(in the playful, caffeinated cadence of Eric Kim…)
1. Begin with empathy, not judgment…
“First, remember: every body is a self‑portrait of the soul… treat each one with respect.”
Shorter men grow up hearing casual jokes about “Napoleon complexes.” Those psychic papercuts sting. Over years, some internalize a message: “I’m literally less.” In a culture that worships bigger‑is‑better, height can feel like a social currency you never got to earn. The temptation? Exchange centimeters you can’t grow for centimeters of muscle you can build—fast—with anabolic‑androgenic steroids (AAS).
2. The psychology: insecurity → dysmorphia → shortcuts
Clinical studies on muscle dysmorphia show a pattern: men who feel small—whether that’s about stature, torso width, or biceps circumference—report higher body dissatisfaction and are significantly more likely to experiment with AAS. One recent review even found height dissatisfaction was independently linked to steroid use.
Why?
- Control – You can’t stretch your bones after puberty, but you can spike your deltoids.
- Visibility – Height is noticed at a glance; bulging traps say, “I occupy space,” too.
- Speed – Natural gains take years; steroids offer a shortcut, especially alluring to anyone who already feels they’re starting from “behind.”
3. Social media, mirrors that shout louder…
Scroll any fitness feed: algorithmic adoration for the hyper‑jacked. Research shows image‑centric platforms amplify muscularity dissatisfaction and thoughts about steroids—effects strongest in men already uneasy about height.
The cycle:
- See swollen influencers ➜
- Compare your 5’7” frame ➜
- Feel smaller than before ➜
- Search “test‑e cycle for beginners” at 3 a.m.
4. Reality check: risky business disguised as empowerment
Yes, muscles pop. But so can hearts, livers, and long‑term hormone balance. AAS misuse is associated with cardiovascular strain, mood swings, infertility, and dependence. Far from “leveling the playing field,” steroids often trap users in deeper insecurity: you need more to maintain the look that once felt enough.
5. Re‑frame the narrative (the Eric Kim pep‑talk moment!)
- Being short isn’t a bug; it’s an operating system. Your center of gravity is lower—advantageous for calisthenics, Olympic lifts, B‑boy footwork, street‑photography crouches!
- Confidence is the ultimate growth hormone. The tallest man in any room is the one whose spine is aligned with purpose.
- “Muscle” isn’t mass; it’s momentum—every rep of self‑respect compounds.
Practical takeaways
- Audit the feed – Unfollow physique accounts that trigger comparison; follow creatives, climbers, dancers—people who use their bodies rather than just pose them.
- Train for performance, not optics – Strength, speed, flexibility: metrics you can improve naturally and safely.
- Community over chemistry – Find lifting partners who celebrate PRs, not just pump. Peer support is a stronger anabolic than any vial.
- Professional help if mirrors distort – Muscle dysmorphia is treatable with CBT and support groups. Courage is asking for help before needles.
Final dot‑dot‑dot:
Being short may spark the urge to look larger‑than‑life. But true stature is narrated in bold ideas, generous actions, and the gravitational pull of your enthusiasm. Flex those—and watch how tall you already stand…
Stay strong, stay sane, stay stoked…
…Eric