David Dobrik, one of YouTube’s most iconic personalities, has once again sent shockwaves through the internet. After disappearing from the platform for nearly three years, the vlogging superstar made a triumphant return on January 7, 2025. However, it wasn’t just his return that caught everyone’s attention—it was the jaw-dropping new look he revealed. David stepped back into the spotlight with a shredded, chiseled physique that had his fans, friends, and even critics doing a double take.
This incredible transformation was the result of a bet with fellow YouTube giant MrBeast. But while many fans celebrated David’s dedication and hard work, some skeptics raised their eyebrows at just how quickly he went from his previous physique to single-digit body fat levels. One of these skeptics is well-known bodybuilder and fitness expert Greg Doucette, who has become one of the most vocal critics of Dobrik’s transformation.
Greg Doucette’s analysis and accusations have sparked a heated debate across social media platforms, leaving fans divided. Did David Dobrik achieve his transformation naturally, or was there a little extra help involved? Let’s dive into the details of this controversy and explore what’s really going on.
A Viral Comeback That Shocked the Internet
David Dobrik’s long-awaited return to YouTube was nothing short of explosive. Known for his high-energy vlogs, hilarious pranks, and feel-good content, David had taken an extended break from creating videos. While his fans patiently waited for his comeback, no one could have predicted that he’d reappear with such a stunning physical transformation.
His new look was part of a bet with MrBeast, a fellow YouTube titan known for his extravagant challenges and philanthropic efforts. As part of the wager, David committed himself to an intense fitness journey—and the results were nothing short of extraordinary. His lean, muscular frame left fans in awe, with many praising his dedication to turning his life around.
Even David’s close friend and former Nickelodeon star Josh Peck was blown away by the transformation. In the vlog, Peck’s reaction captured what many viewers were thinking: disbelief. The internet buzzed with comments ranging from admiration to suspicion. How did David Dobrik manage to achieve such a drastic transformation so quickly?
Greg Doucette’s Controversial Take
One person who wasn’t entirely convinced by David’s transformation was Greg Doucette. The professional bodybuilder, fitness coach, and popular YouTuber is known for his no-nonsense approach to discussing fitness topics. Doucette often dives into the “Natty or Not” debate, where he analyzes whether someone’s physique is achievable naturally or with the help of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
In a detailed video posted shortly after Dobrik’s vlog, Greg Doucette broke down why he believes the YouTube star’s transformation may not have been entirely natural. Using his expertise in fitness and years of experience in the industry, Doucette pointed out several signs that he says suggest the use of PEDs.
“When I compare everything… the puffiness of the face, the fact that I do see gynecomastia, the fact that he’s single-digit body fat. The fact he was able to lose all that fat and build muscle at the same time,” Doucette explained. “I do believe that it’s more likely than not that he is, in fact, on performance-enhancing drugs.”
For those unfamiliar, gynecomastia is a condition that can sometimes occur as a side effect of using certain PEDs. It’s characterized by the swelling of breast tissue in men, and Doucette pointed to this as one of the physical markers he observed in David’s new look. He also highlighted the impressive combination of fat loss and muscle gain as another reason to question whether David’s transformation was entirely natural.
Legal or Not, the Debate Rages On
While Greg Doucette’s analysis raised eyebrows, he was quick to clarify that he wasn’t accusing David of breaking the law. In fact, Doucette acknowledged that it’s entirely possible for someone to use PEDs legally under the supervision of a doctor. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), for example, is a medically-approved way to enhance performance and achieve certain fitness goals.
“Just because I think the guy isn’t natural doesn’t mean I think he’s on a cocktail of illegal supplements,” Doucette said. “A man who would stop recording videos for a year to transform his body to shock the world… do you not think he would have been tempted?”
In his video, Doucette also made it clear that he doesn’t personally care whether David used PEDs or not. His goal was simply to provide his professional opinion on whether the transformation could have been achieved naturally.
“Do I think it’s natural? No. Do I care? Also no,” he concluded. “…do I think he did it one hundred percent natural? No, I don’t think he did.”
Fans and Critics Weigh In
Greg Doucette’s video quickly went viral, sparking a heated debate online. Fans of David Dobrik defended their favorite YouTuber, arguing that his transformation was a testament to his hard work and dedication. Many pointed to the fact that David had the resources to hire top-tier trainers, nutritionists, and other professionals to help him achieve his goals.
On the other hand, skeptics supported Doucette’s analysis, saying that the timeline of David’s transformation seemed unrealistic without some kind of assistance. Social media platforms were flooded with comments from users debating whether or not David’s new physique was achievable naturally.
Some netizens even joked about the transformation, saying it looked like David had photoshopped his head onto a completely different body. Others questioned whether the transformation had been exaggerated for the sake of content, given David’s reputation for creating attention-grabbing videos.
The Bigger Question: Does It Even Matter?
At the heart of the controversy lies a larger question: does it really matter whether David Dobrik’s transformation was natural or not? For many fans, the answer is no. The overwhelming response to his return has been positive, with countless viewers praising his dedication to improving his physical and mental health.
In the fitness world, however, the debate over “Natty or Not” is a contentious one. Many argue that influencers and public figures have a responsibility to be transparent about their fitness journeys, especially if they’re using PEDs. Others believe that as long as someone isn’t breaking the law or promoting unsafe practices, their personal choices should remain private.
Greg Doucette’s analysis may have added fuel to the fire, but it’s unlikely to change the minds of David’s most loyal fans. For them, the transformation is just another example of David’s ability to inspire and entertain—whether it’s through his vlogs, his pranks, or his newfound dedication to fitness.
A Transformation That Will Be Remembered
Regardless of how it was achieved, David Dobrik’s physical transformation has already cemented its place as one of the most talked-about moments in YouTube history. His return to the platform has reignited interest in his content and reminded fans why they fell in love with his videos in the first place.
As for Greg Doucette’s claims, only David truly knows the full story behind his transformation. Whether he achieved it through natural means, PEDs, or a combination of both, one thing is certain: David Dobrik knows how to make an unforgettable comeback. The debate may rage on, but for now, fans are just happy to have him back.