let's talk about steroids... 

Hey guys!! I'd love to respond to all of you like I usually try and do, but these past few days I've been flooded with notifications and have too many to get back to all of you for now 😭🙏🏼 So I just wanted you to know that I'm still reading and appreciating all of your comments! I truly appreciate and love all of you for all the love and support. It really means a lot to me ❤ P.S. Greg Doucette finally noticed us!! (You can also blame him for all of the notifications I'm getting 🤣) So go check out his natty or not video about me here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ceMx51wBa1Y.htmlsi=JwNNsa1LLpVQeS0W

Hey man, found this really interesting as a powerlifting med student. Here were some things that stuck out to me: 1: AST/ALT elevation: your doctor mentioned liver damage, this is where that came from. Makes sense, since you’re in such a severely depleted state (Marasmus). 2: GFR is a measure of kidney function, which was totally normal 3: you’re creatine was probably high as a result of your protein consumption and creatine supplementation (rather than kidney damage, which is the traditional use for the number) 4: TSH is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, which just checks for thyroid function. Sometimes you can have a low TSH but high thyroid activity (crazy right? Called Graves’ disease or probably any toxic thyroid mass) 5: “Ferritin, transferrin, ect” are all iron metabolism proteins. If I was a med student worth my salt, I’d tell you what each of them do, but I forgot lol. If you were anemic (low hemoglobin), then we could use these to see what kind of anemia you have 6: Testosterone is a hormone that is synthesized is the reticularis tissues of the adrenal gland, it will then either roam the blood freely or bind to a protein (albumin, sex-steroid binding protein, cortisol binding protein). Your body loves to have “safety stops.” To make sure it doesn’t pump too much of anything into circulation, this is a good example of that. The proteins hold on to testosterone until you need it, and then release it (like how your mom holds your snacks in her purse). The confusing part is that bioavailable testosterone is both free and albumin-bound, but most tests can’t distinguish between the protein bound values. So people may have completely normal bioavailable testosterone levels, but have low free test levels (which is already fairly inaccurate and fluctuates based on the time you get the test - 8AM is best). Leading to people wanting to hop on TRT. In your state, low Testosterone is expected because of your low body fat of course. But just know that in the absence of clinically relevant symptoms, micromanaging this lab value isn’t necessarily prudent due to the inaccuracy of the free testosterone value and the fact that albumin-bound test may be bringing your functional testosterone levels to normal. 7: last point, cholesterol. TBH, idk why your cholesterol is a little high. Your HDL (good cholesterol) was pretty high, but so too was your LDL. My GUESS, is that because you’re starving, you’re probably relying more on fatty acid metabolism and ketoneogenesis, so maybe that’s somehow boosting cholesterol? I know that in some energy deficiency disorders, fatty liver can occur (Kwashikor) because of similar reasons, so I imagine that’s why (it also explains the liver damage values). OKAY, that was a long comment. I just took my 1st board exam, so this was fresh in my head and I’ve been consuming a ton of RU-vid. Hope this was interesting to a dorky soul or two! May you all have a wonderful day, and best of luck in the weight room!

Probably my favorite fitness channel at the moment. Facts, humor, good advice, it has it all. Can't wait for your competition. You're going to crush it.

despite being unscripted and unplanned, this is one of your best videos. You're real one Lee, never stop doing you! wish you all the best!

I’m a nurse. Couple friendly tips: -It’s 100% ok to record your doctor. You don’t gotta sneak your phone in your lap. I actually recommend that everyone record at least when your doctors telling you about medications so that you can refer back to exactly what they say about dosages/side effects etc. so you don’t forget. Go ahead and turn on voice memos, set your phone on the table and ask the doctor to speak into the phone. They don’t mind. They want you to follow their instructions to the letter and they’ll be happy to see you’re recording them instead of just relying on your memory. -It’s also ok to be totally transparent with your doctor about what you need/want. “I need a full blood test” can mean a lot of different things depending on what conditions you might be worried about. There are thousands of blood tests a doctor can order and it’s ok to be specific about what you might be at risk for or what information you want from the results. “I’m a RU-vidr and bodybuilder and people have been asking me to prove I’m not using PEDs. Is there a blood test that I could take to show that I’m not doping?” Is a much better question that lets your doctor know exactly what you’re looking for. When you’re vague about what you are worried about, it scares doctors. Cos they know you’re withholding information that could be critical to getting an accurate diagnosis or treatment. -You prolly wanna be meeting regularly with a doctor who has experience working with body builders. You said yourself that this isn’t a “healthy lifestyle.” There are medical risks associated with bodybuilding and there are doctors out there who have a lot of experience working with the specific needs of athletes. Just from the conversation in the video, it sounded like your doctor was outside his area of expertise. That doesn’t mean he’s a bad doctor, but it might mean that he’s not be the best person to notice if you start showing signs of heart, liver, or kidney damage while you’re training. You want someone who is familiar with the risks of bodybuilding, who knows a lot about diet and exercise, and who understands the mindset of athletes who are pushing their bodies to extremes. It might be a good idea to work with a pcp who has experience working with patients in your situation and to visit that doctor every couple months while you’re training just to make sure everything’s still going ok. I just stumbled across your channel today. Your videos are super interesting and I wish you the best of luck in your competition. I appreciate your discussion of PEDs and why you chose not to use them. You seem like a cool guy. Keep it up and stay safe. :)

Can we still have the glute spread if you're natty tho?

Hello, Lee! Always glad to see natural bodybuilders out there. Looking at the results, here are my conclusions about your blood test : 1. High urea and creatinine (Creat) : high protein consumption. 2. Low free test level : extremely low (body) fat means low test production (yeah, testosterone's main ingredient is fat). 3. Low serum ferritin : imperfect red blood cells production caused by lack of iron-rich foods (red meat, kidney bean, spinach, etc). 4. Low WBC (White Blood Cells) : lowered immune system, possibly because of high cortisol level due to prolonged caloric deficit. We do hope that after the comp, you'll get better, physically and mentally! (Your PP as well)

I’m a girl and I love your content and enjoy watching your progress. Though I prefer watching female content creators for my own fitness, I love how authentic and true to yourself you are! Bonus points for the humor. Where my other ladies at?? Or is it just me 😅

Your longer form videos are great! Also, good luck in the competition :)

As a med student im surprised ur doctor didnt go through and explain ur blood results. Btw wbc means white blood cells and neut mrans neutrophils: a type of wbc. Really interested to see blood results when you come back and ‘recover’ from decomp esp that test :)

You're honestly one of the few fitness influencers that has such a calm and refreshing way of making content - please keep this up!

Love the fact that the doctor had no idea what a calorie deficit is. These are the "experts" we're supposed to trust when it comes to our health.

It's kinda hard to know if someone is natural nowadays, specially because we often learn that it's impossible to become bigger if you ain't use anything and we start to believe that and doubt about everyone. I really loved this video not just because you seem so honest and confident about what you're saying, but also because it's such a huge motivation to everyone to try to make it clear and healthy, so thank you so much!

Just found your channel, and I just want to say thank you for not having the choppy editing style that has become so popular. It's nice to hear you talk without every spare millisecond of the space in between words removed. Your physique is amazing, you're adorable, and you're hilarious! I look forward to seeing what comes next!

Congrats on the natty or not vid from Greg! You keep growing as a creator and we love it!

Loving it man your bloods look about what is to be expected after extremely long amounts of an aggrssive cut anyway and should shoot back up after you stop dieting so aggrssively would love a follow up maybe a feww months after your competition hope you win love the videos.

Appreciate him being honest about the downsides of having an insane fitness level

Bro im so happ for you, i was here since the beginning, and now that Greg did a video on you then you officialy made it.

Also lee PLEASE don’t let the haters demotivate you, haters are everywhere, you don’t have to prove anyone, WE LOVE YOU ❤️✨

Natty bodybuilder here. Just ask for a full blood work profile, I get it done once a year. Not just for test checking, but overall health. It’s good to see where your at and what type of impact your diet and training are having on you. Most Doctors aren’t really into health, more pushing scripts to go to a pharmacy for drugs you don’t really need anyway.

these vids are so well put together and edited. the best fitness content creator out there right now ❤

Having been sick all night, finally getting to sleep and waking up to a long form Lee video was a nice surprise 😄 loving your videos bro!

thanks for this man and being so genuine and real it helps people like myself who are miserable just trying to diet past like 15 16 percent body fat you have my support brother 👊🏻

Respect for coming out king 🙏 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

Bro I am so motivated from u because some people compliant about their physical that their not physicaly gifted but ur living proof bro proud of u

good to see that you're transparent with what you know and what you don't know about health/human biology. too many "influencers" ride a high horse and spewing shit they know nothing about. keep up the good work, daddy lee

Long time fan. Crazy shreds for natty. Good to see coach Greg appreciate you

Its the fact that I'm not into fitness like that but I just binge your content regardless😂 Such an inspiration ✨

man for 5 foot 4 you look phenomenal. gives me hope for my tiny 5'7 frame sitting at 160. im fat but not that fat. im dieting now.. THANKS for the content!

Awesome video dude! Love it when you produce long form content

You have such an impressive physique and being natural its given me motivation and hope about improving in the gym. Keep doing what you’re doing! Its hard now with influencers everyone poses as natural but they’re not

Found your channel recently, really enjoy your attitude and your goals I support you man, stay natty and take good care of yourself

I love how honestly and direct you talk about everything that is happening to your body! I genuinely appreciate your transparency on these matters! Respect!

Bro, i just want to say that your videos are absolute gold! You will get 1 million subscribers if you just keep making these videos!!!! Keep up the good work.

Rooting for your comp and after comp reconfiguration!

Hey Lee! Could you do a video on your camera and editing software setup? Or, please list what you currently use for your videos! Super inspiring Thanks, much love

All good points on the PED section. I recently did a paper on the side effects and you seem pretty well-versed. Also I’m excited for the vlogs!

One of the rare video with you fully clothed, but I LOVE your videos. You should definitely post more videos like this, reels is not enough weekly dosage of you to satisfy me anymore... I NEED MORE!

Bro your desk set up looks so nice and clean yet minimal. Tour when? 👀 Also love how transparent you're being with your progress and goals

Getting a full lee vid is a blessing 🙏

Hard work pays off bro. You are gonna succeed because you keep it real. No bs. Just facts and a squat plug here and there.

We will be waiting for your competition day vlog and experience !!!

Just a normal person trying to workout a bit everyday. Love the content you're putting out and the fact that this was unscripted made everything much more fun

You should make videos even not related to bodybuilding, I feel like it would be fun to watch it , 💯🔥👌(lifestyle,vlogs,reactions,etc)

It's so valuable having influencers like you ❤

Just finished my season of shows at nationals and I'm feeling everything you're feeling. Competing completely wrecks your bloodwork. Your body tries to maintain homeostasis and when you throw it out of line for such a long time, it doesn't know how to cope.

I started my fitness journey about a moth ago and you have been a huge influence on my mindset and my humor. Thank you so much for your content and keep up the great work!

You have been one of my motivations to start working out ( not really working out, just getting in shape) and im really proud with my gains over the 2 ish months ive been on this journey. body dysmorphia is probably gonna hit like a truck, though

Following your channel was unscripted and unplanned but I’m glad I found it. Honestly my fave channel 💪

Good take and explanation about PEDs. Good luck again for your upcoming comps, Lee! 👍🏻

u r my spirit animal 🫶🩷😭 keep up the good work one of my fav gym content creators all time

I don't have much to say about anything aside from a simple thank you for uploading vids, be it Shorts or these regular videos. Your content is refreshing to see, you're my new favorite alongside Jeremy Etiher and Hybrid Calisthenics. And also, yes, I agree that we all have different goals and we should strive for something we can sustain in the long run!

Currently my fav fitness youtuber. Gives great information, funny, and keeps it real

i just started my journey and im glad i found you

From the clip, I get the impression that the doctor wasn't a great one. He didn't seem to quite catch what you meant by calorie deficit, and there were many components of the blood test that he didn't explain to you?

305ng/dL is low normal, definitely natural levels. Never doubted your claims, but still cool you shared the data. Good luck with the final stretch!

*may i ask what your calorie deficit was? in terms of macros?*

one of the most honest fitness influencer out there....respect!

You're literally my new favorite workout channel

i am so glad to have been here for this long. my own nutrition has improved so much since discovering the channel :D

Enjoying the content ! What resonates with me is when you mentioned optimizing your training and diet. I'm never been down the road where I considered steroids. Mainly cause I know the body I want to achieve is naturally attainable or close to it. I want to be 5'10 and about 170 to 175 pounds at around 12 to 15% BF. Right now I'm about 195 at around 20% BF.

Love your mentally about food, and overall outlook 💪stay well man

”Calorie free diet”

My primary focus for training and dieting is for health. Health has been lost so much along the way because looking like a shredded juiced up greek god is just jaw dropping. I don't think I'll ever compete in bodybuilding because I just want to live a healthy life.

Just seen coach gregs dropped a video on you, you’ve made it bro 👑

This man convinced me to stay clean. Thank you for the motivation and thank you for actually caring about your followers❤️❤️

Coach Greg finally did a natty or not…no way ❤ congrats man. After watching you for some time now your work is finally paying off

Bulk boutta be life saving 😭 ❤

I watch several channels but this is the only fitness channel i actually listen too 😅. You're doing great Lee 💪

LEEEEE you did it mr. natty or not himself (greg douchete) reviewed you dude. You responded to one of my comments before and I conveyed my inspiration before with tracking calories for the first time, I've definitely spiraled since due to recent social events, but never stopped training hard at least. You are amazing. Your discipline and mental fortitude is insane man I can't imagine what you go through to achieve such an amazing physique. I want you to know you are someone I look up to, while I'll probably never hop on the bodybuilding stage or reduce my bodyfat to below 6%, you remind me of how strong someone can be mentally and not just physically. And I think you've proven how tough that really is. Excited to see how you do man and I wish I discovered you sooner.

Bro you look amazing, mad respect to both you and your coach. The work is showing, I could never, the slightest drop on my libido affects my mood drastically.

He lives a tough life. He deserves everything he has won over the years -and probably a lot more-. Keep doing you man.

One of my favourite channel. Kipidap. Dongibab. ❤️

realest bodybuilder on the platform bro, gl in the comp brother

Love Lee, gets that needed comic relief needed in fitness content just right.

ur my inspo big bro. watched so many of ur shorts and finally inspired to get my skinny ass out in the gym. haven't gone much (at all) this summer but have for the first time ever cooked a shit tone of meals over the summer ... all focusing on lean gains. finally got all my kitchen equipment shit for my college room so starting next thursday perhaps ill finally start lifting luv u

Please make more long form content Lee! Love your videos!

Ayee lee coach greg made a video about man your doing so good bro easily one of the best fitness content creators keep up the noice work bro

Long form content is the way to go, great vid

idk why but Lee is sooo lovable i feel like i have known him for my whole life we need more vids of you Lee

such a chill fitness channel. Feel like i could watch you in a livestream for hours in the backround

Can you make a video talking about common "gym rat/bro" supplements such as creatine, bcaa etc., like do you take them, did them help... (I know you are not a nutritionist, but I just want to near the thoughts of a 4'2 asian Natty's veiw on them) hehe

Ive really been enjoying your content. You're a real one

Hopefully you can do a lil meet n greet in the US in the future would love to meet you! Love all your vids! Keep going Lee!

Dudeee was hyped seeing greg finally make a vid on you congrats!

dude seriously you are funny AF! Keep up the good work and it's really good content! I constantly laughing out loud watching your video

Here because of Greg Doucette. Stayed because you seem very down to earth and enjoyed listening to you!

Love the editing style aswell as your incite into the bodybuilding lifestyle. (Also looking absolutely crazy dude, best of luck at the comps!!!)

First vid I’ve seen from your channel! Love your humor and honesty bosss

Thank you for showing the entire picture of what it means to achieve such a physique, you are truly a treasure in the fitness industry! Your videos feels so relatable and you have motivated me to work on myself as well! Your humor is just next level, and i enjoy your content so much!!

That's why we love you man,good luck with your upcoming competition king❤

I love how your channel has grown man. You deserve everything and more.

I am going to be honest, the only reason I follow you is because you are natural - bodybuilding seems a pain in the ass an my objective is just being healthier, which I am trying and somewhat succeeding since 6 months ago - seeing you with chill videos and a great physique just motivates me.

You know you’ve made it when Greg Doucette makes a video about you! Good exposure. Happy for you bro

You should do more long form content, they are great!

I'm new to your channel and I adore your authenticity. Keep up the good work bro 👊 Thanks for sharing!

I genuinely can’t tell !!! My man seems so down to earth and honest on one hand but then on the other his physique screams not natty. Still a fan either way and he’s giving good advice on the matter so I hope he isn’t. I’ve been in the gym about 5 years now though and you just don’t see guys with that physique that aren’t on something. Peace and love

video quality is off the charts as always, glad you're starting to get recognition for it!

Best of luck in the comp dude. You've work so hard

That was very informative! Thank you. I never knew competing could have such an impact on internal health. Love the vids. Stay strong, ace the comp!! 💪