Strictly’s John Whaite says steroid use has ‘messed with his life’
John Whaite has opened up about his steroid addiction. (Instagram/@John_Whaite)
John Whaite has opened up about his steroid addiction. (Instagram/@John_Whaite)
John Whaite has spoken candidly about his use of anabolic steroids for the first time in an emotional video where he urged people to “think twice.”
Whaite rose to fame as a contestant on The Great British Bake Off and has since taken part in Strictly Come Dancing as well as multiple daytime TV shows.
In the video shared on Instagram on Monday (17 November) Whaite said he was speaking up about his use of steroids “for accountability, for integrity, but also because I think this is a problem that is increasingly prevalent, especially in gay culture.” He added it was also an issue for non-queer people too.
“I’ve been taking anabolic steroids, illegally, for five years now,” he said. “And these things have really, really messed with my life.” He explained he’d started using them in cycles but for the last two years had been using them continuously.
The baker first started taking them during the Covid-19 lockdowns. He said, “As somebody who’s got body dysmorphia, and bulimia, I looked in the mirror, and I hated what I saw.”
Whaite has been open about his struggles with body dysmorphia and bulimia in the past, sharing in 2021 that they started as a teen.
He said the use of steroids led to some “aesthetically very good results,” and he got noticed more. He recalled being given the nickname “Hercules” while shooting Strictly due to his physique.
“The more the people acknowledged how I looked on steroids, the more I felt good about myself,” Whaite said.
But he said the steroids led to a shrinking of his testicles and an unregulated sex drive, which he said led to him “doing stupid things.”
The Strictly star explained he was stopping his steroids and opening up after talking to his 15-year-old nephew who had started looking into steroids.
Whaite feared the impact social media and “unrealistic physiques” are having on younger generations, selling the idea that people needed to be on steroids.
“I’m genuinely concerned for those boys who could end really f***ing up their lives and their beautiful bodies,” he said, still very emotional.
The star also said that he probably wouldn’t have started posting explicit content on OnlyFans “if it weren’t for the complete and utter elevated horniness that steroids give you at times.”
In September, Whaite said he was coming off OnlyFans to focus on his baking business, his “true sense of purpose.” He launched his OnlyFans in February.
He continued: “I’m done with putting the gym before my family or before inner peace.” Whaite then encouraged people watching to “show this message” to people considering steroids.
“This decision that I made, just to look a certain way has taken so much from me. I’m responsible for this. It was my choice. I’m not being a victim here. I’m a man, and I have to deal with the consequences of my actions,” he said.
He then went further, warning, “it will ruin everything,” and urged people to “respect” their bodies. “Try and get to a place where you look in the mirror, and you see yourself with kind eyes. That’s what I’m gonna do from now on,” he said.
In the post’s caption he added: “Steroids have made me want to end my life.”
The baker and Strictly star has been met with an outpouring of love and support from his followers, many congratulating him on speaking so candidly about his experiences and addiction.
What are anabolic steroids?
As per the NHS, anabolic steroids are a manufactured drug that mimics the hormone, testosterone. As a Class C drug, they should only be used when prescribed by a medical professional.
They are often used as performance enhancers and to increase muscle mass. However, they come with a range of side effects including a reduced sperm count, infertility, erectile dysfunction in men, hairless, acne, and problems with periods for women.
They can also cause heart attacks and strokes, hypertension, mood swings, paranoia, aggressive behaviour as well as restricted growth in adolescents.
People addicted to steroids should consult a doctor before coming off them. A sudden withdrawal can lead to symptoms such as depression, anorexia, insomnia, and more. A gradual withdrawal is recommended.
Anyone seeking help with addiction can contact their local GP or call the Frank drugs helpline on 0300 123 6600.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
