The use of steroids is completely different from nutrition supplements which are well regulated in the local market by the health authorities concerned and are not harmful if used within the limits. However, steroids, which are often taken in the form of injection to achieve quick results in increasing the muscle mass, are not regulated or approved.
Dr Tariq Tawfiq, consultant endocrinologist, said that some young people use certain types of intensive amino acids and proteins that increase the load on the kidneys while others use steroids to enhance their muscle mass, and all such things have harmful consequences on the human health.
“When these products are not taken without proper medical prescription, they would certainly have very harmful effects on the body such as high cholesterol levels and increase in liver enzymes,” he cautioned.
Faisal BuHazaa, a fitness coach, pointed out that the proper and healthy method of training for bodybuilding is a gradual process, over a period of time. However, some young people want shortcuts, take banned drugs and steroids and eventually end up suffering from the adverse consequences.
Mohamed Abdulnabi, a fitness coach, stressed the need for highly qualified coaches to help young people to guide them through their training process. He pointed out that the training process is different for each person, according to the nature of the body. He also admitted that some coaches promote certain types of steroids to get commissions from the suppliers, which is not an acceptable conduct.
Ahmed al-Ruwaili, a bodybuilding coach, said that bodybuilding is a gradual process and the results should not be hurried as the growth of muscles need time, continuous training and healthy nutrition. However, he pointed out that certain steroids are taken by bodybuilders in preparation for international championships under medical supervision with a maximum period of three months.
Talib Shaheen, owner of a gym, said that more control should be exercised to monitor the practices of these centres and to check the qualifications of the workers, to avoid malpractices or abuses, Arrayah added.