Steroid Abuse Crisis: Parliament Sounds Alarm Over Youth Health Emergency
The pursuit of a chiseled six-pack physique through dangerous shortcuts is exacting a devastating toll on India's youth. A growing epidemic of steroid abuse has triggered a parliamentary intervention, with rising cases of heart attacks, severe liver injuries, and profound psychological distress among young fitness enthusiasts now reaching critical levels.
Parliamentary Intervention Against Illegal Steroid Trade
Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal recently brought the dangerous proliferation of anabolic steroids and dubious supplements to national attention during a Parliament session. Following her parliamentary address, Maliwal amplified her concerns on Instagram, revealing that banned substances are being openly sold and consumed by young people across the country.
"These steroids are causing liver toxicity, infertility, aggression, depression and even suicidal tendencies," Maliwal warned. "Some prescription medicines meant for asthma are being misused as fat burners. Despite being illegal, they are easily available in supplement stores."
Social Media Pressure and Counterfeit Market
The relentless pressure from social media platforms and celebrity culture has created an environment of impatience for rapid body transformation. Many young individuals are turning to protein powders and muscle enhancers, often unaware that the market is flooded with substandard or counterfeit products that pose serious health risks.
Even reputed supplement stores cannot consistently guarantee authentic products, creating a dangerous landscape where consumers gamble with their health. Disturbingly, reports indicate that some gym trainers actively promote steroid cycles as shortcuts to achieving quick physical results, further normalizing these hazardous practices.
Cardiovascular Catastrophe: Heart Attacks and Clot Formation
Cardiologists are sounding urgent alarms about the life-threatening cardiovascular consequences of steroid abuse. Dr. Ambuj Roy from AIIMS' Department of Cardiology explained that anabolic steroids systematically raise blood pressure, accelerate atherosclerosis, and promote dangerous clot formation within blood vessels.
"These physiological changes can trigger sudden heart attacks and permanently weaken the heart muscle," Dr. Roy emphasized. "The consequences are often sudden and catastrophic."
In just the past three months, AIIMS has treated three patients suffering from severe heart failure and blood clots directly linked to the misuse of mephentermine, a drug intended exclusively for critically ill patients.
"It spikes heart rate and blood pressure, creating a false sense of stamina," Dr. Roy cautioned about the drug's effects. "Repeated use can severely damage the heart's structure and function."
Psychological Fallout: Depression and Suicidal Tendencies
The psychiatric consequences of long-term steroid use are equally alarming. Professor Nand Kumar from AIIMS' Psychiatry Department detailed how prolonged steroid consumption is directly linked to depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, irritability, and hostility.
"Prolonged use can lead to hypogonadism, worsening depression and reducing libido," Professor Kumar explained. "Social media's idealized muscular imagery plays a major role in pushing young men toward these dangerous substances, creating a cycle of dependency and psychological harm."
Liver and Kidney Damage: Silent Organs Under Attack
The liver has emerged as another major casualty in the steroid abuse epidemic. Dr. Piyush Ranjan, Co-chairman of Liver Gastroenterology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, reported a significant increase in steroid-related liver injuries among young patients.
"Anabolic steroids and many supplements contain unknown constituents, leading to drug-induced liver injury," Dr. Ranjan stated. "Damage can range from mild cell injury to bile duct damage and even complete liver failure. Kidney injury is also a recognized complication that often accompanies these liver problems."
Globally, approximately 10-15% of all liver diseases are now linked to drug-induced injuries, with steroid abuse contributing significantly to this troubling statistic.
Willful Ignorance and Market Scrutiny
Medical professionals note a disturbing trend where some steroid users continue consuming these substances despite knowing the risks, while others attempt to monitor their liver and kidney function as they continue dangerous consumption patterns.
With the issue now formally raised in Parliament and hospitals reporting a steady stream of steroid-related cases, healthcare experts unanimously agree that India's supplement and steroid market requires urgent regulatory scrutiny and public health intervention to prevent further tragedies among the nation's youth.
