By Agbai Sharonjoyce
The use of performance-enhancing drugs was once associated mostly with elite athletes trying to gain an unfair advantage.
Today, however, Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) are becoming increasingly common in everyday fitness spaces, from local gyms to online bodybuilding communities. The rapid rise is raising serious concern among health practitioners.
Most people who misuse these drugs are young men in their 20s and 30s who lift weights and want to transform their physiques quickly. Basically, the goal is to build muscle fast and achieve a more defined shape, typically hyped as “summer body” on social media.
Steroids work by mimicking testosterone, a natural hormone responsible for muscle growth and strength. When taken in high doses, these drugs can accelerate muscle growth. But misuse—whether through excessive doses, long-term use or unsafe combinations—comes with inimical consequences.
A major driver of steroid use is the intense pressure created by social media. Many influencers showcase physiques that appear attainable but may in reality be the outcome of prolonged drug use.
This fuels unrealistic expectations and leads some young people to believe that natural progress is too slow or not sufficient.
In many cases, this pressure is connected to muscle dysmorphia, a body-image condition in which individuals believe their muscles are too small, even when they are apparently muscular. This can lead to obsessive workout routines and, for some, steroid abuse.
Access to steroids has become easier nowadays. With just a few clicks, users can purchase these drugs online, often from unregulated underground labs. Without medical supervision, most users have no idea what they are absorbing into their bodies.
A study revealed that most illegal steroid products are mislabelled, containing incorrect substances or incorrect dosages. Worse yet, studies have found contamination with heavy metals like lead, arsenic and cadmium.
Over time, these toxins build up in the body, increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease and organ failure.
Health implications
Steroid abusers mostly take three to ten times the recommended medical dose, resulting in severe health issues.
Notable among them are cardiovascular risks. Steroids elevate blood pressure and negatively change cholesterol levels, increasing the odds of heart attack and stroke.
For men, testicular shrinkage and breast enlargement (gynaecomastia) are common effects, whereas, in females, deeper voice, excessive body hair and infertility are observed over time.
Injecting these drugs with non-sterile needles can cause life-threatening infections such as HIV and hepatitis.
Mental effects of steroid use
Steroid misuse affects the mind as much as the body. A condition known as roid rage (severe aggression) is typically observed.
Similarly, there’s an increased likelihood of anxiety. Most users develop dependence, causing them to continue even when serious health complications appear.
Stopping the drugs can trigger withdrawal symptoms like fatigue and depression and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts.
The rising popularity of performance-enhancing drugs reflects a growing obsession with fast, perfect results. While these drugs may build impressive physiques, they leave the body weakened and vulnerable.
Curbing the trend
To tackle this emerging crisis, transparency and education are essential. Fitness influencers must communicate openly about the risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs rather than just promoting unrealistic ideals.
Healthcare professionals need to offer accessible, specialised support for users, focusing on reducing harm.
By prioritising awareness and promoting healthier approaches to fitness, society can help young people resist the pressure to chase dangerous shortcuts.
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