Milos Sarcev, Dennis James, and Jose Raymond raised serious concerns over diuretic use in a recent YouTube video (November 5, 2026). They believe competitors use fewer diuretics today but more performance-enhancing drugs. Sarcev also reflected on the craziest diuretic dosages he’s ever seen.
While bodybuilding is often seen as a healthy sport from the outside, there are inherent dangers, especially prevalent in the IFBB Pro League. In addition to intense training and strict dieting, competitors use performance-enhancing drugs and other compounds like diuretics to pull water from their bodies to display sharper conditioning.
However, this can cause a handful of health problems, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and heart rhythm issues. Although competitors’ methods have changed since the 90s, it’s an aspect of the sport that rarely gets discussed.
Milos Sarcev Says Athletes Use More Steroids and Fewer Diuretics Today, Reveals Craziest Dosages
In the video, Jose Raymond called diuretics overrated, and they agreed bodybuilding contests can be won without them.
“I think diuretics are a little overrated. I mean, if you’re in shape, you’re in shape,” said Jose Raymond.
“Yeah, you can do without it, of course,” Milos Sarcev said.
“Well, it would definitely be much healthier to do it without it, and if you’re in shape, you’re in shape, you’re right,” added Dennis James.
Sarcev maintains that athletes use fewer diuretics today but more steroids:
“Now, for sure [they use fewer diuretics today]. They use more drugs than we did,” Sarcev adds.
“Yeah, that’s the feeling I have. They use more drugs but less diuretics,” James explained.
As for the most insane dosages he’s seen, Sarcev mentioned a late bodybuilder who took up to 10 Bumex in a day, warning that excessive usage is a ‘suicide mission.’
“I had an athlete that I’m not going to say a name because he was very unhappy with me. I put him on half, and half, and half, so one and a half total dyazide, but his previous show he used 10, and he knows he needs much more. Dennis, you know Bumex; I know a guy that took 10 Bumex a day. I’m not even joking,” Sarcev said.
“10 milligrams, so 10 of one, it’s crazy. So whoever is listening, please don’t even consider it; this is a suicide mission,” he said. “Yeah, [he survived] that show. Yeah, that show. He is no longer with us,” Sarcev said. “Dennis, your cycle people would not believe you were in on that cycle, 100 percent.”
Former eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney is leading the charge against dangerous diuretic use. He’s warned the community that athletes are destroying their kidneys and putting their heart health at risk for a drier look. His safer alternative to diuretic use was practicing his mandatory poses inside a sauna multiple times a day.
It’s unlikely that diuretic use fades away completely, but Sarcev does admit athletes can get stage-ready without them. He advocates for safe use and never letting dosages get out of hand.
RELATED: Guy Cisternino Says Nick Walker Used ‘A Lot Lower’ PEDs and Diuretics for the 2026 Arnold Classic
