If you follow professional bodybuilding here of late, you’ve seen the chatter. And lately, the noise has been loud regarding site enhancements.
IFBB pros like Derek Lunsford are being accused of using site enhancements in areas like the arms and lats. Bodybuilding podcasters want penalties. Some want disqualifications. Others want stricter enforcement.
But here’s the issue… The site enhancement conversation is one-sided.
If we’re going to scrutinize site enhancements in men’s bodybuilding, we need to look at what’s happening across the entire sport. Including the women’s divisions.
You can’t nitpick one side and ignore the other.
In this article, I want to unpack what’s been going on with site enhancements and whether we need to actually do something about it, or if we are only opening a can of worms.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, making changes to your nutrition plan, or adding any new supplements into your current regimen.
What Exactly Are Site Enhancements?
Before emotions run high and tempers start to flare, let’s define the term.
Site Enhancements Explained
Site enhancements typically refer to oils or substances injected directly into a muscle to enhance size, shape, or fullness. They don’t improve strength. They don’t improve performance.
All they do is improve appearance. That’s it. But in a sport judged purely on appearance, that matters.
This isn’t anything new, though. It’s been part of bodybuilding for decades. What’s changed seems to be the spotlight, the microscope, and the selective outrage on athletes like Derek Lunsford.
Which, honestly, I have nothing against him. I don’t know him personally, so I’m not jumping on this “bash him” bandwagon.
Derek Lunsford and the Spotlight on Site Enhancements
Derek Lunsford is one of the most complete bodybuilders on the planet. Elite structure.
Elite conditioning. Elite muscle maturity.
Yet some fans are convinced his arms and lats are the result of site enhancements.
Is there proof? Nope.
Is there speculation? Holy hell, there is plenty.
And that speculation alone has led people to demand penalties. But here’s where things get uncomfortable, and we need to start speaking openly about all of this because it’s way bigger than you probably thought.
If We’re Policing Men, What About the Women?
This is where the argument falls apart, and we need to look at the bigger picture, rather than just focusing in one direction.
Breast Implants and the Women’s Divisions
Let me ask a simple question.
When was the last time you saw a female bikini competitor win with completely natural breasts?
Exactly.
Breast implants are common. They’re accepted. They’re normalized.
They dramatically change proportions. They enhance symmetry. They can influence placings. You can’t tell me otherwise.
Yet, no one calls them “site enhancements.”
No one calls for penalties. No one demands judging reform.
Why?
Because we’ve decided they’re off-limits to criticize for some reason. But I want to start the conversation as to why one and not the other?
So, women can get a boob job, but if a guy gets calf implants, he’s laughed off the stage. What’s really the difference? Both are site enhancements, right?
Are Breast Implants Not Site Enhancements?
Let’s be honest. If injecting oil into a muscle to enhance shape is considered site enhancements, how are breast implants different?
Both alter appearance. Both create volume. Both affect how an athlete looks on stage. The only difference is social acceptance.
Glute Site Enhancements in Women’s Bodybuilding
Now, let’s go even deeper, and I’m sure this is all going to offend some people. Personally, I don’t care. It’s a topic we need to discuss.
The Elephant in the Room
Glute development in women’s divisions has exploded. Especially in Bikini and Wellness. I won’t name any names, but we all can fill in the blank with the women we “suspect” have site enhancements in their glutes.
One particular female competitor was even targeted specifically by an old trainer for shooting up her glutes and drastically changing the shape of them.
Be real. Be honest. Not all glute development in the IFBB is from squats and hip thrusts. You’re only kidding yourself if that’s what you believe.
Glute site enhancements are real. They exist. And they’re used.
Judges reward roundness, fullness, and projection. Athletes respond to the standard. Yet again, there’s silence.
No outrage. No Reddit threads. No calls for stripping titles.
The Double Standard Is the Real Problem
This is where the hypocrisy becomes obvious, and we either make a change, or we let it go and stop talking about it (but then where do we draw the line?).
Selective Enforcement Hurts the Sport
If site enhancements are truly against the spirit of bodybuilding, then the rules should apply to everyone. Every division. Every gender.
You can’t go after a male Open bodybuilder while ignoring obvious enhancements elsewhere. That’s not integrity. That’s bias.
Judging Already Rewards the Look
Here’s the truth many don’t want to admit… judging standards often reward the result, not the method.
Full muscles win. Round glutes win. Balanced proportions win.
As long as judges reward the look, athletes will chase it and do whatever it takes to attain that look and improve their chances of winning shows and getting an edge on their competition.
Where Do We Go from Here?
This isn’t about attacking women. And it’s not about defending Derek Lunsford.
It’s about consistency.
If the IFBB wants to crack down on site enhancements, it needs to be universal.
Clear rules. Clear enforcement. Across all divisions.
Otherwise, stop pretending this is about fairness. Because right now, it’s not.
And to be clear, the IFBB has done or said nothing about site enhancements. They haven’t addressed Derek Lunsford or the accusations.
That said, I remember a few years back, Hadi Choopan had points deducted as the judges believed he was shooting up his shoulders (they were looking a little “pointy” on stage).
The fact of the matter is that bodybuilding has never been a “natural” sport at the professional level. And that’s reality. Even Arnold admitted to doing steroids to improve his physique back in the day. It wasn’t taboo… it was the norm.
But if fans want to play detective and demand punishment, they need to be willing to look at the entire landscape. Not just the athletes they don’t like. For some reason, people have it out for Derek Lunsford. They say he’s not a nice guy. He is this and that. I take it all with a grain of salt.
If you never met a person, how can you judge them or agree with what people are saying as if it’s a fact? You haven’t proven or dismissed what they’re saying. So, how can you pick and choose sides? That’s unfair.
Circling back… you can’t criticize arm and lat site enhancements in men’s bodybuilding while ignoring breast implants and glute site enhancements in women’s divisions.
If we’re going to have the conversation, let’s have all of it. Anything less is just selective outrage.
Author Bio:
Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN, is the owner of Weik Fitness. With over 25 years in the supplement industry, Matt is a globally recognized and prolific writer. With a passion for creating health and fitness content, his work has been featured on thousands of websites, over 100 magazines, and he has authored more than 25 published books.
