A Brazilian bodybuilder known as the real-life Popeye tragically passed away at the age of 55. Arlindo de Souza’s family believes his death was due to multiple organ failure. He was famous for his massive 29-inch biceps, which were reportedly achieved through the use of synthol, a dangerous substance made of mineral oil and alcohol. Despite the increase in muscle size, synthol does not enhance muscle strength and can lead to severe consequences.
Arlindo personally experienced the dangers of synthol when his friend, Pulinho, died from injecting the substance. Reflecting on the incident, Arlindo warned against using synthol, acknowledging the tragic consequences. Other bodybuilders, such as Kirill Tereshin, also faced grim outcomes after injecting themselves with synthol. Kirill, known as the Russian Popeye, faced the possibility of a double amputation after years of using synthol on his arms.
With a significant following on Instagram, Kirill was advised to undergo skin grafts to save his arm, but his poor test results made the procedures impossible at the time. His mother criticized his actions, labeling him an “online guinea pig.” Medical experts had previously warned Kirill about the risk of amputation due to synthol usage.
Another bodybuilder, Gregg Valentino, experienced a shocking incident when his bicep exploded after injecting synthol. He transitioned to a more natural look after the incident, emphasizing the dangers of performance enhancers. Similarly, Valdir Segato, a Brazilian bodybuilder, passed away at 55 due to a heart attack, linked to his use of synthol injections. Despite warnings from doctors to stop, Valdir continued using synthol to achieve his desired physique.
Before his untimely death, Valdir amassed a large following on social media platforms, showcasing his enhanced physique. He expressed his determination to continue using synthol, despite medical advice against it. These cases serve as cautionary tales about the risks associated with using synthetic substances for bodybuilding purposes.