When people go through sudden and extreme changes in body composition and a drastic reduction in body fat, the rumor mills kick into overdrive.
But as a personal trainer and strength coach, I also see how much work and effort people like Connor Murphy put into their lean muscle growth.
So, I decided to do some research into whether Conor achieved his physique naturally or with the help of anabolic steroids.
Quick Summary
- This article explores whether Connor Murphy achieved his physique naturally or with the help of anabolic steroids.
- We look at various aspects of Murphy's physical changes over time, scrutinizing them for signs of possible steroid use.
- Despite the lack of clear evidence of steroid use, Conor hasn't undergone regular drug tests, amid data showing up to 43.6% of elite athletes and 3.3% of high schoolers use steroids.
- My personal opinion leans towards skepticism about Murphy achieving his physique solely through natural means.
Does Connor Murphy Take Steroids?
It is uncertain if Connor Murphy has taken steroids or not, as only he knows the truth about his body's transformation, despite speculations surrounding his muscle gains.
But some things might hint that he had help with lean muscle mass gains.
We took a closer look at two main areas.
1. Body Evidence
Yes, he’s super fit and ripped, and at 28 years old, he has built up a huge social media following of millions of fans.
The first thing to note is that Connor Murphy started to lift weights when he was 13 years old. So his transformation didn’t happen overnight, as many people say.
The reason for this confusion is that he has admitted that he made great progress from age 13 to 17 and then lost motivation for a few years.
He picked things up again in his early twenties but didn’t have to start from scratch.
The other thing to note is that regular steroid usage often leads to three very noticeable body changes:
- Thinning and loss of hair
- Constantly flushed skin
- Boulder shoulders
And to me, Connor’s body doesn’t show any of these signs unless he’s wearing a great wig and has managed to apply sweat-proof makeup to his whole body.
And his shoulders are not out of proportion to other muscle groups.
2. Competitive Record
Connor has competed in the NPC Men's Physique category, and some people claim that should be enough evidence that he’s gone through drug testing.
And while the NPC does conduct random tests, they are not known for being the most diligent when drug testing.
So based on the fact that they haven’t proven themselves as a legit natty federation, I would say it’s not enough proof that he hasn’t been taking anabolic steroids.
Personally, I would go with my experience and say that even if there’s no evidence of him having passed any drug tests, his physical appearance is lacking some key evidence.
Why Are People Questioning His Achievements?
People are questioning Conor Murphy's achievements due to the rapid body transformation he underwent in his 20s, suspecting the use of steroids, but it's important to consider his history of bodybuilding since the age of 13 and his documented dedication to diet and training.
And when people become a lean mass monster in just a couple of years, it can raise eyebrows.
But you have to understand that Connor started bodybuilding when he was 13.
He made big progress until he lost interest at age 17, and he gained body fat for a few years.
But as a young man who gained fat in his 20s, he picked the weights up again and focused heavily on his diet, which he has documented on his YouTube channel.
What Was His Body Transformation Like?
Connor Murphy's body transformation over a span of 10 years showcased significant changes, with notable gains during his early teenage years, a period of reduced interest in fitness during his late teens, and a remarkable transformation in his physique during his early 20s through a revamped diet and training regimen, all documented in his popular YouTube videos.
1. Early Teenage Years
As already mentioned, Connor Murphy had talked about how he started lifting weights when he was 13 and was able to gain muscle quite quickly.
Looking at old photos, you can see that things rapidly changed when he was about 15.
And that’s probably where he peaked in puberty, and it would explain why building muscle seemed to come so easily for him.
2. Late Teenage Years
He has also said in interviews that he lost interest and motivation when he was 17 years old and turned a bit flabby for a few years.
That would be a clear indication that there was no steroid usage at that time, as steroids would have had the exact opposite effect.
3. Transformation In His 20s
By his early 20s, Connor decided it was time to change his lifestyle again. And the only way he looked forward was with a drastic change in his diet and training routine to build muscle.
Other bodybuilders had started entering the social media space, so he decided to join their ranks and document his experience and advice in YouTube videos.
And it didn’t take long for millions of skinny college guys to follow him and try to get a similar physique.
Other people rumored to be on steroids:
What Symptoms Of Steroid Use Would He Have Had?
He would not have exhibited the symptoms typically associated with steroid use, such as hormonal imbalance, hair loss, water retention, or massive shoulders, suggesting he likely did not use steroids.
But it’s important to list out all the things to look out for:
1. Hormonal Imbalance
Steroids aim to boost testosterone and growth hormone production. And the body’s natural response to dealing with lots of testosterone is to break it down into the estrogen hormone [1].
This female hormone boost can then lead to the development of breast tissue (yes, man boobs), and the imbalance can also result in significant mood swings, which is one of the most common steroid symptoms.
2. Hair Loss
If Connor were a regular steroid user, then he would have shown signs of hair loss. If he started shaving his head or keeping it really tightly cut, then I’d say this guy might have been taking steroids.
But that’s not the case, so hair loss as a sign is out of the question.
3. Water Retention
Athletes who go on a regular steroid cycle will also have to deal with a lot of retained water, which can become quite visible, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery [2]. Mostly, this would be noticeable around the joints, and it can end up hiding the shape of muscles.
4. Massive Shoulders
The deltoids and traps of the upper back and shoulders are where the human body has a large concentration of androgen receptors.
It’s one area where you can almost immediately tell the difference between a natural and drug-enhanced body.
With the help of our recommended safe and legal steroid for men you may also achieve extraordinary results without these unwanted symptoms.
“Cause all that it takes is a little reinvention. It's easy to change if you give it your attention. All you gotta do Is just believe you can be who you wanna be. Sincerely. . . me.”
- Connor Murphy
Health Risks Conor May Have Encountered with Steroids
Steroid use, particularly anabolic steroids, carries significant health risks, as emphasized by medical professionals and health organizations.
Short-term side effects include acne, mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, and sleeping difficulties. Long-term consequences are more severe, potentially causing heart disease, liver damage, kidney problems, and an increased risk of blood clots, according to the California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology [3].
Steroids can also disrupt hormonal balance, leading to infertility and altered secondary sex characteristics.
These risks highlight the importance of considering the serious health implications before using steroids for performance enhancement or bodybuilding.
Are there Alternatives to Steroids That Conor May Have Used?
Yes, Conor Murphy, like many athletes, may have explored safer alternatives to steroids for muscle building and fitness, including natural supplements, dietary modifications, and effective training techniques.
These include natural supplements like whey protein, creatine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which aid in muscle recovery and growth.
Diet modifications emphasizing protein-rich foods, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats are crucial for natural muscle development, according to research from the School of Health Sciences at Eastern Michigan University [4].
Additionally, effective training techniques, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and progressive overload in weightlifting, can significantly enhance muscle strength and size without the health risks associated with steroid use.
FAQs
How Big Are Connor Murphy’s Arms?
Connor Murphy’s arms are 26 inches around the biceps. That’s the waist size of some skinny models and an area where he has focused a lot of his training.
How Much Weight Did Connor Murphy Lose?
Connor Murphy lost about 15 pounds of muscle in recent years. This is mainly from a reduction in muscles that was a deliberate effort over a few months.
References:
- https://www.hss.edu/conditions_steroid-side-effects-how-to-reduce-corticosteroid-side-effects.asp
- https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7444848/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566799/
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