steroids

I know, I know, the movie has been out for a year now, but Food Inc. strangely haven't opened here yet, and I'm in the mood for a movie review!

I'll never forget being an anxious 12 year old watching the '88 Olympics - the marquee event - the 100 meter dash. I cheered loudly as Ben Johnson blazed to a new world record. I also remember the shear disappointment of what ensued.

In the past, we've noted (with dismay) here on Diet Blog that many young men turn to steroids to "bulk up" and put on muscle quickly. Steroids are not only illegal, they are also very dangerous - and should only be used under medical supervision.

Research into anabolic steroid use shows that it isn't about cheating athletes or teenage sports wannabes. Most steroid users are in it for looks.

Soy. Skim Milk. Synthol.

One of these things turns you into a circus freak.

Another helps with uptake of amino acids, and the third is even better.

Once upon a time bodybuilding was about lifting weights, good nutrition, and attaining good muscular symmetry and form. Nowadays it's just another form of drug abuse.

For the last few years, pictures of a "flabby" Arnold Schwarzenegger have been floating around the Web. Like a pervasive urban myth - some feel that the photos are faked - while others can't believe their eyes. Whatever the truth is - Arnold is 57 years old now, and paparazzi are notorious for getting photos of people at their worst.

The current issue of the Harvard Gazette has a superb article about a study into the Western male's obsession with muscles. The study compares the West (i.e. US, Europe, Australia) with the East (i.e. Taiwan, China). When tested, Western men guessed that women prefer a "buff" body with 20-30 pounds more muscle than average. But when women were asked to choose their preferences, they picked male bodies much closer to average.