TRT Providers: Liver King (Brian Johnson), Natty or Not

In the fitness and bodybuilding community, there’s no shortage of personalities claiming to be “100% natural” (or “natty”) while sporting physiques that raise eyebrows. Recently, Brian Johnson—better known as the Liver King—found himself in the middle of a major scandal. Despite heavily promoting an all-natural lifestyle centered on raw organ meats and ancestral supplements, leaked emails revealed extensive steroid use. Below is a breakdown of how this story unfolded and why it has caused such a stir in the fitness world.

1. Who Is the Liver King?

Brian Johnson, aka the Liver King, skyrocketed to fame through social media by showcasing his extreme dietary choices (such as eating raw liver and bone marrow) and an incredibly muscular physique. He also owns Ancestral Supplements, which sells capsule forms of beef liver, organs, and other nutrient-dense animal products.

Key Selling Points:

• Primal Lifestyle: His brand touts reconnecting with ancestral ways of eating and living.
• Bold Claims: The Liver King’s marketing implied that his jacked, lean appearance could be achieved by following these ancestral methods—without steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

2. The Red Flags

Even before any official revelations, many viewers and fitness professionals were skeptical. Johnson’s muscle mass, razor-sharp definition, and trademark “bloated gut” are often considered telltale signs of anabolic steroid use.

Common Indicators of PED Use:

1. Bulging Traps and Deltoids: These muscle groups typically respond strongly to anabolic steroids.
2. Distended Midsection: Growth hormone and certain steroids can lead to increased visceral fat and a protruding abdominal wall—yet subcutaneous fat (just under the skin) remains very low.
3. Extreme, Year-Round Leanness: Maintaining single-digit body fat levels continuously is notoriously difficult without chemical assistance, especially into middle age.

3. The Leaked Email

What really blew the lid off the Liver King’s natty claims was an email he sent to a fitness coach, later made public by multiple sources. In it, Johnson detailed over $11,000 per month in PEDs, including human growth hormone and anabolic steroids. This leak directly contradicted his public stance of having never used steroids.

Why This Matters

• Deception: The email confirmed that Liver King knew he was misrepresenting his physique as naturally achieved.
• Misguided Motivation: By attributing his body to raw organ consumption and “hard work alone,” he influenced countless followers to buy supplements (and possibly feel inadequate when they couldn’t replicate his results).
• Financial Gain: Johnson aggressively marketed his supplements and lifestyle methods—capitalizing on a physique largely built by PEDs.

4. The Backlash

Prior to the leak, Liver King was known for vehemently dismissing any allegations of steroid use—sometimes in outright aggressive terms. The leaked email not only invalidated his denials but also put a spotlight on the predatory marketing aimed at unsuspecting consumers.

Major Criticisms Include:

• False Claims: Many view his denial of steroid use as a direct lie aimed at boosting supplement sales.
• Harmful Messaging: His approach suggested that anyone not achieving a similarly chiseled physique was simply “not working hard enough” or lacking discipline.
• Supplement Legitimacy: While there may be some nutritional value in consuming organs, the marketing around these supplements was often inflated, blurring the line between fact and fiction.

5. Understanding “Natty or Not”

In the broader “natty or not” debate, it’s important to acknowledge that using steroids or PEDs in a responsible, clinical setting can be beneficial for certain individuals (e.g., those with diagnosed hypogonadism). However, problems arise when influencers:

1. Misrepresent Their Progress: Claiming that purely “clean eating” or “ancestral diets” built an ultra-muscular physique.
2. Sell Products Under False Pretenses: Encouraging followers to spend money on supplements or programs, expecting results that are unachievable without chemical enhancement.
3. Shame Others: Ridiculing anyone who questions their claims or who fails to match their results.

6. The Bigger Takeaway

While the Liver King scandal highlights a high-profile case of deception, it also underscores a pervasive issue in the fitness industry. Celebrities, influencers, and even everyday gym-goers sometimes hide PED use, creating unrealistic standards for natural body transformations.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Spot Warning Signs: Extreme size and leanness—especially in older individuals—can be natural for only a tiny fraction of people.
• Ask for Evidence: Be wary of sweeping claims about a single supplement or diet that can transform your body “overnight.”
• Do Your Research: Look for reputable studies, consult certified trainers, and, when needed, speak to a healthcare professional for guidance.

Final Word

The Liver King controversy is a reminder that not everything is as it appears on social media. While living an active, health-conscious lifestyle is certainly beneficial, be cautious of anyone promising miraculous results based on secret diets or unverified supplements—especially if they’re presenting an extreme physique as entirely “natty.” Ultimately, transparency, scientific backing, and realistic expectations are the keys to true health and fitness success.