Bodybuilding has become one of the most popular fitness trends in recent years, gaining an enormous following worldwide. With the rise of social media and a growing fascination with well-sculpted physiques, it’s hardly surprising why more and more people are jumping on the bodybuilding bandwagon.
But did you know that bodybuilding statistics reveal a lot more than just bulging biceps and chiseled abs? From the extreme nature of bodybuilding competitions to the amount of money spent on supplements and what goes into training, there’s a wealth of information to dive into.
So if you’re ready to geek out on facts and figures, grab your protein shake – and let’s take a deep dive into the world of bodybuilding statistics.
What Percentage of People Are Bodybuilders?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 9% of Americans are into weightlifting! That’s right, almost one in ten people you see on the street are pumping some iron.
Now, it’s important to note that not everyone who lifts weights is a bodybuilder. Weightlifting can be a hobby or part of a fitness routine for many people, and there are different levels of dedication when it comes to bodybuilding.
However, it’s safe to say that a decent chunk of that 9% are probably at least somewhat serious about bulking up.
While bodybuilding isn’t exactly a mainstream hobby, there are still plenty of people out there who are into it, and weightlifting, in general, is a pretty popular pastime among Americans. Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to hit the gym yourself now!
Bodybuilding Statistics: Highlights
- Professional bodybuilders tend to have a higher BMI, but their fat measurements tend to be significantly less – 5.7% body fat on professional bodybuilders compared to 18% body fat on amateurs.
- Three out of four professional bodybuilders, including female bodybuilders, report taking steroids during the offseason for muscle growth and muscle mass, with the most popular being nandrolone, sustanon, boldenone, and testosterone.
- During the offseason, a bodybuilder will only need around 1.6 g/kg to 2.2 g/kg of protein per bodyweight.
- Professional bodybuilders have a death rate that’s 1.75 times higher than NFL players and 2.5 times that of MLB counterparts.
- When bodybuilders are dieting for a contest, they may lose up to 70% of their total body fat.
Professional bodybuilders tend to have a higher BMI, but their fat measurements tend to be significantly less – 5.7% body fat on professional bodybuilders compared to 18% body fat on amateurs.
Source: Anthropological Review
Professional bodybuilders tend to have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) compared to amateurs. This may not come as a surprise since bodybuilding is all about gaining muscle mass. However, what’s fascinating is that despite having a higher BMI, professional bodybuilders’ fat measurements tend to be significantly less.
In fact, on average, professional bodybuilders have only 5.7% body fat, while amateurs have 18% body fat. This goes to show that bodybuilding is not just about adding muscle mass but also about achieving an impressively lean physique.
The diet and supplement market is estimated to be around $40 billion.
Source: Ibis World
This is also not surprising given how popular bodybuilding has become in recent years, and how many people are looking to improve their physique and overall health.
With so many supplements and diet options available, make sure you do your research and speak with a healthcare professional to guarantee you’re consuming safe and effective products.
Three out of four professional bodybuilders, including female bodybuilders, report taking steroids during the offseason for muscle growth and muscle mass, with the most popular being nandrolone, sustanon, boldenone, and testosterone.
Source: Journal of Drug Education
While the use of steroids is illegal and potentially dangerous, it’s still prevalent in the bodybuilding world, with some athletes feeling pressured to use them to gain a competitive edge.
Unfortunately, as most of us are aware, the use of steroids can have severe health consequences, and there are plenty of natural ways to achieve muscle growth and mass, such as proper nutrition and exercise. These methods may not produce the rapid results bodybuilders need for competition, however.
About 86% of bodybuilders consume protein shakes.
Source: Strength Log
Protein is essential for muscle growth and recovery, and supplements such as shakes and powders can be an excellent way to ensure you’re getting enough protein in your diet.
However, for most people, these protein supplements should not be relied on as the sole source of protein intake. It’s always best to consume natural, whole foods rich in protein, such as poultry, fish, and legumes, in addition to supplements.
70% of bodybuilders train five to six days a week, following a 5-split plan in which they train major muscle groups one to two times weekly each.
Source: The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
This may seem excessive, but if you’re looking to build muscle mass, such a rigorous workout regimen is crucial. Many professional trainers suggest that bodybuilders should follow a 5-split plan in which they train their major muscle groups one to two times weekly.
The 5-split plan entails dividing your body into five parts and working out each of those parts on separate days. For example, if you start with your chest and shoulders on Monday, you would then focus on your back and arms on Tuesday, your legs on Wednesday, your chest and shoulders again on Thursday, and your back and arms on Friday.
This allows for adequate rest and recovery time between workouts, ensuring that you’re working out each muscle group to its full capacity.
The average male bodybuilder will eat around 2 to 4.2 grams of protein per kg of body weight each day.
Source: Strength Log
As mentioned earlier, bodybuilders rely heavily on protein to help build and repair their muscles after their workouts. The average male bodybuilder typically eats between 2 to 4.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. So, if you weigh 80 kg, you should aim to consume between 160 to 336 grams of protein daily.
Protein is essential for muscle growth as it provides the building blocks required for muscle repair and recovery.
During the offseason, a bodybuilder will only need around 1.6 g/kg to 2.2 g/kg of protein per bodyweight.
Source: National Library of Medicine.
According to the National Library of Medicine, a bodybuilder only needs around 1.6 g/kg to 2.2 g/kg of protein per bodyweight during the offseason. This means that if you weigh 80 kg, you should be consuming between 128 g to 176 g of protein per day.
Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, which is why it’s so important for bodybuilders to consume enough of it. The recommendation of 1.6 to 2.2 g/kg of protein per bodyweight may seem like a lot, but it’s actually a bit lower than what most people think. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds (90 kg), you would need anywhere from 144 g to 198 g of protein per day.
Professional bodybuilders have a death rate that’s 1.75 times higher than NFL players and 2.5 times that of MLB counterparts.
Source: JAMA Network
There are several factors that could be at play here. Firstly, bodybuilding involves intense physical training that puts significant stress on the heart and other major organs.
Professional bodybuilders are also known to use anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs to enhance their muscle mass and strength. These drugs have been linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease, liver damage, and kidney problems.
High blood pressure and kidney problems account for more than 9% of all causes of death for bodybuilders – anabolic steroids and other drugs may be at play here.
Source: National Library of Medicine
Speaking of kidney problems, this leads us to our next statistic – that high blood pressure and kidney problems account for more than 9% of all causes of death for bodybuilders.
This statistic comes from the National Library of Medicine, which conducted a study on the prevalence of kidney damage in bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids. The study found that bodybuilders who use steroids are at a much higher risk of developing kidney damage, as well as high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.
So, what is the link between anabolic steroids and kidney problems? Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of testosterone in the body. They are most commonly used by bodybuilders to promote muscle growth and enhance performance.
While they can be effective in achieving these goals, they also come with a host of negative side effects. Anabolic steroids have been shown to cause kidney damage by increasing the production of a protein called collagen, which can lead to scarring and fibrosis of the kidneys. They can also cause high blood pressure by increasing sodium retention in the body.
Another factor that may contribute to kidney problems in bodybuilders is the use of supplements that contain high levels of protein. Protein supplements are widely used by bodybuilders to support muscle growth, but consuming excessive amounts can put a strain on the kidneys.
The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, including urea – a byproduct of protein metabolism. If the kidneys are overloaded with protein, they may not be able to keep up with the demand, leading to damage over time.
The best bodybuilders train no more than two muscle groups per workout, with each session lasting around an hour.
Source: MDPI
This approach ensures that each muscle group is given ample time to rest and recover before the next workout session. It also helps to prevent overtraining and injury, as well as allowing the bodybuilder to fully focus on each specific muscle group.
The typical male bodybuilder will eat around 2,390 to 3,824 calories per day, while female bodybuilders will eat around 1,195 to 2,509 calories per day.
Source: Strength Log
The typical male bodybuilder eats around 2,390 to 3,824 calories per day, while female bodybuilders tend to consume around 1,195 to 2,509 calories per day. However, it’s worth noting that everyone’s caloric needs vary depending on factors such as age, weight, height, and activity level.
The average female bodybuilder will have a body fat percentage of around 15.3 to 25.2% depending on the season.
Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
A healthy body fat percentage varies depending on age, gender, and body composition. In general, males have a lower body fat percentage than females, with men aiming to have around 6-24% body fat, while women aim for 16-30%. However, when it comes to female bodybuilders in particular, their body fat percentage may differ from the average.
According to the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, the average female bodybuilder has a body fat percentage of around 15.3 to 25.2% depending on the season. This means that during the off-season when they are not actively competing, they may have a higher body fat percentage – again, it’s important to note that for most people, this low body fat percentage simply is not healthy.
When bodybuilders are dieting for a contest, they may lose up to 70% of their total body fat.
Source: Strength Log
When prepping for a competition, bodybuilders often aim to get as shredded and lean as possible, which requires shedding a significant amount of body fat. How much, you ask? Brace yourself: it’s possible to lose up to 70% of total body fat while dieting for a show.
Now, it’s worth noting that this extreme level of fat loss isn’t sustainable or healthy for most people to maintain long-term. In fact, some bodybuilders may only maintain such a low body fat percentage for a few days leading up to a competition before bouncing back up to a more moderate level.
That being said, this statistic underscores just how dedicated and disciplined bodybuilders can be in pursuing their goals.
Final Thoughts: Bodybuilding Statistics
Overall, bodybuilding is a fascinating and growing industry that continues to inspire and motivate people around the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, it’s a sport that offers something for everyone- and with the numbers continuing to rise, there’s no telling where it will go next.
