascular screenings, and there are virtually no safeguards to monitor or mitigate health risks.
The contrast is stark: while professional football, basketball, or tennis players undergo regular medical evaluations and operate under strict anti-doping protocols, bodybuilders frequently compete without comparable protections despite facing potentially greater health risks.
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A broader message about health and fitness
Even the Indian cardiologists support the findings of the study. “Was seeing many videos of the Mentzer brothers’ strength training. Then read how they both died at 49! What’s the point,” Cardiologist based out of Bengaluru Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy said on X.
Was seeing many videos of the Mentzer brothers’ strength training. Then read how they both died at 49! What’s the point. pic.twitter.com/LbzQ0uRti3
— Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy (@DrDeepakKrishn1) June 7, 2025
However, the researchers emphasised that their findings shouldn’t discourage general strength training or fitness culture. “Regular physical activity and strength training can be extremely beneficial for health, quality of life and mortality risk,” Dr. Vecchiato clarified. Instead, the study challenges the dangerous notion that physical appearance alone indicates health and exposes the hidden risks behind even the most sculpted physiques.
The path forward: urgent reforms needed
Dr. Vecchiato’s research doesn’t aim to vilify bodybuilding but rather catalyze essential reforms. “For bodybuilders, the message is clear: while striving for physical excellence is admirable, the pursuit of extreme body transformation at any cost can carry significant health risks, particularly for the heart,” he stated.
The study’s authors recommend several critical interventions:
- Medical Oversight: Implementing mandatory cardiovascular screening and regular medical supervision for competitive bodybuilders, similar to other professional sports.
- Anti-Doping Enhancement: Strengthening drug testing protocols and enforcement, given the current system’s apparent inadequacy.
- Cultural Transformation: Promoting safer training practices and firmly rejecting performance-enhancing substance use through education campaigns.
- Mental Health Support: Addressing the psychological pressures and providing mental health resources for athletes struggling with body image and performance anxiety.
- Policy Development: Creating specific health surveillance programs and collaborating between medical associations, federations, and policymakers.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
Fitness
How Jeremy Clarkson Reset His Health and Fitness at 66 – Walking, Pilates and Trying ‘Not to Die’
Rewind a decade or so, and Jeremy Clarkson had a particular disdain for exercise, healthy eating and denying himself life’s pleasures. He never worked out, smoked 40 cigarettes a day and, in his own words, drank four pints of wine daily. Now, at 65, his entire outlook on health and longevity has shifted.
At the heart of Clarkson’s desire to change are his young grandchildren.
‘I’m not going to dwell on the joys of being a grandparent because what can be said about it has already been said. But I have decided that it is so wonderful that I want it to go on for as long as is humanly possible. Which means I must do everything in my power not to die,’ he wrote in his column forThe Times.
And the British TV personality has certainly had a couple of wake-up calls.
After being admitted to hospital with pneumonia in 2017, Clarkson then suffered what he described as ‘really bad coronary artery problems’ at the end of 2024. Documented in the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm, he experienced a ‘sudden deterioration’ in his health and needed a stent fitted to restore proper blood flow.
Why Clarkson Finally Started Taking His Health Seriously
Since then, he has taken up reformer Pilates, had a pickleball court installed at his Oxfordshire home and started going for walks when the weather is just right.
‘Eventually, I decided that organised, indoor exercise was not for me and decided instead to do walking. Not when it’s raining obviously. Or if it’s too cold, or hot. And not if I’m busy. But on a reasonably temperate Sunday morning, I’d get out there and pootle along,’ he wrote.
‘So far I’ve relied on luck to keep me alive. But I’m in sniper’s alley right now and I have to work at dodging the bullets. Two years ago, I saw old age as a wearisome tangle of tubes and knee-replacement surgery. Now though, thanks to my grandchildren, I’m actively looking forward to it.’
Clarkson’s comments highlight just how much his attitude to ageing has changed.
‘I’m buying time. It hurts and it’s expensive. But it’s better than wasting your money on a new watch.’
The Diet Changes Behind Clarkson’s 3-Stone Weight Loss
Diet has also become a key part of his health overhaul.
He now eats burgers wrapped in lettuce rather than buns and opts for alcohol-free versions of his Hawkstone beer. Underpinning much of that change has been a microdose of the GLP-1 medication Mounjaro, which Clarkson credits with helping him lose more than three stone in six months by suppressing his appetite – although he admits he doesn’t particularly enjoy the experience.
‘When you are on Muntjac [his name for Mounjaro] you can come down in the morning and idly help yourself to a small handful of sunflower seeds,’ Clarkson said. ‘And it’ll feel like you’ve just finished a massive Christmas lunch. You’re stuffed.
‘So you find yourself living a minibar existence. Tiny packets of milk, sachets with only three grains of sugar in them, vodka in thimbles. That’s not living, though. That’s existing.’
If there’s one thing Kori Sampson knows, it’s how to optimise your body composition for performance. To tap into his knowledge as an elite athlete and coach, we asked him to create a 4-week plan to help you move faster, recover quicker and keep pushing when the fatigue sets in – all while improving your muscle-to-fat ratio.
Ready to build muscle, burn fat and come out the other side looking, feeling and performing better? Click here to get 14 days of free access to the plan via the Men’s Health app.
Ryan is a Senior Writer at Men’s Health UK with a passion for storytelling, health and fitness. Having graduated from Cardiff University in 2020, and later obtaining his NCTJ qualification, Ryan started his career as a Trainee News Writer for sports titles Golf Monthly, Cycling Weekly and Rugby World before progressing to Staff Writer and subsequently Senior Writer with football magazine FourFourTwo.
During his two-and-a-half years there he wrote news stories for the website and features for the magazine, while he also interviewed names such as Les Ferdinand, Ally McCoist, Jamie Redknapp and Antonio Rudiger, among many others. His standout memory, though, came when getting the opportunity to speak to then-Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher as the club won League One in 2023.
Having grown up a keen footballer and playing for his boyhood side until the age of 16, Ryan got the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland national futsal team eight times, scoring three goals against England, Scotland and Gibraltar. Now past his peak, Ryan prefers to mix weightlifting with running – he achieved a marathon PB of 3:31:49 at Manchester in April 2025, but credits the heat for failing to get below the coveted 3:30 mark…
You can follow Ryan on Instagram or on X
Fitness
Fitness coach debunks 8 ‘crazy’ exercise myths women still believe: From periods and workouts to weightlifting
Despite growing awareness around fitness and women’s health, several outdated exercise myths continue to persist. From misconceptions about strength training to beliefs surrounding periods, pregnancy and weight loss, many women still receive advice that isn’t backed by science. These myths can not only slow progress but also discourage women from prioritising their health and fitness. (Also read: Can eating too much protein be harmful? Experts explain why excess intake may do more harm than good )
Fitness coach Zoe recently addressed some of the most common misconceptions women continue to hear in a June 12 Instagram post titled, “craziest exercise myths women still hear.” Here’s what she had to say:
1. Periods mean complete bed rest
According to Zoe, menstruation does not mean you need to stop exercising altogether. “No. You can train. Just adjust intensity if needed,” she wrote, explaining that while energy levels may fluctuate during different phases of the menstrual cycle, movement and exercise can still be beneficial.
2. After marriage or kids, fitness is not important
Many women are often made to feel that fitness should take a back seat after major life changes such as marriage or motherhood. Zoe strongly disagrees. “That is exactly when it becomes more important,” she said, highlighting the need to maintain strength, mobility and overall health while navigating increased responsibilities.
3. A C-section means your core is gone forever
Recovering from a Caesarean delivery can be challenging, but Zoe says it doesn’t mean women should give up on rebuilding strength. “Wrong. It means you need rebuilding, not giving up,” she wrote, emphasising that gradual rehabilitation and proper training can help restore core function.
4. Walking around the house is enough exercise
While daily movement is important, Zoe points out that it isn’t the same as a structured workout. “No. That is movement, not full training,” she explained, noting that a balanced fitness routine should include strength, mobility and cardiovascular exercises.
5. Sweating more means more fat loss
Many people associate excessive sweating with effective fat burning, but Zoe says that’s a common misunderstanding. “No. It means you are hot,” she wrote. Sweat is the body’s cooling mechanism and does not necessarily reflect the number of calories burned or fat lost.
6. Running will ruin your uterus, boobs or joints
This long-standing myth often discourages women from running or high-impact activities. “No. Poor preparation and weak support is the issue,” Zoe said, stressing the importance of proper training, supportive gear and gradually building endurance.
7. Women should only do yoga, not weights
Strength training is still viewed by some as a male-dominated form of exercise, but Zoe believes women benefit greatly from lifting weights. “Women need strength too,” she wrote, highlighting how resistance training supports muscle mass, bone health, metabolism and overall fitness.
8. Carbs at night make you fat
Carbohydrates often get unfairly blamed for weight gain, especially when eaten in the evening. “No. Overeating does,” Zoe explained, pointing out that overall calorie intake and dietary patterns matter far more than the timing of carbohydrate consumption.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
For Hobart teacher Mary Holton, health means everything.
She started feeling the squeeze from cost-of-living pressures when fuel prices spiked again.
“Going out for just fitness alone was a bit much,”
she said.
Mary Holton says since joining the group, her fitness across the board has improved. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Many Tasmanians are feeling cost-of-living pressures in a very physical way, with locals saying exercise routines are being dropped, health appointments delayed and wellbeing pushed to the bottom of the list as budgets tighten.
Ms Holton relies on multiple physiotherapy sessions each week, but says paid fitness classes simply are not an option.
“That costs … so to actually go to other classes as well, it’s out of my budget really.“
Ollie Mathewson conducts a free workout session. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
National data shows that almost half of Australians already fall short of minimum physical activity guidelines, and rising prices are making even basic care unaffordable for many.
Consultant clinical psychologist academic Kimberley Norris says this is exactly how unhealthy patterns begin.
“We tend to focus on the most stressful thing first … and health is one of those things we don’t think about until things go wrong,”
Professor Norris said.
Kimberley Norris says humans tend to focus on alleviating stress first and foremost, and warns de-prioritising health can become a cycle. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
For Ms Holton, going to a free workout group in her local community was a game-changer.
“Came down and absolutely loved it. It’s really nice to have a group and it just keeps growing,” she said.
Finding a free exercise group has drastically improved her health, as noted by her GP, and she is part of a growing trend.
Free exercise classes become a lifeline
At a community exercise class in South Arm, south-east of Hobart, the mood is upbeat, with laughter, movement, and a sense of relief.
Participation has more than doubled in the past year, with more than 100 Tasmanians now involved.
Trainer Ollie Mathewson said the surge was unmistakable.
“It’s free of charge for everybody … and over the last 12 months I’ve noticed a lot more people starting to come along,”
he said.
Ollie Mathewson says attendance at his classes has almost doubled over the past year. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Across greater Hobart, free and low-cost alternatives are multiplying and include walking groups, community-run circuits, and morning and afternoon fitness meet-ups.
Tasmanians are increasingly organising their own solutions.
Mr Mathewson said connections drive outcomes.
“A lot of people talk about weight and strength, which are obviously insanely important, having other people there to push you single every week makes it a hundred times easier.“
Professor Norris said one’s health can be prioritised for free.
“What we know about health is, it’s more about sustainable wellbeing, it’s about quality of life,” she said.
“So rather than focusing on how much you can deadlift, how far you can run, it’s about how your life has improved and how close your life is to the way you want to live it.”
She said free options were vital because once people stop moving, it becomes harder to start again.
“If we develop routines in which health is not a priority, then we almost get stuck in this cycle of health always being last.“
Health appointments being delayed or dropped
For some Tasmanians, the financial pressure is forcing even tougher choices.
Amy Dakin says she can’t even think about getting a gym membership with all the other costs of living on her mind. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Amy Dakin, who lives with a compromised immune system, often has no choice but to delay essential care.
“My health needs to be prioritised, but your bills come first, really,” she said.
Jordyn Rowbottom says she’s not the only one changing her hobbies to save on costs. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Jordyn Rowbottom has seen the same pattern around her.
“People are being forced to cut what they can access,”
she said.
Professor Norris warns that these short-term decisions can create long-term harm, not just for individuals, but for the broader health system.
She said the combination of financial pressure and reduced physical activity would create a public health challenge.
Trainers adapting to shrinking budgets
Personal trainer Nickola Orr works with clients across different income levels, ages and needs.
She said affordability now shapes almost every program she designs.
“You want to make sure they can get as much help as they can within their price range,”
she said.
Nickola Orr is concerned about access to fitness and health services in the face of rising cost pressures. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
With the median individual spend on fitness in Tasmania sitting at almost $600 last year, Ms Orr said the warning signs were already visible.
“We’re going to see more results of long-term neglect; higher injuries, more need for mental health assistance. It’s going to snowball.”
Her concerns echo Professor Norris’s academic findings that once healthy routines break down, the consequences ripple for years.
“The changes are very small … while they add up over time, there is no immediate impact,”
Ms Orr said.
Calls for more free and low-cost options
Mr Mathewson hopes the success of free community classes will inspire governments and private operators to expand accessible fitness programs.
“More free options would be a great thing. There are a few now, but there should be more,” he said.
The Tasmanian government has said it will release its 20-year preventive health strategy this month, titled The Health Revolution.
A Department of Health spokesperson said the strategy “will address the broader social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health and wellbeing”.
“Specific issues about access to health services and programs are being considered through the Access to Health Services project, a Commonwealth-State partnership.
“The Health Revolution will complement that project by addressing the root causes of poor health and the underlying conditions to make it easier for Tasmanians to live well.“
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