SubscribeWhat Kind of Man Takes Steroids?
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.
A survey of 1,955 US men who used anabolic steroids found that the average user is like this:
- Aged 31.
- White.
- Likely to be a college graduate (three quarters of the participants).
- Has a "white-collar" job with a high income.
- Uses steroids to get bigger muscles, more strength, and "increase" physical attractiveness.
Some other interesting results:
- Majority (70.2%) self-identified as “perfectionists”.
- Users averaged 11.07 years of weight training.
- The majority (69.6%) averaged four to five workout days per week.
See the full text (PDF) of this fascinating study. Source: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Oct 11, 2007.
PS. What's with the Sylvester Stallone picture? He was busted at Australian Customs in February 2007 for attempting to import Growth Hormone.
More like this in Body Image · Jan 9, 2008
I'll comment further on this on my blog, but what I find interesting is that thyroid hormone, growth hormone, and insulin are lumped together with the traditional anabolic steroids. They aren't really in the same league and the study needs to be more honest about what they surveyed because this is really more about performance enhancing hormones in general rather than just steroid use as the paper's title would indicate.
ReplyMost of bodybuilding is about ego. Thats a sad fact of life.
I wish more people were in it for the love and health aspects like the people at my blog.
RT
ReplyTotally fascinating. I am 25, slightly ectomorphic, and I can see how these guys want to speed up their gains. Cool article.
ReplyThe gym I work at help validates The research you posted above... "steroid use shows that it isn't about cheating athletes or teenage sports wannabes. Most steroid users are in it for looks"
All the guys that are rumored to be taking steroids at the gym I work at - do it mainly for looks
ReplyYou forgot one reason! A thyroid that does not work and it also enhances a low testosterone level which is ever diminishing in men over 30. It protects his heart and balances moods. The proper dosage doesn't do anything for muscles, except put you back where you need to be to be normal. THAT is why my husband takes a steroid. P.S. He nearly died because his thyroid stopped working completely and his whole body began to shut down. It is so important that men see their physician once a year and have a physical. He also gained weight because his metabolism slowed even though he ate very little. Some people that are overweight actually DO have a thyroid condition. If in doubt, see your physicial as soon as possible. It may mean saving a life --- your own!
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