John Whaite, the 36-year-old TV chef best known for his victory on The Great British Bake Off in 2012 and his runner-up finish on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, has stunned fans by revealing a deeply personal struggle: a five-year addiction to anabolic steroids. In a tearful Instagram video posted on November 17, 2025, Whaite opened up about the devastating impact the drugs have had on his body, mind, and life, hoping his story might serve as a cautionary tale for others—especially young people grappling with body image pressures.
Whaite’s confession was raw and emotional. "For the past 5 years I’ve let myself down, I haven’t respected my body or my mind, I’ve put body image before my own wellbeing and before time with my family," he wrote alongside the video, as reported by Metro. The chef admitted that his addiction began during the 2020 lockdown, a period when many faced increased isolation and anxiety. Looking in the mirror and feeling dissatisfied with his reflection, Whaite said, "I tried working out, I tried dieting, I was really strict with myself and my diet, but nothing changed. I couldn’t gain muscle, I had layers of fat I couldn’t get rid of. Looking back, there was nothing wrong with me. I had a normal body."
But the lure of a more muscular physique—something increasingly glorified on social media—proved too tempting. Whaite began taking anabolic steroids illegally, a decision he now deeply regrets. According to the NHS, anabolic steroids are prescription-only medicines that mimic the effects of testosterone. While they can increase muscle mass and athletic performance, their misuse can cause serious side effects and lead to addiction. In the UK, steroids are classified as class C drugs, legal only with a prescription and illegal to supply or sell without one, as BBC News highlighted. Last year, UK authorities seized nearly a million doses at the border, a 26% increase from the previous year.
Whaite described the physical and psychological toll the drugs took on him. He spoke openly about developing small testicles, acne, and an unregulated sex drive. "Steroids have shrunk my b*******. I’ve got tiny balls now, there’s your headline," he joked, trying to inject some levity into a painful admission. But the effects went far beyond the physical. He revealed that the steroids gave him an inflated ego and a sense of narcissism, fueling a cycle of self-obsession and further use. "The more that people acknowledged how I looked on steroids, the more I felt good about myself, I felt valid," he admitted in his video, as quoted by BBC News.
For Whaite, the consequences were not just skin deep. He candidly shared that at the lowest points of his addiction, he contemplated ending his life. "Steroids have made me want to end my life. That stops today. Right now," he declared. "I choose life. I choose health. I choose love. I choose a simpler life." The emotional weight of his words resonated with many of his followers, who flooded his post with messages of support and encouragement.
His openness also extended to his relationship with his career and public persona. Whaite acknowledged that his enhanced physique helped him land more TV work, even earning him the codename "Hercules" during his time on Strictly Come Dancing. Yet, this external validation only deepened his reliance on the drugs. The pressure to maintain a certain image, he said, contributed to his decision to join OnlyFans in February 2025, where he found both financial success and further scrutiny of his body. In a Q&A session, Whaite revealed he made $270,000 (£199,147) on the platform in just 11 months but ultimately decided to quit, saying, "I want to feel like I can get a bit fatter here and there and it wasn't healthy being obsessed with my body image," as reported by Daily Mail.
Whaite’s story is also one of resilience and responsibility. He made it clear he does not see himself as a victim. "I’m responsible for this; it was my choice," he said. "I’m not being a victim here. I’m a man and I have to deal with the consequences of my actions." Despite the severity of his situation, Whaite has chosen not to seek immediate medical help, saying he does not want to burden the NHS. He acknowledged that coming off steroids would likely lead to a crash in his mood and possibly require a doctor’s care in the future, but for now, he is determined to break free on his own.
Underlying Whaite’s confession is a deep concern for the next generation. His decision to speak out was prompted in part by hearing a younger male family member discussing a "dangerously strong steroid." He worries about the unrealistic body standards promoted on Instagram and other platforms, especially for young men like his 15-year-old nephew. "I am genuinely worried for the young lads growing up and seeing these unrealistic physiques on Instagram," he said. His message is stark: "It will ruin everything, believe me. It will take more than it gives you. You’ve only got one body, so please just respect it. Let it do what it can do."
Whaite’s battle with body dysmorphia and bulimia—conditions that distort one’s perception of their body and relationship with food—adds another layer to his story. These struggles, as he explained, fueled his desire to change his appearance at any cost. "I have bulimia and body dysmorphia, where a person perceives defects in their own body which are often less noticeable to others," he told followers, as reported by BBC News.
While Whaite has not yet agreed to speak to television shows or newspapers about his ordeal, his decision to share his experience on social media has already sparked a wider conversation about steroid use, masculinity, and mental health. Friends, fans, and fellow public figures have praised his courage, with many leaving supportive comments and heart emojis on his post. Whaite, for his part, hopes his honesty will help others avoid the same mistakes. "I hope that in sharing this harsh truth, young lads will think very carefully about how they treat their bodies," he wrote.
For those affected by similar issues, organizations like the Samaritans and BBC Action Line offer support and resources. Whaite’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the hidden costs of chasing perfection—and the strength it takes to choose health, love, and a simpler life over fleeting validation.
