The Health Risks of Using Anabolic Steroids and Doping

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risks of using anabolic steroids

Most serious athletes will tell you that the competitive drive to win can be all-consuming. Besides the satisfaction of personal accomplishment, athletes often pursue dreams of winning a medal for their country or securing a spot on a professional team. In such an environment, the use of performance-enhancing drugs has become increasingly common.

More than ever in history, the phenomenon of abusing steroids and doping, not only in the professional athletic world but also in amateur and recreational circles has become widespread. The young generation is looking up to unrealistic expectations and instant gratification motivated by the “heroes” they call athletes.

If we simply go back in time 50 years, athletes were our national heroes and a great example to the young generations in terms of moral integrity, hard word, perseverance, discipline, respect and good sportsmanship.  In recent history, we have had many negative examples of athletes reckless behavior and their shortcuts using performance enhancing drugs.

If these drugs were not health- damaging, but could still improve their physical capacity, I would be all for it, and they would not be illegal.  However, both science and my personal experience as a director of the largest fitness club in America has shown that these drugs have serious side-effects on both physical and mental health.

Now we need to determine whose fault it is- should we blame overpaid athletes or should we blame ourselves, their creators?  How innocent are we?!  Don’t we want our team to win no matter what?  Do we condemn them when they lose?  Do we push them beyond human capacity?  Are we trying to turn them into Greek Gods?  Maybe part of the problem is our perception and glorification of our athletes.

My personal opinion is that athletes and society, together, are responsible for the drastic increase in the use of steroids across the world. And, until we find enhancements that are 100% safe to the human body, we need to focus on our human capacities- which I believe can be tremendous and extraordinary in their natural forms.  Yes, we will need to work harder, but we will also level the playing field and serve as better role models to our children.

When I came to America in 2000, I was 190 lbs and all the personal trainers were over 230 lbs of lean muscle mass.  I noticed that I was exercising more than they did, yet my physical appearance was smaller.  I also noticed that I was less prone to injuries, physically stronger, and more mentally alert and balanced.  I saw one of my employees, a 270 lbs, 5% body fat grown man crying like a child for no apparent reason other than abusing steroids on a daily basis.  Over the years, several people I met died suddenly due to steroid abuse.

With this being said, I am providing some empirical data about the health risks associated with Steroids and doping in an effort to urge anyone using them to stop and think about their long-term health.  I know that champions will succeed no matter what!

 Health Risks Associated with Steroid and Doping

  • Infertility
  • Heart and circulatory problems
  • Aggressive behaviors, rage or violence
  • Psychiatric disorders, such as depression
  • Severe acne
  • Increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture
  • Baldness
  • Liver abnormalities and tumors
  • Increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol)
  • Decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol)
  • Increased body hair in women
  • Testicular Shrinkage
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Prostate gland enlargement
  • Drug dependence
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Fluid retention
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Impaired glucose regulation
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Infections or diseases such as HIV or hepatitis if you’re injecting the drugs
  • Inhibited growth and development, and risk of future health problems in teenagers

 

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Samir Becic
Samir Becic is a world-renowned health and fitness expert. Named the “Fitness Czar” by the City of Houston in 2018, he is also the author of the HarperCollins book ReSYNC Your Life, founder of Health Fitness Revolution Magazine, 4 x #1 Fitness Trainer in America by Bally Total Fitness, and creator of the ReSync Fitness Method. The Mayor of Houston and the 16 City Council Members proclaimed January 10th, 2023 as the official “Samir Becic Day” in the City of Houston. In May 2023, he was awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden, recognizing his invaluable contributions to society. In December 2023, Samir received a United States Congressional proclamation from the Historic 18th District for his prolific advocacy of physical fitness as an instrument for improving America’s health and his decade-long commitment to motivating the United States Congress. Samir’s impact extends beyond accolades; his work has graced the pages of numerous top-tier media outlets. His vibrant presence and powerful motivational skills have solidified his status as a luminary in the health and fitness domain. -Received a United States Congressional proclamation from the Historic 18th District in December 2023 for his influential role in the community and dedication to fitness advocacy -Bestowed a President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in May 2023 from President Joe Biden for his commitment to philanthropy and volunteering -January 10th, 2023 proclaimed as the official "Samir Becic Day" by Mayor Sylvester Turner and the 16 City of Houston Council Members for Samir's advocacy of health and fitness in America  -November 1st, 2022 proclaimed as the official "Samir Becic Day" by Mayor Sylvester Turner for Samir's service during his 4 years as the official "Fitness Czar" for the City of Houston and 20 years as a health advisor to previous Mayors -Official Fitness Czar for the city of Houston proclaimed by Mayor Sylvester Turner  -Named the “Best Fitness Trainer in the World” by two-time NBA Championship coach and Olympic gold medalist Rudy Tomjanovich -Named Top 40 "American Dream" immigrant -Chosen among the Top 6 "American Dream" immigrants for a collaborative panel between Interfaith Ministries and Houstonia Magazine -“#1 Fitness Trainer in the World,”- 4 times by Bally Total Fitness -#1 Fitness Trainer in Texas,”- 22 times by Bally Total Fitness -#1 Fitness Trainer in Houston”- 29 times by Bally Total Fitness -“Best of the Best Fitness Trainer”- 2 times by Bally Total Fitness -“Best Fitness Director”- 2 times by Bally Total Fitness -“Men’s Journal Top Fitness Trainer in America” -“Houston Health Warrior” by Health & Fitness Sports Magazine  -“The Motivator” by the Houston Chronicle

4 COMMENTS

  1. […] “Many celebrities today feel the pressure to look perfect both in their roles and on the red carpet- which pushes many of them to use un-natural means of appearing fit and “healthy”. All health experts will tell you that simply looking the part does not make one truly healthy, and that looks can be deceiving! Taking steroids, or diet pills, is detrimental to health longterm and can lead to some serious medical problems,” as Samir wrote in his article on Steroids and Doping. […]

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