Published • loading... • Updated
Injecting Plexiglas? A champion cried foul. Bodybuilding’s response raises more questions
The accusation drew new scrutiny to muscle-building practices as officials and fans questioned whether the champion’s physique crossed the sport’s rules.
- Four-Time Olympia Champion Sarah Villegas accused current champion Natalia Coelho of using Plexiglas injections to create "plastic" muscles, claiming the artificial enhancements undermine bodybuilding's foundation of natural effort.
- Suspicion began when Villegas observed an "abrupt change" in Coelho's leg volume at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro, a few months before the 2025 Olympia. She later obtained unsolicited "firsthand" information from a health professional at a clinic in Brazil.
- Villegas argues that artificial implants have no place in the sport, stating, "It's called bodybuilding, not plastic building." She contends athletes should train for years to build physiques naturally, not through doctor appointments.
- IFBB Pro League host Bob Cicherillo dismissed Villegas's allegations as "very unprofessional" and noted the governing body has no rules prohibiting such substances. Cicherillo characterized Villegas as a "sore loser."
- PMMA microspheres, used for dermal treatments, were recently banned for aesthetic purposes in Brazil due to potential "irreversible damage." Experts warn such injections pose significant health risks to competitors.
Insights by Ground AI
38 Articles
38 Articles
The Press of Atlantic City+36 Reposted by 36 other sources
Injecting Plexiglas? A champion cried foul. Bodybuilding’s response raises more questions
A former champion at the biggest event in women’s bodybuilding recently rocked the sport with a sensational claim about the physical appearance of current champion Natalia Coelho.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources38
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center32Last UpdatedBias Distribution84% Center
Bias Distribution
- 84% of the sources are Center
84% Center
13%
C 84%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
