The bodybuilding community is mourning the loss of Brazilian bodybuilder Arlindo de Souza, who passed away at the age of 55. His family believes that he succumbed to multiple organ failure, a tragic end for a man celebrated for his remarkable 29-inch biceps. De Souza, known as the real-life Popeye, was infamous for using synthol, a dangerous substance made of mineral oil and alcohol. While synthol can create the illusion of massive muscles, it does not enhance strength and carries severe health risks.
De Souza’s experience with synthol was not isolated. He had previously witnessed the devastating impact of the substance when his friend, Pulinho, died after injecting himself with it. Reflecting on this loss, De Souza warned, “I advise everyone to never take this oil. I felt his death a lot.” He claimed to have stopped using synthol but acknowledged the ongoing temptation to resume.
Extreme Consequences of Synthol Use
The dangers of synthol are underscored by the story of Kirill Tereshin, a Russian bodybuilder also known as “Bazooka Arms.” Tereshin has gained a substantial following on social media, amassing 262,000 followers on Instagram. However, he may face a double amputation after years of injecting synthol into his arms. Reports indicate that he has suffered severe health consequences, with medical professionals advising skin grafts to salvage the affected arm. Unfortunately, his “extremely poor test results” have delayed necessary surgeries.
Tereshin’s mother, Irina, has publicly criticized her son’s choices, dubbing him an “online guinea pig.” Echoing previous warnings from medical experts, physician Evgeny Lilin stated in 2018, “Not immediately, but he very likely faces amputation in the future.” He highlighted the risk of abscesses and inflammation leading to serious complications.
Another cautionary tale comes from Gregg Valentino, who famously experienced a bicep explosion due to excessive synthol use. Valentino began weightlifting at age 13 and later injected 3,000 mg of synthol weekly to achieve his striking 28-inch biceps. However, a reused needle caused an infection, leading to a dramatic incident where his arm exploded with pus. Medical intervention was necessary to drain the synthol, forcing Valentino to confront the consequences of his choices. Now, he emphasizes a more natural approach to bodybuilding and critiques societal attitudes toward performance-enhancing substances.
Losses in the Community
The tragic pattern continues with fellow Brazilian bodybuilder Valdir Segato, who died in 2022 at the age of 55 from a heart attack, which was also attributed to his synthol use. Segato, who had built a significant online presence with 1.7 million followers on TikTok, was known for his extreme physique and openly discussed his injections. His neighbor, Jadson, remarked on the impact of Segato’s lifestyle choices, stating, “The only harm he did was to himself.”
In interviews, Segato expressed pride in his muscular appearance, often drawing comparisons to fictional characters like the Hulk and He-Man. He acknowledged the medical advice to stop using synthol but insisted on his right to make personal choices regarding his body.
The stories of these bodybuilders serve as poignant reminders of the risks associated with extreme methods of muscle enhancement. The allure of quick results can lead to irreversible damage, underscoring the need for greater awareness and education within the fitness community about the potential dangers of substances like synthol.
