He displays his biceps with pride and believes he is the most attractive man in Brazil.
He displays his biceps with pride and believes he is the most attractive man in Brazil.
The moniker Arlindo de Souza came to represent extreme bodybuilding. His roughly 75-cm-diameter biceps made him well-known throughout Brazil. Few, however, are curious about the true cost to him.
For such results, standard diet and exercise were insufficient. Arlindo decided to take a new, riskier approach and began injecting his muscles with a homemade oil and alcohol combination.
This was carried out without any professional protocol or medical oversight. The urge to appear “massive” at all costs motivated this desperate deed.
He displays his biceps with pride and believes he is the most attractive man in Brazil.
The outcome? Extremely dangerous: infections, necrosis of the tissue, amputation risk, and possibly death.
His close friend Paulinho, who also enjoyed intense bodybuilding, passed away following similar injections, making that possibility a reality. Arlindo didn’t stop until then.
“I’ll never do it once more. We used the same injections. He didn’t live, but I did. He says today, “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone; it was a terrible experience.”
He nevertheless enjoys the attention despite his regret. Everywhere he goes, women can’t take their eyes off Arlindo, according to his older brother. His physique inspires admiration, yet with a hint of terror.
He displays his biceps with pride and believes he is the most attractive man in Brazil.
But is this the definition of true strength? It’s no longer sport when appearance takes precedence over inner well-being; it’s addiction.
Arlindo’s experience serves as a striking illustration of how someone can be destroyed by their desire to fit in with socially enforced norms.
He used to strive for the ideal figure, but now, in his own words, he’s just happy to be alive.
