The Steroids Trap

Since the last decade or so, a term has been emerging in popularity, ‘steroids’. Though it is a common word in the medical line, it is most prevalent in the sphere of bodybuilding.

The problem that has emerged in recent times is that this term has become too popular among the youth of the country.

What are Steroids?

In layman’s language, steroids are drugs that help in growth and repair of muscle tissues. They are synthetic hormones that increase muscle mass, strength, endurance and overall performance.

Now you all must be thinking that if they are so effective, then why are we criticizing it?

The term ‘synthetic’ is enough for their criticism and to give you an idea that they are not natural and are harmful for the body. Their use and abuse can lead to various health problems and in some cases death. Yes! You heard that right.

How do steroids work?

Steroids are used to improve performance. In the case of bodybuilding, to increase lean muscle mass. They are injected into the bodies of the athletes. Once they reach the muscle cell, the steroid interacts with the cells’ DNA and stimulates the protein synthesis that promotes cells growth, ultimately increasing muscle size. There is a large variety of steroids that have different functionality, and which are used differently.

The Trap!

Thomas Hobbes’ view of human nature was pessimistic, but no one can negate his position on the fact that human beings, in whatever natural surroundings, compete among st themselves. This competition can be for food, water, shelter, or in modern times, for wealth, fame, status etc. This spirit of competition is prevalent in all spheres of organic life, and whatever advantage they can garner to trump their competitors, they would consider using it. Thus, it is not any different for bodybuilders. For them it becomes the foremost requirement to use steroids, as they are professional, and they need to compete with others to win.

The main problem that this creates is that a large number of youth is in awe of them and look up to them. When they find out that steroids can help the, become like their idols, they become fantasized by it. The lack of awareness, manipulation by the ‘suppliers’ or the sheer ignorance of the negative long-term effects can be cited as the main causes. Even if people are aware of the harm it can cause, they give in to the lucrativeness of the short-term pleasure and put the long-term effects in the backseat. Through social media nowadays, it is very easy to follow anyone and know about them. The impressionable youth could want a body like their idol’s, and thus end up taking steroids as a way of fulfilling their fantasies. Even children as young as 15-16 years of age are ready to take steroids. Their goal is not to look good, or to feel good; they want to show off their physique, which they forget is temporary. It takes a huge toll on their health, a debt incurred from their body which they can never quite repay in the future.

The youth should realise what the actual meaning of health and fitness is, and that it does not only mean being strong or muscular. They should reconsider what their goal of bodybuilding is; to become healthy or to become ill?

In a survey conducted by Guruman, it was found out that as many as 50% of the people surveyed are ready to take steroids.

This shows how big the problem of steroid use is in India!

The right way.

The right direction for the youth is not to see the short term benefits, but to focus on a better future.

They should focus on eating the right food, taking the right supplements, focusing on the workouts. The most important thing that matters is that they should give their body time. Time is the key in natural bodybuilding.

Natural bodybuilding is difficult. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, patience and strong will, but it is sustainable, it is good for health and it makes you look good on the outside and makes you feel even better on the inside.

My advice to the youth is to stay away from these drugs and focus on their real goal, which is to lead a healthy and happy life. While focusing on your body, it is important to not make it an obsession. In an even more crude and informal comparison, a habit of ingesting steroids is nothing different from the habit of smoking. It may give you pleasure for now, but it causes tremendous harm in the future. If social media harms, it can also mend, and with the growing stigma related to steroid use, I hope my blog contributes to the spread of the right information.