Why Do Modern Bodybuilders Have Huge Bellies

Bodybuilding has come a long way in terms of muscle size in the last 50 years. Modern day bodybuilders look absolutely massive compared to bodybuilders of the past.

Part of this comes from new drugs, specifically human growth hormones (HGH). Arnold Schwarzenegger and bodybuilders of his era used steroids, but HGH was not available at the time. It’s human growth hormones which cause the big bulging stomachs you see on many modern bodybuilders.

Palumboism AKA HGH Gut

Palumboism is the clinical name for these large bodybuilder bellies. It is also know as bubble gut, HGH gut or bodybuilder belly. Palumboism arises from a combination of factors within the bodybuilding community. Primarily linked to the excessive use of human growth hormone (HGH) and insulin, bodybuilders often engage in practices such as stacking, combining these substances, leading to increased fat storage and excessive growth of tissues, particularly the intestines. The pursuit of heightened muscle mass through extensive use of supplements, a high-protein diet, and insulin further contributes to the protrusion of the midsection, creating a blocky appearance. Additionally, high carbohydrate and calorie diets, along with techniques like carbohydrate loading, can result in water retention, causing a bloated look. The combination of these elements with the uses of human growth hormone can make a bubble gut in modern day bodybuilders even more pronounced.

Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone leads to an increase in the size of a body’s organs. Muscles are organs, so those who want bigger muscles take HGH. It works. However, you cannot target specific organs for growth when you use human growth hormones. Instead, all the organs of the body grow.

Bodybuilders use extremely high doses of HGH, around 5 milligrams per day, which can lead to excessive growth of tissues, including the intestines.

Insulin

Insulin is often combined with HGH in a practice known as “stacking,” leading to increased fat storage behind the stomach, resulting in a larger abdomen.

This is why the belly starts to stick out for bodybuilders. Their internal organs start to grow larger and larger until they have a turtle-shell belly. Here’s some pictures of bodybuilders who look pregnant.

Preventing HGH Belly

Don’t want a belly? Then don’t use HGH.

The good news is stomach distension is reversible by lowering or eliminating the dose of HGH and insulin.

If you are using human growth hormone and are worried about your belly size, then consider tapering HGH and insulin dosage close to competition, using intermittent fasting during cutting, reducing carbohydrate intake throughout contest preparation, and ensuring correct timing and nutrient intake during carb-loading.

Is Palumboism dangerous?

Palumboism itself is not inherently dangerous, the practices that may contribute to its development can pose health risks. The use of high doses of human growth hormone (HGH) and insulin, as well as the adoption of extreme dietary strategies to achieve the desired physique, can have potential adverse effects. Excessive growth of internal organs, particularly the intestines, and increased fat storage can result from the abuse of these substances. Additionally, the overall health implications of prolonged use of such substances are not fully understood, and there may be associated risks. It’s crucial for individuals in the bodybuilding community to be aware of the potential health consequences of the practices that may contribute to Palumboism and to approach these strategies with caution and under the guidance of medical professionals.

Ask yourself if winning bodybuilding competitions are worth the potential medical issues that come with taking HGH.