Wannabe bodybuilders illegally taking steroids in UAE

Beginners often turn to testosterone and human growth hormone substances for aesthetic enhancement, as well as improving their performance levels.

Newbie gym enthusiasts in the UAE are illegally getting their hands on steroid drugs, which have dangerous impacts on their health, Khaleej Times has learned.
 
Doctors and fitness experts claim that men as young as 20 are "shooting" steroids into their systems, to see "quick results."
 
"There are gyms in Dubai where you can literally find the used syringes laying outside," said Andy Harper, co-owner of Iconic Fitness.
 
"People inject steroids prior to their gym session, then simply throw it on the ground. It is very prevalent in Dubai."
 
Harper said new beginners often turn to testosterone and human growth hormone substances for aesthetic enhancement, as well as improving their performance levels.
 
"These guys think the drugs are a miracle because they improve recovery time, reduce soreness and increase muscle mass, but they have no idea how it could lead to abuse."
 
"They believe the more, the better, and that is when these drugs become dangerous. Nine times out of 10, it leads to abuse."  
 
Harper, who has a master's degree in exercise physiology, said those relying on steroids could have catastrophic health problems in the near future.
 
"It is just like any other drug abuse," he added.

Personal trainers handing out drugs, ruining lives and reputations
 
Rob Donker, fitness professional, said he believes there is a rise in the number of new beginners using steroids. He also claims to have witnessed empty syringes laying outside gyms.
 
He said personal trainers imposing harmful substances on their clients are damaging the reputation for all personal trainers.
 
"They are harming our reputations."
 
"Our goal is not to just transform bodies, but also transform lives. We are unsung life coaches and there are a lot of psychological aspects involved, not just physical."
 
"But these so-called trainers are just handing out powerful under-the-counter supplements to manipulate their clients' bodies."
 
He stressed that the drugs could ruin the hormonal profile and the ability to maintain a balanced body and healthy organs.
 
"Tumors could also rapidly grow if they're on hormones or steroids," added Donker.
 
Doctors urge users to stop before it's too late
 
Dr Georgie Thomas, Specialist - Cardiologist, Burjeel Hospital, said harmful body growth substances can easily be found online.
 
"There are a lot of body enhancement products in the market, just about anything can be found online."
 
He said although anabolic steroids are difficult to subscribe by doctors, people are easily finding ways to get their hands on them.
 
"They get them when they travel overseas, from online pharmacies, and from certain personal trainers, who either supply them or give them their sources - but there's no concrete evidence."
 
He stressed that abusing the drug potentially leads to cardiovascular side effects, including heart failure and heart attacks.
 
"It could also lead to kidney disease."
 
"These newbie gym enthusiasts don't know what they're taking and the potential risks it has on their organs."
 
Dr Nadir Dawood, Specialist Physician and Diabetologist, Universal Hospital, said there are growing cases were patients have endured severe side effects from substance abuse.
 
"The testosterone hormones or substances are being illegally taken, and these drugs could cause metabolic diseases, hormonal disorders, fragile bones, high blood pressure and diabetes."
 
He said the drugs could also affect the reproductive system, the heart and increase the risk of prostate cancer.
 
"It literally affects every organ in the body."
 
Dr Dawood pointed out that steroids must not be taken, unless under medical supervision.
 
"We don't know exactly where the people are getting these drugs from, but we know they are taking them from their side effects."
 
"They are being taken illegally, largely by youngsters that want quick impact on their muscle growth."
 
"They are willing to accept the risk, just to impress the crowd."

jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi