If you’ve been following the IFBB Pro scene for any length of time, you know "Hoss." Fouad Abiad isn't just a guy with massive caps on his shoulders; he’s basically become the voice of modern bodybuilding. But lately, the search for what happened to Fouad Abiad has spiked for reasons that have nothing to do with a double-biceps pose. Between a forced retirement, a scary health scare involving his kidneys, and a literal life-threatening accident in mid-2025, it’s been a heavy road for the Canadian powerhouse.
He didn't just walk away because he was bored.
The Retirement: Why Hoss Hung Up the Trunks
Let's get the competitive stuff out of the way first. Fouad officially "pulled the plug" on his competitive career in late 2021. For a guy who looked like he could jump into a top-tier show at any moment, the news was a gut punch to the fans. But for Fouad, it was about survival.
He didn't want to die for a trophy. Honestly, that’s the reality of the sport right now.
In a very raw video, he admitted that the deaths of George Peterson, Shawn Rhoden, and his close friend John Meadows changed everything. When your friends start disappearing, you look at your own blood work differently. Fouad’s blood work wasn't "catastrophic," but the trends were moving in the wrong direction. He was 43. He had a torn tricep. He had nothing left to prove to the judges, and everything to lose at home.
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He famously said he didn't want to leave his wife, Sommer, alone. That’s a heavy perspective you don't often hear in a sport fueled by ego and "one more prep" mentalities.
The Kidney Struggle and Stem Cell Therapy
One of the biggest factors in what happened to Fouad Abiad involves his kidneys. Long-term use of the "supplements" required to maintain 300 pounds of muscle takes a toll. Period. Fouad has been incredibly transparent about his Stage 3 kidney disease. He didn't want to end up on a dialysis machine by the time he hit 55.
To combat this, he didn't just "rest." He went the experimental route.
- Stem Cell Treatments: In early 2023, he traveled to Panama (a common spot for athletes like Big Ramy or Chris Bumstead) to receive stem cell therapy specifically targeted at kidney regeneration.
- Downsizing: He dropped from a 300-pound monster to a much "healthier" 260, then eventually even lower.
- Risk Mitigation: He’s spent the last few years preaching about blood pressure, CPAP machines, and regular blood work.
It worked. Sort of. By late 2025, Fouad was actually sharing updates about how his kidney markers had stabilized into a much safer range. He went from "reckless" to a guy who values every morning he wakes up without back pain.
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The 2025 Motorcycle Accident: A Near-Fatal Turn
Just when it seemed like Fouad was cruising in his "media mogul" era, disaster struck. In June 2025, Fouad was involved in a serious motorcycle accident while on a trip with friends.
The news broke through his wife, Sommer, on Instagram. It was one of those "please respect our privacy" posts that makes everyone’s heart sink. For a few weeks, the bodybuilding world was quiet. No Real Bodybuilding Podcast. No Bro Chat. Just silence.
He eventually returned to the mic, looking a bit leaner and definitely more humble. The accident was a massive wake-up call. He’s talked about how the crash forced him to truly appreciate the life he built outside of the gym. It didn't break him, but it slowed him down—literally and figuratively.
What Is He Doing Now in 2026?
If you're wondering where he is today, just check YouTube. Fouad has successfully transitioned from "the athlete" to "the boss."
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Hosstile Supplements is an absolute juggernaut right now. While other brands are struggling, Hoss has built a cult-like following. He’s not just a face; he’s the owner who actually understands the chemistry and the grind.
Then there’s the media empire.
- The Real Bodybuilding Podcast (RBP): Still the gold standard for long-form athlete interviews.
- Bro Chat: Basically a digital locker room where guys like Nick Walker and Iain Valliere talk trash and give actual insights.
- Bodybuilding & Bollocks: The show he started with the late Luke Sandoe, which he continues as a tribute to that era of his life.
The Reality of His Legacy
Fouad Abiad’s story is a blueprint for the "New Age" of bodybuilding. It’s no longer about winning the Olympia and then fading into obscurity or health complications. It’s about building a brand while you’re relevant so you have something to catch you when your kidneys or a motorcycle accident try to take you out.
He’s healthy—or as healthy as a retired 300-pound pro can be. He’s active. And most importantly, he’s still the most honest guy in the room.
Actionable Takeaways for Bodybuilding Fans
If you're following Fouad’s journey because you're an aspiring lifter or just a fan of the sport, there are real-world lessons to apply to your own life:
- Get Your Blood Work Done: Don't wait until you're "feeling off." Fouad caught his kidney trends early because he was looking for them. Use services like Marek Health (which he often sponsors) to get a full panel every 6 months.
- Prioritize Blood Pressure: It's the silent killer in the gym. If you're over 220 pounds, buy a cuff. Keep it under 120/80.
- Diversify Your Skills: Fouad is successful because he can speak, lead, and market. If you’re an athlete, start your "Phase 2" plan while you’re still in "Phase 1."
- Listen to Your Body: When Hoss felt the tricep tear and saw the blood work, he stopped. Knowing when to quit is a greater skill than knowing how to start.
Check out the latest episodes of the Real Bodybuilding Podcast on YouTube to see his current progress; he’s still putting out content weekly and looking as sharp as ever.