The craze for bodybuilding and muscular fitness is rapidly growing among youngsters, with many aspiring for broad chests, strong arms, and six-pack abs. However, health experts are raising concerns over the increasing misuse of steroids and unregulated supplements by gym-goers seeking quick physical transformation without proper medical guidance.
While regular exercise and balanced nutrition remain the safest methods for bodybuilding and physical fitness, many youths are allegedly turning to steroids and performance-enhancing injections to achieve faster results. Experts warn that this dangerous shortcut can severely affect physical and mental health.
Past reports suggest that some gym trainers are encouraging or pressuring members to consume steroids and injectable substances, promising rapid muscle growth. In several cases, individuals reportedly take such substances without understanding the long-term consequences. The easy availability of these drugs and supplements has become a matter of serious concern.
World bodybuilding champion and the ‘Bahubali servitor’ Anil Gochhikar from Puri stated that steroids may be used only during professional competitions and strictly under medical supervision. However, he cautioned that consuming such substances during normal fitness training is unnecessary and risky. He also expressed concern that some young bodybuilders are allegedly using injections meant for racehorses to gain instant muscle mass, which can be extremely harmful.
Medical experts explained that anabolic steroids are synthetic forms of the male hormone testosterone. These substances help human muscles recover quickly and increase strength unnaturally. However, doctors warned that using steroids without a prescription can lead to severe health complications, including heart attack, high blood pressure, brain stroke, liver tumour, and kidney failure.
Health professionals further stated that excessive steroid use may reduce sperm count in men, while women may develop masculine physical traits. Apart from physical damage, steroid abuse can also trigger aggression, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Doctors have advised fitness enthusiasts to avoid shortcuts and instead focus on natural bodybuilding methods through disciplined exercise, nutritious food, and proper sleep of seven to eight hours daily.
The debate around steroid abuse has intensified following discussions linked to Balianta murder case victim and bodybuilder Soumya Ranjan Swain, who was reportedly suspected of consuming steroids. The incident has once again brought attention to the dark side of bodybuilding culture and the unchecked use of performance-enhancing substances among youths.
“When your purpose is proper, and there’s a big goal, then you may take a steroid. But if you are doing exercise for fitness, there is no need for any kind of supplement. Eat a balanced diet and get good guidance. If you do it under a good trainer, you will definitely achieve your goal without using steroids,” a fitness coach, Satyajit Pratihari, told OTV.
“Taking steroids on the advice of doctors during competition is justifiable. But there is no need to take steroids at a normal time. However, some young bodybuilders are taking injections that are given to horses for racing to achieve quick success. This is extremely harmful to the body,” Anil Gochhikar stated when contacted.
