In the world of fitness influencers, there’s delusion, and then there’s Dana Linn Bailey. The Pennsylvania-based former bodybuilding champion and self-proclaimed fitness role model is under fire online after making the outrageous claim that women are “fat and unhealthy” because they’re not eating 1,500 calories a day exclusively in the form of protein and grains, a dietary suggestion that not only ignores basic nutritional science, but reveals a disturbingly narrow worldview rooted in her own enhanced lifestyle.
The comments, which sparked a wave of criticism across Reddit’s r/gymsnark community, were perceived as utterly tone-deaf. They were seen as elitist, unrealistic, and steeped in body shaming.
“DLB is one of the fakest women out there… trying to convince everyone she’s natty lol.” – u/clem82
Bailey, known for her ultra-lean physique and aggressive, “no excuses” messaging, has long cultivated an image of intensity. But as users pointed out, it’s a lifestyle propped up by performance-enhancing drugs, a carefully curated online persona, and full-time dedication to fitness, luxuries most of her audience simply don’t have.
One former industry insider shared a story that sums up the disconnect:
“I said ‘athletic’ looks different on everyone — a swimmer, a softball player, a bodybuilder — all athletic. She answered after me and said, ‘Big boobs and long hair are not athletic.’ Because those traits are different from hers, and therefore, inferior.”
This kind of black-and-white thinking is at the heart of the backlash. Not only does it perpetuate toxic body standards, but it also reflects a dangerous belief that health and appearance are one and the same. The reality is far more complex, especially for women juggling careers, kids, chronic illness, or limited access to high-quality food and fitness facilities.
“Eating what she does doesn’t make it happen by magic…” – u/SnooCats7318
“She’s assuming everyone has 24 hours a day to live and breathe macros and mirror selfies.” – multiple users echoed this sentiment.
What makes the situation worse is the perceived hypocrisy in her messaging. Bailey has long positioned herself as “natural,” yet the online consensus (even among former fans) is that she’s very much enhanced, and unwilling to admit it.
“There are plenty of bodybuilders who use PEDs and aren’t raging dickwads… It’s not the PEDs, or even lying about them. It’s everything else.” – u/SpareDizzy2846
Bailey’s attitude that her lifestyle is the gold standard, and that anyone who doesn’t conform is simply lazy has only amplified criticism. Many users also pointed to her history of public whining, ungracious sportsmanship, and what they described as “fake humility” for the cameras.
Even former fans expressed regret over ever supporting her:
“She was angry and condescending… But once the cameras were on? Different person.” – u/CountChoculaGotMeFat
The backlash also reignited long-standing grievances about influencers selling unrealistic body ideals under the guise of “hard work.” These are ideals that are nearly impossible to attain without drugs, genetics, and a full-time fitness career.
And let’s not forget: this is someone who once reportedly got rhabdomyolysis from overtraining. The same person now suggesting that your problem is too little protein and too much rest.
In the end, Bailey’s comments are emblematic of a larger problem in the fitness industry: influencers gaslighting their followers into believing health is a matter of willpower and protein powder, all while hiding the pharmaceutical boost behind their gains.
PSA: Most people aren’t fat because they don’t eat 1,500 calories of chicken breast and brown rice. They’re tired. They’re overworked. They’re navigating real life. And frankly, they don’t need a PED-fueled influencer in Pennsylvania telling them they’re not “athletic” enough.
