Social Media Influencers Fuel Surge in Steroid Use Among Gym-Goers
Steroid use has surged among fitness enthusiasts, significantly influenced by social media platforms. A recent global meta-study estimates that the prevalence of steroid use among gym-goers ranges from approximately 6 percent to a staggering 29 percent, depending on the country. According to Timothy Piatkowski from Griffith University in Australia, the past decade has seen a cultural shift where many fitness influencers now openly discuss their steroid use, presenting themselves as knowledgeable figures who can guide their followers through the process.
The varying health perspectives among these influencers raise concerns. Some acknowledge the risks of steroids but believe they can be managed effectively, while others, self-identified as “trenfluencers,” promote the use of trenbolone, a steroid originally formulated for livestock. This creates uncertainty for millions seeking to enhance their physique: are these substances safe, or do influencers mislead their followers into dangerous territory?
Research on the long-term health impacts of steroids remains limited. Piatkowski explains that discrepancies exist between dosages and patterns studied in clinical settings and those employed by actual users. This gap has prompted some influencers to dismiss established scientific and medical opinions, steering users toward advice found in fitness forums instead. Social media has become a dual-purpose platform—serving as both a support network and a marketplace for steroids, including drugs like SARMs and synthetic human growth hormone.
Anabolic steroids, the most commonly abused type, are potent synthetic derivatives of testosterone. A 2022 study indicated that around 500,000 men and boys in the UK used steroids for non-medical purposes within the previous year.
Understanding the Effects and Risks of Steroid Use
To assess the safety of steroids, one must first grasp their physiological effects. Anabolic androgenic steroids interact with hormone receptors that stimulate the development of male traits, particularly in muscle and bone. Channa Jayasena from Imperial College London notes that these steroids can promote muscle growth and support bone development, playing a critical role during puberty.
In clinical settings, lower doses of steroids may be prescribed for muscle-wasting diseases, like HIV. At these dosages, steroids are generally well-tolerated. However, non-medical users often disregard the cautious methodologies employed in clinical trials. Many adopt “stacked” regimens—combining various drugs—or follow cycling patterns that include phases of high dosage and recovery. These practices remain under-researched, which explains why many users seek guidance from online influencers rather than medical professionals.
The allure of experimenting with different combinations stems from a belief that such practices can mitigate the adverse effects of anabolic steroids. Established side effects predominantly affect cardiovascular health. Steroid usage is linked to elevated blood pressure, decreased high-density lipoprotein levels, and increased low-density lipoprotein levels. This can lead to cardiomyopathy, a condition that reduces heart function and can be fatal. A Danish population study revealed that anabolic steroid users had a threefold increase in mortality risk compared to non-users, a statistic comparable to cocaine use.
Psychosocial ramifications are also significant. High doses can trigger aggressive behavior, mania, and psychosis—collectively referred to as “roid rage.” Jayasena highlights that three primary causes lead to deaths among steroid users: cardiomyopathy, suicide, and homicide. The connection between steroids and criminal behavior remains debated, complicated by the potential influence of pre-existing mental health issues or substance use.
The Path Forward: Research and User Engagement
Stopping steroid use can precipitate depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts, particularly if one’s natural testosterone production has been suppressed. Jayasena indicates that nearly 30 percent of men who cease steroid use experience these mental health challenges. Evidence suggests some health risks may be reversible, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, while others, like mood disorders and infertility, can require extensive treatment.
In light of these complex health implications, many users experiment with dosages and schedules in hopes of reducing risks. However, comprehensive studies on these practices are scarce. Piatkowski’s research indicates that post-cycle therapy, which helps restart natural testosterone production, significantly lowers the risk of suicidal thoughts in users. Furthermore, a comparative study showed that users who followed a “blast and cruise” regimen reported fewer negative health effects upon discontinuation.
The lack of robust clinical studies presents challenges for healthcare providers who struggle to advise patients on safe steroid usage. Clinicians like Greg James from Kratos Medical in Cardiff have noted that some patients are now combining steroids with appetite-suppressing GLP-1 drugs, asking for guidance despite the absence of long-term safety data.
Researchers like Piatkowski are shifting their approach to engage directly with users, treating them as partners in research rather than mere subjects. This method has revealed concerning findings; over 20 percent of steroid samples tested were contaminated with hazardous substances, and more than half were incorrectly dosed.
As the landscape of steroid use evolves rapidly, Piatkowski advocates for more longitudinal studies to unravel the true risks and develop effective harm-reduction strategies. By collaborating with fitness influencers, researchers hope to foster safer practices within the community. “Elevating and legitimising knowledge in these communities is incredibly important,” Piatkowski asserts. This proactive approach could lead to significant advancements in understanding and mitigating the risks associated with steroid use.
