"Being Fat Is A Choice!" Greg Doucette Slams Fitness Influencers, Body Positivity, & Scams

Fat-Shaming vs. Body Positivity [00:00:00]

• The speaker believes fat-shaming can be effective for many, contrasting it with body positivity, which he feels can lead to accepting mediocrity.
• He argues that while men might be more realistic with each other, women tend to be overly encouraging, even when it's detrimental.

  "I think fat shaming can absolutely work."

The Role of Genetics and GLP-1s in Weight Loss [00:01:40]

• Greg asserts that obesity is no longer an excuse, especially with the availability of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, which he states make weight loss "literally easy" if one can afford them.
• He estimates that genetics account for about 50% of weight-related challenges, with the other 50% being personal choice, though bad genetics make it harder.

  "It's probably 50 genetic and 50 personal choice."

Defining Healthy Body Fat Percentage [00:04:00]

• There isn't a single body fat percentage everyone should aim for; it's about health and individual ranges.
• Generally, men should aim for around 15% and women around 25% for ideal health.

  "There's no number to be under it's more so to do with your own health and your range."

The "Clueless Fat People" Video and Lack of Thought [00:05:00]

• Greg believes overweight people are "clueless" about what it takes to lose weight, attributing it to half education and half a lack of caring or thinking about their actions.
• He likens this to how people avoid thinking about the negative aspects of alcohol or gambling.

  "I think it's half education and just half people not giving it like just literally just i don't care."

Psychological Shift with Fat Loss [00:07:00]

• When people decrease their body fat, they can start to care more about their health and well-being.
• Many overweight individuals don't realize how unhealthy they are until they achieve a lower body fat percentage and experience the difference.

  "They don't realize how on shape how unhealthy they actually are until they actually get in shape."

Hunger Cravings and Genetics [00:08:30]

• Greg believes most obese individuals experience stronger hunger cravings, attributing this largely to genetics.
• He acknowledges that willpower and consistent exercise are crucial for staying lean, even for those with good genetics.

  "My opinion is that people who are obese it's mostly like a genetic thing or at least it's 50 genetics."

Body Type Categories (Ectomorph, Endomorph, Mesomorph) [00:10:00]

• These categories exist on a spectrum, not as strict classifications.
• Greg uses an extreme example of an endomorph struggling to reach 400 pounds, illustrating the physical limitations some body types face.

  "It's on a spectrum for all of them so it's kind of like height."

Compassion vs. Enabling [00:11:30]

• Greg criticizes online behavior that offers excessive niceness and participation trophies to overweight individuals, calling it enabling.
• He suggests a middle ground exists but emphasizes that if a message helps someone lose weight, it's effective regardless of how it's delivered.

  "Every person that's watching videos if you're watching me saying you're fat and you need to start exercising healthier."

Fat-Shaming's Effectiveness and Cruelty [00:13:00]

• Greg reiterates that fat-shaming can work but acknowledges it can become cruel if the recipient expresses distress and the behavior continues.
• He believes individuals should be able to stand up for themselves if they dislike how they are being treated.

  "I think when the person tells you look what you're saying bothers me I don't want you to do anymore and if you continue that's when you're crossing the line."

Mike Israetel's Stance on Videos [00:15:00]

• Greg recounts that Mike Israetel has given him permission to talk about him, even with potentially negative titles.
• However, Greg acknowledges that if someone expresses genuine distress, he has removed videos in the past.

  "Mike israel has literally said you can do anything you want talk about me whenever you want."

Body Positivity's Strengths and Weaknesses [00:16:30]

• Greg believes body positivity is correct in being accepting of those with handicaps or disabilities, or those making an effort.
• He argues against extending this acceptance to those lacking effort, comparing it to not enabling addiction.

  "I think that it should be uh more accepting for people who are for example have handicaps or disabilities or if they're trying and they're making an effort then you should accept that."

Obesity Drugs and Future Outlook [00:18:00]

• Greg predicts obesity will become less common due to GLP-1 drugs.
• He discusses potential risks of these drugs, such as anhedonia (loss of feelings), reduced drive for sex or gambling, and diminished enjoyment of life.

  "I think there's definitely risk to taking the glps like anhedonia like laugh of feelings."

Dosage and Side Effects of Weight Loss Drugs [00:20:30]

• Greg believes many side effects from drugs like semaglutide are due to doctors prescribing excessively high starting doses.
• He suggests lower doses, titrated up as needed, would yield better results and fewer side effects.

  "Almost all these side effects are people are doing the drugs at too high of doses."

The Average Person Should Get Leaner, Not Bigger [00:22:00]

• Greg argues the "average guy" is too big and should focus on getting leaner rather than bigger.
• He states that most people have enough muscle and that being leaner offers more benefits for health and longevity than having excessive muscle mass.

  "The average guy is too big like most people are fat most people are overweight at this point."

Stigma Around GLP-1 Use [00:24:00]

• Greg explains the stigma around GLP-1 use stems from people trying to lower others to elevate themselves, feeling inadequate when someone else achieves results with assistance.
• He compares it to the stigma around Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

  "Same reason as why people put you down for taking hrt."

Assessing Body Fat Percentage [00:25:30]

• Greg dismisses many common body fat assessment methods (like InBody scans) as inaccurate "scams."
• He prefers skinfold calipers or hydrostatic weighing but notes accuracy depends on the measurer.

  "The problem is most of the things that people have thought were accurate are actually scams."

The Best Way to Get Lean [00:27:00]

• The "S-tier, God-tier" method for getting lean is calories in, calories out (being in a deficit).
• Whatever method helps achieve this deficit (cardio, intermittent fasting, diet changes) is ideal for the individual.

  "The s tier god tier is calories in calories out."

Cardio vs. Weight Lifting for Calorie Burn [00:29:00]

• Cardio, particularly Zone 2, burns significantly more calories per hour than weight lifting.
• While weight lifting builds muscle, which is metabolically active, the act of using that muscle during cardio burns more calories.

  "The person that does cardio is burning five times more calories than that muscle man."

Good Health vs. Good Physique [00:30:30]

• Greg highlights that many bodybuilders with impressive physiques have poor health, evidenced by blood work comparable to obese individuals.
• He emphasizes that VO2 max, improved by cardio, is a key indicator of actual fitness.

  "Just because you look super fit doesn't make you fit."

Bodybuilding and Steroid Abuse [00:31:30]

• Steroid abuse in bodybuilding leads to tanked testosterone, horrible cholesterol, and increased risk of cardiovascular events.
• Greg admits to using TRT and Cialis, arguing they improve quality of life and function, not just for aesthetics.

  "Your cholesterol is going to be horrible."

Cialis for Health Benefits [00:33:00]

• Greg argues that daily Cialis use, even at low doses, can be healthy by increasing blood flow to organs and muscles.
• He notes its potential correlation with longevity and improved quality of life.

  "I would argue is healthier than not taking it."

Supplement Recommendations [00:35:00]

• Greg recommends creatine, Vitamin D, Omega-3s, and GO2 MAX for optimal performance.
• He stresses the importance of blood work to determine individual supplement needs, rather than relying on general advice.

  "The most important supplements to take would be creatine."

Sleep and Its Importance [00:37:30]

• Sleep is highlighted as an underrated factor for overall health, affecting energy, mood, and cognitive function.
• Greg mentions using sleep aids when necessary, emphasizing that good sleep is paramount.

  "I think sleep is one of the most underrated things in the world."

Redutide's Risks [00:38:30]

• Greg considers Redutide the most dangerous GLP-1, citing its potential to significantly increase resting heart rate.
• He advises starting with Ozempic due to its lower risk profile and effectiveness in reducing food noise.

  "It's the most dangerous one and it's the one that has the most potential to help you lose weight but has the most risk."

Long-Term Side Effects of GLP-1s [00:40:00]

• Greg acknowledges potential long-term side effects of GLP-1s, such as optic nerve ischemia leading to blindness, which are currently subject to lawsuits.
• He believes the benefits for obese individuals outweigh the risks, but the concerns should not be ignored.

  "There's already side effects that we're aware of that people don't talk about."

Curbing Hunger Effectively [00:41:30]

• Greg advocates for volume eating, using protein ice cream and large salads to create fullness without excessive calories.
• He states that nighttime is the most common time for people to cheat on their diets.

  "The protein ice cream is probably the thing that curbed my stomach the best."

Trigger Foods and Avoiding Temptation [00:43:30]

• Greg advises avoiding "trigger foods" that lead to overeating, suggesting they be kept out of the house.
• He notes that temptations can arise from free food or social situations like buffets.

  "Avoid trigger foods for you it's gonna be different for you than me."

The "Victim Weight" Mentality [00:46:00]

• Greg criticizes the idea that men under 200 pounds are considered "victim weight" and useless.
• He argues that a healthy, lean weight for a six-foot man is around 180 pounds, with 200 pounds being massive if lean.

  "Most guys who are six foot and 200 overweight definitely."

Business and Income Breakdown [00:48:00]

• Greg's business has grown significantly with entry into GNC, potentially leading to worldwide expansion.
• His income is diversified, with YouTube revenue down but strong earnings from Snapchat and significant profits from his ownership in Algorex.

  "My revenue on youtube is down from like more than a million a year to maybe like 800 000 in a year."

Influencer Tier List: Trend Twins to C-Bomb [00:50:00]

• Greg rates influencers based on physique and influence, placing the Trend Twins in C-tier for influence due to steroid promotion but A-tier for physique.
• He ranks Liverking F-tier for influence due to controversies but A-tier for physique.
• Larry Wheels is D-tier for influence but S-tier for physique.

  "I'm going to say they are c tier for influence mostly because of the name trend and the factor on steroids."

Influencer Tier List: Noel Deyzel to Jeff Nippard [01:00:00]

• Noel Deyzel is S-tier for beginners, A-tier for physique, but lowered due to not being natural.
• Will Tennyson is A-tier for physique and influence, but not S-tier as he's not purely a fitness influencer.
• Derek is C-tier for influence due to inactivity, B-tier for physique.
• David Goggins is A-tier for both motivation and physique.
• The Rock is C-tier due to lying about steroid use, despite an A-tier physique and motivational impact.
• Sam Sulek is A-tier for his channel and physique, but not S-tier because he's not natural.

  "For beginners he has an s tier channel in terms of promoting fitness and health."

Influencer Tier List: Greg, C-BUM, and Others [01:10:00]

• Greg rates himself A-tier for influence and physique, acknowledging his past steroid use and current TRT.
• C-BUM is B-tier for fitness information, citing a lack of engagement for younger audiences, but S-tier plus for physique.
• Jeff Nippard is A-tier for information and physique, though Greg notes he might not be fully honest to adhere strictly to science.

  "Myself I'm going to rate my physique as being a tier and I'm thinking that I'm an a tier influencer."

Influencer Tier List: Mike Israetel to Alex Eubank [01:15:00]

• Mike Israetel is D-tier for physique (due to his stomach) but B-tier for his channel, offering good information despite controversial jokes.
• Jesse James West has an A-tier physique and B-tier channel, catering to a younger audience with less take-home information.
• Lean Beef Patty has an S-tier physique and A-tier channel, praised for her openness about battling eating disorders.
• Joey Swoll is C-tier for influence (one-dimensional content) but S-tier for physique, though his steroid use is a concern.
• Michael Hearn is C-tier due to being a "fake natty" and outdated information, despite an S-tier physique and inspirational qualities.
• Alex Eubank has an S-tier physique and B-tier channel, respected for his honesty about HRT/steroids and for refusing gambling sponsorships.

  "Mike isertel for physique i would say he's got a d tier physique."

The Missing S-Tier Influencer [01:25:00]

• Greg struggles to name an S-tier fitness influencer, suggesting that perhaps someone who is natural, motivational, and promotes a balanced approach (cardio, weights, diet) might fit the bill.
• He believes such a person might emerge in the future.

  "I can't think of any we're missing here."

Physique Comparisons: Trend Twins to Michael B. Jordan [01:27:00]

• Greg analyzes various physiques, stating that the Trend Twins' physiques are A-tier, but their influence is C-tier.
• He believes Michael B. Jordan's physique is likely achieved with steroids and would be difficult for most to attain naturally.

  "Can someone achieve this physique naturally? Yes many people can probably 25 of people could get that physique naturally."

Physique Comparisons: David Laid and Sam Sulik [01:32:00]

• David Laid's physique is considered top-tier, but Greg doubts he achieved his peak strength gains naturally.
• Sam Sulek's physique is S-tier, but Greg believes he cannot reach the absolute top ranks due to his frame and genetics, despite being an IFBB pro.

  "David laid is one of the most aesthetic physiques in the fitness industry of all time."

Bodybuilding Costs and Career Paths [01:40:00]

• Top bodybuilders can spend upwards of $100,000 annually on preparation, including steroids.
• Many lower-level pros sell steroids to fund their own use and competition costs.

  "Most pro bodybuilders are probably going to be trainers who coach people."

The Ideal Physique for Attracting Women [01:45:00]

• Greg reiterates that women generally prefer a small waist and wider shoulders, along with developed glutes.
• He criticizes men for neglecting leg and glute development, focusing excessively on biceps and chest.

  "Women on average like us a small waist and wider shoulders."

Finasteride and Hair Loss Prevention [01:50:00]

• Greg advises against Finasteride due to potential negative sexual side effects, suggesting Ferula Max as a natural alternative.
• He notes that while some experience side effects, others, like his friend, have had no issues even on high doses.

  "There's i use using finasteride and it has potential and for me negative sexual side effects."

Modern Dating Scene and Online Dating Issues [01:55:00]

• Greg describes the modern dating scene as a "mess," particularly online dating, which he believes is ineffective for serious relationships.
• He suggests women should take the initiative in pursuing men they are interested in.

  "The modern dating scene is a mess online dating is is is done it's over."

Financial Support in Relationships [02:00:00]

• Greg believes men should pay for as much as they can in a relationship, as women generally desire a provider for safety and comfort.
• He stresses that the relationship should not be solely based on finances.

  "I think you should pay for as much as you can as a guy."

Meeting People in Real Life [02:02:00]

• Greg recommends meeting potential partners through shared interests and activities, like pickleball or basketball.
• He advises against spending a lot of money on the first date to filter out those only interested in finances.

  "You need to meet people in the real world."

Kevin's Physique and Bulking Strategy [02:05:00]

• Greg rates Kevin's physique a 9.5/10, noting his impressive muscle development after only three months of consistent training.
• He advises Kevin against bulking, suggesting he can build muscle while staying lean.

  "He's got a small waist he's got abs he's not even flexing."

Steroid Use Normalization and Consequences [02:10:00]

• Greg expresses concern that steroid use is becoming normalized, with even 16-year-olds using them and bragging about it.
• He predicts this trend will lead to more premature deaths in the future.

  "It's gotten crazy like 16 year olds are doing steroids now and bragging about it."

Eric English: A Cautionary Tale [02:12:00]

• Greg identifies Eric English as the worst fitness influencer due to his steroid and peptide promotion to a young audience.
• He warns that English's current path, including sleep apnea, will likely lead to premature death.

  "Eric english is going to die."

Quitting Steroids Cold Turkey [02:15:00]

• Quitting steroids cold turkey is safer than continuing but still risky due to potential testosterone crashes.
• Greg advises using compounds like Enclomiphene to aid recovery.

  "It's safer than continuing okay it isn't really safe."

Togi's Transformation [02:17:00]

• Greg notes Togi's positive transformation, from promoting steroids and drugs to donating money and finding religion, though he still promotes gambling.
• He believes his own criticism may have contributed to Togi's change.

  "Togi's a lot better now."

Physique Aspirations and Natural Limits [02:19:00]

• Greg analyzes various physiques from movies and fitness, explaining that achieving them naturally is extremely difficult and often requires superior genetics and years of dedication.
• He emphasizes that many impressive physiques seen are not natural.

  "One in a thousand guys could probably achieve this look natural."

David Laid's Physique and Natural Status [02:25:00]

• David Laid's physique is highly aesthetic, but Greg doubts his peak strength gains were natural, suspecting steroid use during his teenage years.
• He believes Laid is likely natural now, but his past use of banned peptides makes him not fully "natty."

  "I think he's probably natural now aside from peptides which he's admitted to."

Sam Sulek's Physique and Potential [02:27:00]

• Greg finds Sam Sulek's physique impressive but believes he cannot reach the absolute top ranks due to his frame and genetics, despite being an IFBB pro.
• He notes that top competitors like Anton have superior aesthetics and muscle insertions.

  "Sam is almost maximized what he can do in classic physique."

Bodybuilding Competition Earnings and Costs [02:30:00]

• Winning major bodybuilding competitions can yield significant prize money, but preparation costs, especially for steroids, can exceed $100,000 annually.
• Many lower-level pros sell steroids to fund their own use and compete.

  "Most pros for a living sell steroids."

Brett's Physique and Potential Improvements [02:35:00]

• Greg rates Brett's physique a 9.9/10, considering him very muscular, tall, and attractive, though potentially not as lean as some others.
• He suggests wider shoulders would further enhance his frame and create the illusion of a smaller waist.

  "On a scale of one to ten his physique would be for most people like a 9.9."

The "Victim Weight" Mentality Revisited [02:40:00]

• Greg reiterates that weighing under 200 pounds does not equate to being weak or "victim weight," especially if lean and muscular.
• He believes a healthy, lean weight for a six-foot man is around 180 pounds.

  "Literally oh it's like everyone makes fun of anyone that's under 200 pounds."

Greg's Business and Income Streams [02:42:00]

• Greg's company, HTLT, has entered GNC, signaling significant growth potential.
• His income is diversified, with YouTube revenue, Snapchat earnings, and substantial profits from Algorex, where he is a part-owner.

  "The biggest difference from then is i'm i don't even know if i'm allowed to say the percent i'm a part owner of algorex."

The Concept of "Enough Money" [02:45:00]

• Greg believes that after earning half a million dollars a year, additional money becomes largely unnecessary and serves primarily for bragging rights.
• He finds the challenge and fun in pursuing goals, like improving in bike racing, more fulfilling than accumulating wealth.

  "I think after a half a million dollars a year all the money is just like useless."

Influencer Tier List: Final Rankings [02:47:00]

• Greg provides final rankings for various influencers, with S-tier being reserved for those who are natural, motivational, and promote a balanced approach to fitness.
• He acknowledges that such an influencer may not currently exist but could emerge in the future.

  "I think that if noel diesell were natural s tier sam sulik natural s tier myself natural s tier."