Featured Image Credit: Instagram / Cooking for Gains
Warning: This article contains themes of drug use
One thing we'd love to have left behind in 2025 is people judging others and themselves, purely based on Instagram likes and physical appearance. Sadly, it seems that the pressures of being an 'influencer' are continuing into 2026.
The influencer community was shrouded in further controversy in 2025, with the likes of Harrison "HSTikkyTokky" Sullivan finally being apprehended following a year-long manhunt, Bonnie Blue being arrested in Bali, and the tragic death of Russian fitness guru Dmitry Nuyanzin when he undertook a calorie challenge.
Scientists predict that the influencer trend shows no sign of slowing down, and when former YouTube child star Piper Rockelle claims she's smashing OnlyFans records, it hardly seems surprising.
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Still, for every IShowSpeed, there are a thousand more who make it nowhere near as big.
One person all-too familiar with the fitness influencer world is Cameron Dukes, who's amassed 2.8 million followers on Instagram via his 'Cooking for Gains' page.
On his website, Dukes says his journey started on TikTok, where he went viral for cooking eggs on a plug-in stove in the back of his car. He's come a long way from sleeping in the back of his motor, with Dukes' site saying: "My drive to help people is what made this dream come true.
"I get to do what I love everyday thanks to you all. It is truly a privilege to be able to help people reach their goals and change their lives for the better every day, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon."
Offering meal plans and supplements, Dukes has faced his own controversy amid flexes about the flash cars he owns, claims that he earns nine figures, and an incident where he asked for money after being involved in a motorcycle accident.
Elsewhere, there are Reddit threads calling out Dukes' actions towards his ex on Instagram, with some accusing him of having 'roid rage'. Now, Dukes himself has taken to social media to post his transformation after supposedly going 'clean' from steroids.
Sharing a side-by-side of him in 2025 and 2026, Dukes implored people to 'stay natural'. Saying that steroids aren't worth it, the influencer explained: "They will demoralize your character. They will give you mental problems. You create short fuse, temperaments."
Expanding on some of the other psychological issues instead of just the physical ones, Dukes maintains that you'll develop a god complex, adding: "You’ll always think you’re above everybody for the most part even if you don’t say it out loud. You’ll never be satisfied you’ll always wanna take more. Your life is nothing but gyming for the most part."
Most shockingly, he says that despite only being 30 years old, he looks like he's 40 in the steroid picture. In his own words, Dukes concluded: "I feel like I have my youth back absolutely absurd I will never do steroids ever get in my life."
There was a mix of reactions in the comments, with one critic writing: "Throw shade a steroids after doing it for so many years to build a following, got it."
Another chimed in saying: "Respectfully, this is your experience — not a universal one. Testosterone doesn’t magically create ego, poor character, or mental instability. Those traits usually already exist."
Others thanked him for his honesty, as someone concluded: "Hey brother I’m going through the same situation currently coming over rn this is motivational and inspiring for me thank you for continuing to post much love and god bless you ✝️."
Either way, it doesn't look like Dukes intends on going back to his old lifestyle.
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (313) 209-9137 24/7, or contact them through their website.
