Rise of Steroid Use in the United Kingdom

Performance-Enhancing Drugs Gain Popularity in UK

 

Public health experts and doctors have report the increasing use of anabolic steroids and other image- and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs) among the British population, with estimates suggesting that up to a million individuals in the United Kingdom are resorting to these substances to alter their physical appearance. This trend encompasses not only teenagers pursuing the ideal physique but also older men striving to retain youthful looks.

IPEDs, or image- and performance-enhancing drugs, refer to a range of anabolic steroids and other substances that individuals use to alter their physical appearance and enhance their athletic performance. These drugs encompass various compounds, including anabolic steroids, growth hormones, peptides, and other similar substances. While IPEDs were initially associated with athletes seeking a competitive advantage in sports, their use has expanded beyond the realm of athletics and become increasingly prevalent among individuals striving to attain a particular aesthetic or body image.

Anabolic steroids are perhaps the most well-known and widely used IPEDs. These synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone promote muscle growth and enhance physical performance. By increasing protein synthesis and nitrogen retention within the body, anabolic steroids can lead to an increase in muscle mass, strength, and endurance. Some common examples of anabolic steroids include testosterone, nandrolone, and stanozolol.

In addition to anabolic steroids, other IPEDs such as growth hormones and peptides are also popular among users. Growth hormones, naturally produced by the pituitary gland, regulate growth and metabolism. When used as IPEDs, synthetic growth hormones can promote muscle growth, reduce body fat, and improve athletic performance. Peptides, on the other hand, are short chains of amino acids that can stimulate the release of growth hormones, increase muscle mass, and aid in recovery.

Contrary to the perception that IPEDs are primarily used to enhance sporting performance, research indicates that a majority of current users resort to these substances solely for cosmetic purposes.

The major risks are steroids that are produced by “underground labs” . Without proper quality control measures, individuals who obtain steroids from these underground labs face an increased risk of consuming counterfeit or contaminated substances, further exacerbating the potential health hazards associated with IPED use. On the contrary our shop offers steroids produced by official pharmaceutical factories that have passed strict governmental control and licensing processes. So with us you deal with the same quality of drugs that regular UK Olympic team member enjoy.

Our UK steroids shop offers shipments from countries where IPEDs are available over the counter. The accessibility of IPEDs in certain countries, where regulations may be more relaxed, allows individuals to easily acquire these substances and import them into the UK.

Steroids use in UK (official stats)

In Wales, a region long associated with steroid use, there have been reports of boys as young as 13 engaging in IPED consumption. Public health data sheds light on the prevalence of IPED usage among individuals accessing needle exchange services in Wales. The statistics reveal that more than half of those utilizing these services are engaged in steroid use, indicating the scale of the issue. In some regions, particularly in the southern valleys of Wales, the proportion reaches as high as 75%.

Frank Atherton, the chief medical officer for Wales, recognizes steroid use as a significant issue and attributes it to a cultural phenomenon driven by societal ideals. He points to the influence of media, specifically magazines like GQ, which portray a muscular and bulky physique as the desired standard of attractiveness for young men. The pervasive images and messages in popular culture contribute to the pressure individuals feel to conform to these unrealistic body ideals, leading some to turn to IPEDs in an attempt to attain the desired appearance. Atherton's observations highlight the complex interplay between cultural factors, media representation, and the motivations behind IPED use. Addressing this cultural phenomenon requires a comprehensive approach that challenges narrow beauty standards, promotes body positivity, and fosters a healthier and more inclusive perception of body image.

According to estimates by Public Health Wales, approximately 350,000 male users between the ages of 16 and 64 visit needle exchanges across England, Wales, and Scotland. However, this figure excludes female users, as well as younger and older individuals engaging in IPED consumption. The most comprehensive study on IPED usage, the national IPED info report, conducted by Joe Kean, the lead recruiter of steroid users, suggests a figure of around 900,000 users in the UK. Kean emphasized the need for further research on subgroups such as emergency services personnel, military members, and individuals affiliated with religious institutions.

Tom Maw, a steroid user and trainer who provides advice on the safe use of IPEDs, believes that the media sensationalizes the impact of these substances. He calls for increased dissemination of information on safe usage practices to provide users with the necessary knowledge to make informed choices.

Healthcare professionals closely working with IPED users, however, express concerns and estimate that the actual number of users in the UK may reach a million.

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