Bigger isn’t just better; it’s the bare minimum. In today’s fitness world, the sky is no longer the limit but an ever-heightening standard, fueled by the increasing usage of performance-enhancement drugs. The “answer” to a yearning bodybuilder’s dreams to look “jacked,” “yolked” or “huge” is presented as using anabolic steroids and performance enhancers. Once a taboo among gym-goers and reserved for only elite Olympian bodybuilders, anabolic steroids have become increasingly normalized among the fitness community. The rising usage of anabolic steroids among non-professional bodybuilders is a detriment not only to physical health but also to the body dysmorphia crisis. The medical industry needs to work harder to restrain the usage of anabolic steroids so the average, non-professional bodybuilder cannot abuse them.
The Australian Drug Society conducted a survey in 2019 and concluded that non-medical anabolic steroid use almost tripled between 2001 and 2019. The prevalence of steroids is statistically increasing, and its reach to amateur lifters presents a risk for human error and side effects. The accessibility of steroids, despite being illegal for non-prescriptions, is more widespread than it
seems. CBC News conducted research in Jan. 2025, finding “nearly a dozen websites sell steroids directly to consumers seemingly without a prescription – and they ship [steroids] across the country.” Efforts need to be made to regulate the sports supplement market. Closer attention needs to be paid to the distribution of steroids online, in the form of harsher punishments and licensing requirements required in order to sell sports supplements.
Steroids will affect one’s body in other ways than muscle growth. According to Kidshealth.org, some of the worst side effects of anabolic steroids include liver tumors, violent bursts of aggression and blood lipids that can lead to severe heart problems. Male pattern baldness, irregular waves of acne and irreversible stretch marks are some of the potential external effects of steroid usage.
A user of anabolic steroids will have feelings of withdrawal when their cycle of usage is paused for any given reason. Anabolics aren’t an addictive drug chemically, but their usage can result in addiction-like symptoms. This is why we need to treat common steroids as another illicit drug, as their negative effects should be highlighted when being discussed. Social media has deeply worsened the anabolic steroid epidemic. Influencers display their anabolic-influenced physiques to their audience and rarely effectively address the risks associated with steroids. A prominent example of this trend is a YouTube group called “The Tren Twins.” Across numerous videos talking about anabolics, The Tren Twins have never once addressed the negative health effects of steroids. They dodged around the health effects of steroids in a video titled “DON’T TAKE ANABOLIC STEROIDS” by stating that people shouldn’t take steroids due to their expense and need for training commitment. Steroids are meant for professional bodybuilders, at the top 1 percent to be ready for competition, not for the everyday gym-goer, who likely doesn’t have a doctor monitoring the side effects. By neglecting the physical downsides of steroids, influencers like The Tren Twins have normalized their regular usage. Influencers should display a health-conscious disclaimer before displaying anabolics in their videos.
A reason why many more people are taking anabolic steroids is because of the growing body dysmorphia crisis. Nick Saloman is an example of the worst-case scenario of body dysmorphic-influenced steroid use. Saloman, from a young age, was severely insecure about his height due to social problems that came with being a few inches shorter than his peers. He turned to steroids as a way to be physically bigger. As he began to pump himself with anabolics, it deteriorated his mental health and tragically led to his suicide at the age of 33. Nick Saloman’s passing occurred due to the choice between fertility or continuing his anabolic cycle. Saloman couldn’t bear the decision.
The anabolic epidemic is spiraling out of control. The circulation of unachievable physiques posted online creates an unhealthy desire for steroids, and the negligence and lack of education about anabolic steroids cause dangerous errors among new anabolic abusers. Without proper regulation and education, the unchecked rise of steroids will continue to re-mold the fitness standard and endanger lives simultaneously.
