Bodybuilding
Risks of Extreme Practices in Bodybuilding
Bodybuilders are increasingly engaging in extreme practices that pose significant health risks, including the potential for death. The community has seen numerous instances where athletes have suffered severe health complications or fatalities due to the use of performance-enhancing drugs, extreme dieting, and excessive training regimens.
Tragic Outcomes of Extreme Practices
Several bodybuilders have faced life-threatening situations due to the dangerous measures they undertake. For example, Alena Kosinova died in Spain before a competition after experiencing severe cramping and losing consciousness. Similarly, Jodie Engle, another bodybuilder, was hospitalized and faced potential open-heart surgery because of diuretic use, which led to significant medical expenses and the need for a future kidney transplant.
Daniel Alexander, who died at age 23, experienced health issues related to steroid use and fat burners. His death was attributed to steroid-induced cardiomyopathy, and authorities found more than a dozen different drugs at the scene. Brandon Char-Lee also succumbed to cardiac failure at the age of 23, with a history of anabolic steroid use and a strict competition diet that forbade water consumption.
Widespread Use of Performance-Enhancing Drugs
Illegal steroids and other substances are commonly used by bodybuilders to enhance performance and physical appearance. These drugs are often supplied by coaches who lack formal medical training or licenses. Despite the legality issues surrounding these substances in the United States, where nearly all steroids require a prescription, they remain easily accessible and widely used among competitors.
Bodybuilders often resort to diuretics to eliminate water weight and achieve a lean look during "peak week" before competitions. Additionally, substances such as thyroid medication and clenbuterol, a drug approved only for horses, are used to burn fat and boost performance. Survivors of such practices report long-term health problems, including kidney failure, high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, and depression.
Industry Pressure and Lack of Regulation
The bodybuilding community faces significant pressure to maintain silence about the dangers associated with extreme practices. Athletes who speak out may experience backlash from coaches and federation officials. Meanwhile, coaches and judges often encourage measures that jeopardize athletes' health.
There is a notable lack of comprehensive drug testing within bodybuilding federations such as the NPC and IFBB Pro. Despite some "natural" shows claiming to test athletes for banned substances, the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation faced sanctions from the World Anti-Doping Agency for inadequate testing protocols. The movement for widespread testing that began in the 1990s has dwindled, and the International Olympic Committee's provisional recognition of the IFBB lapsed in 2001.
Health Implications and Need for Change
The health implications of extreme bodybuilding practices are severe. Cardiovascular issues are prevalent, with anabolic steroids significantly increasing the risk of heart disease. Dehydration caused by diuretics can lead to kidney damage, while extreme dieting results in nutritional deficiencies. Overtraining may lead to chronic fatigue, injuries, muscle tears, and psychological effects, such as body image disorders and hormonal imbalances.
Research published in the European Heart Journal analyzed 20,286 male bodybuilders between 2005 and 2020, reporting 121 deaths at an average age of 45. Cardiovascular issues accounted for 40% of these fatalities, with bodybuilders facing a fivefold increase in cardiac risk compared to the general population. The study emphasizes the need for proactive heart screenings and calls for a cultural shift in the sport to address these significant health risks.
The bodybuilding industry must confront these challenges and implement measures to safeguard the health and well-being of its athletes. This includes stricter regulation of drug use, comprehensive health screenings, and a shift away from the promotion of extreme practices.