Steroid misuse to build muscles finds mention in Parliament

NEW DELHI: The six-pack look achieved through shortcuts may appear impressive, but the hidden toll of steroid abuse can be devastating. Rising cases of heart attacks, liver injuries and severe psychological distress among young gym-goers have brought the issue of steroid misuse to the attention of Parliament.

Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal flagged the illegal sale and use of anabolic steroids and dubious supplements during a recent Parliament session. She later posted on Instagram that banned substances are being openly sold and consumed by young people.

“These steroids are causing liver toxicity, infertility, aggression, depression and even suicidal tendencies. Some prescription medicines meant for asthma are being misused as fat burners. Despite being illegal, they are easily available in supplement stores,” she said.

Social media and celebrity culture are fuelling impatience for rapid body transformation. Many youngsters turn to protein powders and muscle enhancers, often unaware that the market is flooded with substandard or counterfeit products. Even reputed shops cannot always guarantee authentic products. In some gyms, trainers are reported to promote steroid cycles for quick results.

Cardiologists warn that the consequences of such intake can be sudden and life-threatening. Dr Ambuj Roy of AIIMS’ department of cardiology said anabolic steroids raise blood pressure, accelerate atherosclerosis and promote clot formation, triggering sudden heart attacks and permanently weakening the heart muscle.

In the past three months, AIIMS has treated three patients with severe heart failure and clots linked to misuse of mephenteramine, a drug meant for critically ill patients. “It spikes heart rate and blood pressure, creating a false sense of stamina. Repeated use can severely damage the heart,” Dr Roy said.

The psychiatric fallout is equally alarming. Prof Nand Kumar from AIIMS’ psychiatry department said long-term steroid use is linked to depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, irritability and hostility. “Prolonged use can lead to hypogonadism, worsening depression and reducing libido. Social media’s idealised muscular imagery plays a major role in pushing young men towards these substances,” he added.

The liver is another major casualty. Dr Piyush Ranjan, cochairman of Liver Gastroenterology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said steroid-related liver injuries are increasing. “Anabolic steroids and many supplements contain unknown constituents, leading to druginduced liver injury.

Damage can range from mild cell injury to bile duct damage and even liver failure. Kidney injury is also a recognised complication,” he said. Around 10–15% of liver diseases worldwide are linked to drug-induced injury.

Doctors note that while some users monitor liver and kidney function, many continue to consume such substances despite knowing the risks. With the issue now being raised in Parliament and hospitals reporting a steady stream of cases, experts say the supplement and steroid market needs urgent scrutiny.