Warnings from doctors and specialists about the risks and consequences of obesity on one hand, and the “ideal body image” conveyed to us by the various media on the other, have driven many young people (and older adults too) to sign up at gyms and to keep up regular exercise there; statistics have shown that more than 40% of the American population exercises regularly (at a rate of 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week).
There is no doubt that the proportions would be noticeably lower if the same survey were conducted in the Arab world, but the number of young people attending gyms has increased noticeably compared with an earlier time, with the largest number of them going with the aim of increasing their muscle mass (bodybuilding).
Some athletes and gym-goers turn to sports stimulants with the aim of increasing their endurance or building their muscle mass more quickly, thereby exposing themselves to the risks and side effects of these drugs or stimulants on one hand, and to legal accountability if they are professional athletes on the other. Many of those who take stimulants may not know what these substances are or what harm they cause, relying instead on the opinion or advice of other people.
What are the most well-known stimulants used, and what harm do they cause?
Steroids:
These include anabolic steroids, so called because they encourage muscle growth, and androgenic steroids, responsible for giving males various masculine characteristics such as a deeper voice and facial hair.
Well-known examples include testosterone, methyltestosterone, oxandrolone and oxymetholone, and nandrolone (also known as Deca-Durabolin).
Among their harms:
– Enlargement of the chest or breast in men
– Hair loss
– Testicular atrophy
– May cause infertility
– Appearance of acne
– Elevated blood cholesterol levels
– High blood pressure
– Violent moods or behaviour
They may also stunt growth if used during adolescence.
