UPDATE: A new global meta-study reveals alarming trends in steroid use among fitness influencers, with estimates showing usage rates reaching up to 29% in some countries. This urgent development raises serious questions about the health risks associated with steroids as influencers openly promote their use on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
This study, led by Timothy Piatkowski from Griffith University in Australia, highlights a shift in the culture surrounding steroids. Many influencers are now positioning themselves as experts, encouraging followers to use steroids for enhanced fitness results. However, the level of knowledge regarding the health implications varies dramatically among these influencers, creating a potential minefield for their audiences.
As millions seek to bulk up, the concern is whether these substances are safe or if influencers are leading them down a dangerous path. Piatkowski emphasizes that research on the long-term health impacts of steroids remains limited, as many studies do not reflect the real-world dosages and usage patterns adopted by users.
Social media has become a significant driver of steroid use, providing both a support network and a marketplace for these drugs. Users now have unprecedented access to various substances, including anabolic steroids and SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators). A recent study indicated that around 500,000 men and boys in the UK alone used steroids for non-medical purposes in the past year.
The risks associated with steroid use are severe. Anabolic steroids can lead to cardiovascular issues, with studies showing users face a threefold increased risk of death compared to non-users. Cardiovascular disease and cancer are leading natural causes of death among these individuals, and the phenomenon known as “roid rage” can lead to aggressive behavior and severe psychological effects.
Piatkowski’s ongoing research aims to fill gaps in understanding by collaborating with steroid users to inform more relevant studies. Recent findings indicate that over 20% of steroid samples sourced from users are contaminated with harmful substances, while more than half are incorrectly dosed.
As the use of anabolic steroids continues to rise, the need for comprehensive and longitudinal studies becomes urgent. Greg James, a clinician at Kratos Medical in Cardiff, reports that patients are increasingly combining steroids with appetite-suppressing drugs, raising further concerns about safety.
With the lack of clear clinical guidance, many users turn to online forums and influencers for advice, often ignoring medical recommendations. Piatkowski stresses that engaging with users and influencers could promote safer practices and mitigate risks associated with steroid use.
The conversation around steroids is evolving, with a pressing need for better research to protect users from the potentially devastating health consequences. As more influencers share their experiences, the call for a responsible dialogue about steroid use becomes increasingly critical.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as researchers and health professionals race to uncover the real risks of steroid use in the fitness community.
