Teens Abuse Cow Fattening Drugs to Achieve 'Swole' Physiques

Dangerous veterinary steroids like trenbolone are being used by young men seeking extreme muscle gains.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:49pm

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A minimalist, glowing neon outline of an exaggeratedly muscular human torso against a dark background, conceptually representing the dangerous pursuit of an idealized physique through drug abuse.The neon-outlined silhouette of an unnaturally muscular physique reflects the alarming trend of teens abusing dangerous veterinary steroids to rapidly build an 'ideal' body image.Dallas Today

Some teens, like 16-year-old Zaid Laila from Dallas, are turning to veterinary-grade anabolic steroids like trenbolone, which are typically used to fatten up cows before slaughter, in order to rapidly build muscle mass and achieve the chiseled physiques that are popular on social media. These teens are well aware of the serious health risks, including heart attacks and strokes, but are willing to take the chance in pursuit of their 'looksmaxing' goals.

Why it matters

The rise of the 'looksmaxxing' subculture, where young people obsess over physical optimization, has led some to resort to dangerous and unregulated substances like veterinary steroids in order to rapidly transform their bodies. This trend highlights the growing pressures on teens to achieve unrealistic beauty standards, often at the expense of their health and wellbeing.

The details

Zaid Laila, a 16-year-old from Dallas, has been using the veterinary steroid trenbolone, which is typically used to fatten up cows before slaughter, in order to rapidly build muscle mass. Laila has documented his dramatic physical transformation on social media over the course of just 10 months, showing off syringes of the cow drug. While Laila is aware of the serious health risks, including heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes, he says he is willing to take the chance in order to achieve his desired 'swole' physique.

  • Laila began using trenbolone approximately 10 months ago.
  • Laila has been documenting his transformation on social media during this time period.

The players

Zaid Laila

A 16-year-old from Dallas who has been using the veterinary steroid trenbolone to rapidly build muscle mass, despite being aware of the serious health risks.

CBS

The media outlet that interviewed Laila about his use of veterinary steroids to achieve an extreme physique.

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What they’re saying

“Why wait 10 years, when I could do it in less than a year.”

— Zaid Laila, 16-year-old

“If I have a heart attack at 30, I have a heart attack. I'm still going to do [steroids]. I know what can come with it.”

— Zaid Laila, 16-year-old

The takeaway

This trend of teens abusing dangerous veterinary steroids in pursuit of extreme physical transformation highlights the growing pressures on young people to achieve unrealistic beauty standards, often at the expense of their health. It underscores the need for greater education, support, and regulation around body image issues and the use of unregulated substances.