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The bodybuilding world has another problem on its hands. And this PMMA issue is one that needs to be addressed before it becomes an even bigger issue.
Lately, we’ve been seeing a bunch of articles from various media companies talking about the PMMA issue in the IFBB. I’m going to weigh in with my opinion. And yes, I very well know people will come out of the woodwork to disagree with me (the fact is, I don’t care).
The controversy surrounding PMMA injections and allegations of artificial muscle enhancement has reignited conversations about the integrity of competitive bodybuilding. Sarah Villegas has been vocal about the issue, and her recent interview with USA TODAY has brought the debate back into the spotlight.
And honestly, I agree with her stance.
Bodybuilding is about building your body. It’s about years of training, discipline, sacrifice, and pushing yourself to develop a physique that most people could never achieve.
It’s not about injecting plastic (or site enhancement oil) into your muscles to make them appear bigger. At that point, you might as well just get implants for all your lagging body parts, right?
If we’re going to allow that, we might as well stop calling it bodybuilding.
What Is PMMA and Why Is It Becoming a Problem?
PMMA stands for polymethylmethacrylate. It’s a synthetic, non-biodegradable material that has been used in certain medical and cosmetic applications.The concern is its alleged use as a way to artificially increase muscle size and create the appearance of greater muscular development without actually building that tissue.
Unlike traditional muscle-building methods, PMMA injections can create additional volume without requiring the individual to develop the muscle through resistance training.
Think about that for a second.
You spend years trying to bring up a lagging body part. You train it relentlessly, adjust your nutrition, and work to make improvements. Meanwhile, someone could potentially use injections to create the appearance of greater size.
That’s not bodybuilding. That’s cosmetic enhancement.
And I don’t care who is doing it. It has no place in competitive bodybuilding.
Sarah Villegas and Natalia Coelho Put the Issue in the Spotlight
The controversy gained significant attention following allegations made by four-time Women’s Physique Olympia champion Sarah Villegas regarding Natalia Coelho.Villegas accused Coelho of receiving PMMA injections to artificially enhance her physique ahead of winning the 2025 Women’s Physique Olympia.
According to USA TODAY’s November 9 report, Villegas received information from a licensed health professional in Brazil who allegedly had firsthand knowledge of the procedures. USA TODAY confirmed that the individual shared information with Villegas and reviewed material provided by the source.
Coelho has not confirmed or denied receiving PMMA injections. When asked about the controversy at a public seminar in September, she reportedly responded, “If I get into that, I’m not doing any good for the sport.”
To be clear, allegations are not proof. I’m not declaring that Coelho used PMMA. That’s not my place.
However, the larger issue doesn’t depend on whether one particular competitor is guilty. The possibility of artificial muscle implants being used in professional bodybuilding is enough to warrant serious attention.
READ MORE & WATCH VIDEO:
The PMMA Controversy in Bodybuilding Isn't Going Away
The bodybuilding world has another problem on its hands. And this PMMA issue is one that needs to be addressed before it becomes an even bigger issue. Lately
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