A Verge newsletter column examines how modern masculinity trends are pushing men towards unregulated health risks, drawing a parallel with the long-standing pressure on women to buy products addressing insecurities. The writer argues that "looksmaxxing" culture, fuelled by social media, biohackers and podcasters, has normalised men experimenting with prescription drugs and unapproved substances for aesthetic or performance gains rather than medical need, raising concerns about safety and informed consent.

The piece highlights tadalafil (branded Cialis), an erectile dysfunction drug also used for prostate and blood pressure issues, which figures such as biohacker Bryan Johnson and podcaster Andrew Huberman promote as a low-dose "longevity" or preworkout aid, despite its conventional use being far narrower. It notes that the Enhanced Games' pro-doping company sells low-dose tadalafil, and that a 20-year-old looksmaxxing influencer known as Clavicular has admitted taking it as part of a broader drug "stack." The article also points to testosterone use becoming widespread in this community, citing that 91% of athletes at the inaugural Enhanced Games used it, and mentions US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's announcement of mandatory testosterone screening for troops, alongside growing interest in substances like the unapproved drug retatrutide.