Bodybuilder, 32, left fighting for his life after becoming addicted to common drug unaware of its dangerous side effects
Zak Wilkinson, a 32-year-old bodybuilder from Middlesbrough, almost lost his life after becoming addicted to steroids. He had been using these drugs for years, not fully understanding how dangerous they could be. What started as a way to improve his physique turned into a serious health crisis.
Zak was very dedicated to bodybuilding. He followed an intense diet where he only ate five different foods—broccoli, chicken, rice, egg whites, and steak. He had six high-protein meals every day and trained hard with both weightlifting and cardio, doing at least 45 minutes of cardio daily. He also started injecting steroids, sometimes up to three times a day.
He began using steroids in 2009, spending around £100 a month at first. But by 2023, his drug use had increased drastically, and he was spending more than £750 every month. Over the years, he ended up spending more than £35,000 on these drugs.
Eventually, the toll on his body became too much. He began having seizures and vomiting. On March 23rd, 2025, things got so bad that his sister had to call an ambulance. He was rushed to the hospital and placed in a coma for seven days. Doctors believe that the seizures were triggered by a mix of drugs in his system. For three days, Zak couldn’t speak. He had to relearn how to walk. His recovery shocked the medical team, who called it a “miracle.”
Looking back, Zak admits that his obsession took over his life. He says he gave everything to his bodybuilding routine—the food, the training, the drugs. He didn’t drink alcohol for over a year and a half, thinking that he was living a healthy lifestyle. But in reality, the steroids were silently destroying his body.
Now, he suffers from serious long-term health problems. He has PTSD, body dysmorphia, an eating disorder, and regular flashbacks. He’s also been diagnosed with epilepsy, which was caused by the coma. Zak says the scariest part was thinking he might never see his son again or play with him.
Zak is speaking out now because he wants to warn others, especially young men, about the risks of using steroids. He says many people don’t realise how dangerous they are, especially when they see influencers and bodybuilders promoting them online. Health experts agree, warning that steroid use can lead to heart problems, brain damage, and permanent injuries. Zak’s story is a powerful reminder of how chasing the perfect body can come at a devastating cost.
