PETALING JAYA: Behind the promise of quick muscle gains lies a “cocktail of danger”, medical experts warned.
Consultant sports medicine physician Dr Arvin Raj Goonasegaran said unapproved substances could cause irreversible damage to the heart, liver, and even one’s mental state.
“Anabolic steroids have been used to treat conditions like hypogonadism but only under close medical supervision.
“In sports, however, their use has been strictly prohibited since the 1980s because of unfair advantage and safety concerns,” he said when contacted.
Dr Arvin said certain products sold by unscrupulous gyms and online sellers were made by underground laboratories, raising serious doubts about their purity and authenticity.
“Long-term side effects include cardiac arrests, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, high blood pressure, and a risk of thromboembolism.
“It can also damage the kidneys and liver, leading to cirrhosis or even cancerous lesions. There are mental implications too, both aggression and depression.
“The growing accessibility of these drugs is a deep concern,” he added.
“This is not the first time it has happened. These banned substances are so easily attainable, we are seeing even teenagers abusing them in the open,” he said.
Dr Arvin noted that some individuals mistakenly perceive these substances as health supplements, believing that Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are “safer anabolics”.
However, he emphasised that many of these products had not undergone proper clinical trials.
Others were laced with actual anabolics but produced without any regulation, he revealed.
Dr Arvin said the danger extended beyond professional athletes, affecting even young gym-goers desperate for fast results.
“The false promises of muscle gains often hide life-threatening risks that users only realise too late,” he lamented.
To curb the growing misuse, Dr Arvin called for stronger national intervention.
“Tighter regulation of online platforms, better control over the entry of these substances, and continuous public education are critical.
“Public figures in the sports sector should fight hard against the use of these substances and uphold their integrity as athletes,” he said.
Public health expert Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh echoed the concern, saying the problem extends beyond anabolic steroids to include other unregulated or counterfeit products.
“This is not particular to anabolic steroid misuse alone but includes other products that may contain heavy metals, contaminants or fake ingredients sold online or through illicit vendors.
“Most people are unaware and want cheap products lacking safety, effectiveness, and efficacy certifications. Some follow just word of mouth and unknowingly purchase uncertified products,” she added.
She said substance abuse can lead to serious and sometimes irreversible health consequences, such as kidney damage and failure, liver damage, deterioration of brain function, and muscle loss.
