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Subscribe to RSSAccording to a new report, the quest for the perfect body is putting more boys at risk than ever. Experts say that extreme weight-lifting and calorie-counting is on the rise in boys as young as 14, which could interfere with their development. NBC's Rehema Ellis reports.
All those glossy magazine ads showing men – and women – with bulging muscles may be having a big impact on America’s youth. In a new study of 2,793 teens from 20 urban middle and high schools, more than 90 percent of boys and 80 percent of girls said they were exercising to become more buff.
If exercise was the only method kids were using to pump up their muscles, it wouldn’t be a problem. But a large number of American teens are also using protein powders and other methods to help them bulk up, researchers reported. And even more concerning, almost 6 percent of boys and 5 percent of girls were turning to steroids to achieve the toned up look they craved, according to the study published Monday in Pediatrics.
What’s troubling, the researchers say, is the possibility that as they grow older, more and more teens will turn to unhealthy methods to muscle up.
“If they’re interested in developing muscle at 13, 14, and 15, what are they going to be doing at 18 or 20?” says the study’s lead researcher Marla Eisenberg, an assistant professor in pediatrics in the division of Adolescent Health and Medicine at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine. “Are they going to be doing something more dangerous?”
The researchers were surprised at the number of girls who were hoping to bulk up. That certainly signals a change in what American teens see as the ideal female body.
“The ideal figure for women for a long time was very thin,” Eisenberg says. “Now more and more we’re seeing images of women who are not just slender, but also have toned shoulder and arms. They’re very fit looking.”
For the new study, Eisenberg and her colleagues surveyed adolescents from 20 middle schools and high schools in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area of Minnesota. The teens, whose average age was nearly 14 and a half (14.4), were asked to fill out a 235-item questionnaire.
The questionnaire looked at attitudes and behaviors relating to weight and appearance.
Particularly telling were the answers to this question:
“How often have you done each of the following things in order to increase your muscle size or tone in the past year? (a) Changed my eating (b) Exercised more (c) Used protein powder or shakes (d) Used steroids (e) Used another muscle building substance (such as creatine, amino acids, hydroxyl methylbutyrate, DHEA, or growth hormone).”
The possible answers were: never, rarely, sometimes, often.
More than two thirds of boys said they had changed the way they ate to muscle up, while more than 90 percent said they were exercising to add muscle, 40.9 percent saying they did this often. Similarly, nearly two thirds of girls said they’d changed their diets and more than 80 percent girls said they were exercising to tone their muscles.
Among the boys, 34.7 percent were consuming protein powders or shakes, 5.9 percent reported using steroids, and 10.5 percent said they were using some other muscle enhancing substance. That’s compared to 21.2 percent of girls using protein powders or shakes, 4.6 percent taking steroids, and 5.5 using some other muscle enhancing substance.
Those numbers concern Dana Rofey, an assistant professor of pediatrics in the Division of Weight Management and Wellness at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
“I am quite surprised at the prevalence of protein powders and shakes and steroid use,” Rofey says.
While it’s good that young people are trying to get in shape, there could be a dark side to all this bulking up if kids take it too far, Rofey says.
A study like this should serve as a warning call to parents, she adds.
“I always tell my patients’ parents, you can never underestimate your role in terms of role modeling,” she explains. “I have two young daughters myself. Sometimes I have to stop and explain to them why I’m working out. Why I’m doing all those ab exercises.
"You need to talk openly with them about the importance of being healthy and of not doing fad kinds of things to look a certain way.”
For her part, Eisenberg hopes that people will understand that fitness is a good thing, but you have to achieve it through healthy means.
“We definitely don’t want to be taken as trying to send the message that exercise or eating in a certain way is bad,” Eisenberg says. “There are many good things that go along with those behaviors, such as general fitness and health. We’re concerned that when achieving a certain physical appearance is the driving force, those good behaviors might give way to less healthy ones in the future.”
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Can "protein powders and other stuff" cause behavioral problems...a change in personalities?
Protein powder does not cause a change in personality, except for the better. As for other stuff, that can do anything.
I am aware of a particular kind of protein injection that most men are fond of administrating to a particular kind of workout partner. I don't see it as a behavioral problem and it definitely changes my personality once I deliver it.
Kids these days just can't win... First, we've spent the better part of the past decade pointing out the fact that we have an obesity problem with children in the country. Well, kids seem to have responded by hitting the gym. A couple of scoops of whey protein powder a day no matter what will have FAR LESS harmful effects than an extra 20 lbs the kids will carry on their midsection into adulthood. As far as steroids, people will continue to use them. Hopefully, just as the kids have learned from obesity education they will make the right decision when they have to make that choice. Fact is you can't prevent ALL kids and young adults from going down that path. Just like cocaine, meth and other drugs. Some will fall through the cracks. Most will not!!! In the end, being "buff" is s good thing compared with the alternative which we've seen in the past.
Pump iron kids!!! Eat your veggies, watch the carbs and if you need a littel extra... WHEY is the WAY to go!!!
That is a really interesting question. AB is right -- at least for rational adults. But adolescents are often not rational, and clearly not adults.
Teens tend to have an "It can't happen to me" attitude. Combined with the insecurities of being that age, with questioning who you are and where you're going, with the transition from being a dependent child to an independent adult, it's a rough time.
I am pretty sure that aspiring to the largely unattainable images that are all over the place in our culture cannot be a healthy thing. Sports, sure. Staying fit, great. Enjoying the changing capacities of your changing body, a good thing. But deciding you have to look like the airbrushed photos of models or bodybuilders, I don't think so.
That's not about capacity, that's about appearance. And as we all know, even "rational adults" get caught up in the desire to look like a model or a movie star or a sports figure. It can't be good for teens -- it would not surprise me to learn that both behavioral issues and personality changes could come about from that kind of fixation, the things they might do to try to achieve a somewhat unattainable goal, and the consequences of falling short....
I agree with you Geronimo Sittingbull. I could use one of those injections right now.
Geronimo... that's hilarious because sex jokes never get old! Yes, I'm being facetious.
Again, BE AFRAID! FEAR, driven by individuals in the media who can't seem to be happy in their own skin.....
What's next? Don't breathe too much? Is that little ache really a large tumor? Exercise your fears and become sheep who need someone to tell them how to live..in fear.....
Little more than a cyclical trend. Similar to the same interest in the late eighties and early nineties. Continuous devotion to hitting the iron over time is difficult to maintain for the majority of the population. Just look around. This will will pass and the next group of skinny jean wearers will emerge.
As to those of you touting the use of anabolics; yes it builds muscle tissue, but it does not strengthen connective tissues. There will be a price to pay in the future, take my word for it.
Maybe it will help the boys wear their pants like they're supposed to be worn.
Crotch at the crotch, instead of crotch at the knees.
NO 7:
Protien by itself, is not known to cause issues in personality traits.
Those on high protien diets can have halatosis(bad breath).
Those who's kidneys are not functioning correctly, will develope hepatic encephalopathy. By product of protien in our bodies is urea. Urea is then converted to amonia. Amonia is filtered out by the liver. IF it is does not clear the body,VIA the kidneys, amonia levels reach high numbers,causing a drop in level of conciousness,loss of orientation.
That aside, it is good to see young kids trying to be fit. CAUTION: WE DO NOT want to encourage it to the point of obsession. EVER treated anyone for bulemia or Anorexsia?? NOT pretty.
Oh no now the media is saying that kids are getting to ripped. Jesus Christ on a 4-wheeler, this is nothing new. I would say 90% of the guys in high school wanted to be jacked. So what we did was getting on whatever muscle building diets there were at the time and lifted weights, take a protein supplement once or twice a day. Trust me its better for you than sitting on your as- and eating chips all day. As far as roids, there was always one or two people that took them and there always will be. Damn media blowing things out of proportion once again.
you're thinking of testosterone
Damn Geronimo that was funny, what are you about 12 now?
Mmm, kids steroids are bad mkay? Just google dead wrestlers ad look at the median age of death. Hang and bang all day, but go natural.
Doesn't this seem to contradict reports asserting that teens are becoming more sedentary and obese?
They say 6% of boys and 5% of girls are using steroids. I don't think 5% of these kids know were to get steroids let alone take them. Sure you may have some jocks taking this garbage but most teen boys already have such high levels of testosterone that is equal a 25 year old on steroids Besides I see the high school kids walking home and trust me they don't take steroids, they don't even pick their feet up when they walk so I doubt they work out.
burkai....right on the money....just changed channels because of news story...driving to someplace maybe dangerous.........................be aware when driving in unknown areas.......!
Zuksam-
Kids definitely know where to get steroids. It really isn't that complicated. Silly story, though. As stated by many before me, it simply states that they are worried because they are undertaking a healthy activity and may possibly do something unhealthy. Overreactive culture anybody?
It is too bad that they are working out to "get buff" and not to be healthy and feel better but, whatever... They are kids.
I don't see protein powders as being bad when taken in moderation. I wouldn't let someone under 18 take creatine though. Steroids would be a definite no for anyone especially when seeing all of the bad side effects that can take place in both men and women.
Steroids have their place if they're properly cycled. How about you cite a scientific study where this was done and there were still side effects in adults?
I'm tired of one adult telling another what they can and cannot do to themselves.
@AB-1981- I pretty sure that Brad wasn't telling anyone what they can or can't do. His comment is a generalization. And I agree with him. Protein powders are fine. I've even used them when I was younger. I would suggest though that if you do use, just be sure to drink plenty of water. As for Creatine and other forms of powder based steroids or testosterone additive, these could change a persons rage and thought process if not taken in a very controlled environment. I went to high school with a kid that completely over did it with those things causing life long ticks in his face and verbally. He also would blow up in moments of rage becuase of them.
So, if you decide to use such things just be sure you are monitoring your intake and how you feel with each sized doseage.
AB-1981, a little roid rage going there punk?
Steroids should be admistered without a doctor because they can be very damaging when used improperly, which is why they need to be regulated.
I'm tired of one adult thinking they can handle anything that comes their way despite them being totally ignorant about the topic...
The problem is....an individual who has hit his/her genetic wall and cannot gain anymore muscle mass no matter how well they eat and how hard they lift cannot go to a Doctor for an anabolic steroid Rx. The only legal option is going to a plastic surgeon and receiving implants. Plastic surgery kills thousands every year......anabolic steroids kill nobody.
Bonds25...you never heard what happened to Lyle Alzado of the Broncos?
He died of brain cancer with 0% chance that it was caused by anabolic steroid abuse. What about the other thousand people who died that year from the exact cancer who never used anabolic steroids? Just because an individual used anabolic steroids in their life doesnt mean they were the cause when the said individual dies from health conditions that thousands of non users die from each year.
@Tim-874396
Why exactly?? I'm tired of one adult thinking their opinion should mean jack @!$%# when it doesn't imact them in any way, shape or form. I say let the idiots be idiots if they choose and if anyone is going tobitch let it be their freinds and family.
Blake- If you don't know what you're talking about, please don't post. Grouping creatine with steroids only creates further misinformation and confusion.
Do some research before putting out useless information.
you do know that creatine is a naturally occuring substance right? a scoop of creatine is what you get from a 4oz serving of steak.
@ Blake-2644321
""@AB-1981- "...And I agree with him. Protein powders are fine. I've even used them when I was younger. I would suggest though that if you do use, just be sure to drink plenty of water. As for Creatine and other forms of powder based steroids or testosterone additive, these could change a persons rage and thought process if not taken in a very controlled environment..."
'Creatine' is NOT and will/should NEVER be a classified and/or grouped as a "steroid." Please be mindful as to not make comments that are simply scientifically NOT true. This is how things get blown out of proportion. Creatine will NEVER cause a "rage" - NEVER.
Stating that taking "steroids" in a "controlled environment..." is ludicrous. Taking Steroids in any form is ludicrous!
Creatine - Besides being one of the most tested substances over many decades, it is also a nonprotein nitrogen substance that is synthesized in the body from three amino acids which are: arginine, glycine, and methionine. It readily combines w/phosphate to form phosphocreatine (creatine phosphate), which is present in muscle. Creatine serves as the storage form of high-energy phosphate necessary for intense muscle contraction. Taking an additional amount of creatine for exercise that involves the anaerobic system, more so for the type 2 muscle fibers which are used in strength training and for instance a sprinter running 100m race, however, all muscle types can benefit.
Protein additives by whey (yes that's a pun) of powder form or other forms of protein, when taken in moderation, do benefit the recovery and muscle building growth process. Forms of protein that can be ingested within 30 min after training are extremely beneficial, even low-fat choc milk works, (although whey is superior to casein protein). Generally one does not carry around a complete meal to ingest directly after training so rapid forms are acceptable.
To general public:
Steroids in any form unless prescribed by a physician for a medical condition should NEVER be used. The steroid abuse by some organizations
I have been a professional trainer - clinical exercise/sports/fitness training and a professional promoter of natural drug free fitness events for 15 years. I do not promote or involve myself in any function where illegal steroid use is permitted. By fact of appearance alone those steroid abusing bodybuilders and other classifications of athletes showcasing steroid abuse (call it what it is ) are basically telling everyone they criminals. But that's for another discussion.
ABUSE of ANYTHING is not good. That being said...
I would rather deal with an obsession of healthy habits over dealing with obesity and a lethargic attitude about life. Parents should take an active role in joining or being the mentor in exercise if possible. A little interaction goes a long way. Education is the key, moderation is the solution, and the benefit is lifelong healthy productive journey. Kids and young adults can be abusive and obsessive by nature. If any parent has concerns over their child's exercise habits, they could consult with a professionally educated personal trainer, or a sports related professional who has no involvement. There are no guarantees it would be free, but most legitimate professionals would likely be able to give useful information as to warning signs and abusive behavior. But again, they should be a professionally educated individual.
That is enough for today...
Have a healthy day!
AB-1981,
You are delusional if you think you can live a life without being under someone authority. You being sick of one adult telling another adult what to do is the formula for anarchy (disorder, chaos, lawlessness, mayhem, and rebellion).
Society cannot exist without levels of authority at the work place, in the streets, in the homes, communities, etc. Simple example; drive as fast as you like down a neighborhood street and pass by a police cruiser doing 100mpg in a 35mpg zone. The police is an adult and so are you. Let's see how tired you are being told what to do by an adult. You cannot shout fire in a movie theater, you cannot burn a house down, or rob a bank because you want to. You cannot cheat on an exam, get caught, then complain that you are an adult and should be able to cheat as you please. If this all seem normal then think how abnormal you sound.
Stop being difficult.
Edited from original post
To general public:
Steroids in any form unless prescribed by a physician for a medical condition should NEVER be used. The steroid abuse by some organizations... are rampant but declining. Athletes who use and abuse steroids often have forms of muscle dysmorphia - where they NEVER achieve a personal acceptable body image of muscular size and definition.
Lots of liberty-robbers here today. When I take a substance (and I am not saying I take any illegal ones), I take them only after a substantial study of their pros and cons, and risks and benefits. I know just what to expect. And I am an adult, not a growing child. If you tell me what I cannot do to myself with my money, I'll kick you in the gonads. The control you think you have - you do not.
Y'all just go ahead and take all the steroids you want. The rest of us can use the oxygen.
@Blake: Never, ever use creatine and steroids when trying to talk about the same thing. Creatine has more studies on it than any other type of workout supplement, is a substance naturally occurring in the body, and is entirely safe as a supplement as a means of enhancing strength, muscle tone, and muscle protein synthesis. Also, most powdered and liquid forms of pre/post workout are completely harmless for the majority of the population. The only major exception are individuals with heart conditions that should not ingest caffeine.
You're simply fostering misinformation.
Wait, the survey grouped together amino acids and Growth Hormones? That’s a pretty big range of “other”.
It also didn't control for kids on athletic teams. There are an awful lot of assumptions in this study.
“If they’re interested in developing muscle at 13, 14, and 15, what are they going to be doing at 18 or 20?” says the study’s lead researcher Marla Eisenberg"
Probably none of these things. Remember what it was like to be a teenager - all the peer pressure, self-image and self-esteem issues, and awkwardness? When that disappears, and people start to feel more comfortable about themselves, this spike will drop off.
@yeahbuhwha?
Yeah like for example assuming you'd get an honest answer out of teenagers. 85% say they are trying to get more toned but actual statistics show that 30% of them are over weight.
So what is wrong with protein powders? If you are going to list it in the article with negative connotations than you should provide some facts.
Strange we live in a society where pressure is building to legalize addictive and recreational drugs but steroids are still demonized. Steroids are not nearly as harmful as other substances. Steroids should probably have never been put on the the list of illegal scheduled drugs to begin with, and should have come off long before marijuana.
You might want to do some research into steroid abuse. Granted steroids do have medical uses, but when used incorrectly they can lead to some very negative side effects.
As can abusing anything, whether legal or not.
Thank you, Captain Obvious. So too can operating a vehicle, a chainsaw, an electric toothbrush...the list is endless! Thank God you were here to steer us clear from using steroids incorrectly!
paul-1509089 - Pro Tip: Instead of an offensive reply, you may have actually used your post to present facts, statistics, and medical opinions to back up your ludicrous claim that steroids are less dangerous than marijuana.
But, welcome to my ignore list.
I wonder if someone here can tell me what Prednisone is - I was under the impression that it's a type of steroid. I had a severe sinus infection two weeks ago, and was put on a dose pack for 6 days. I almost always gain weight when I go on one of those, and last week was no exception. Why does that happen?
Btw, what a stupid, alarmist reaction to kids "wanting to get more toned." IF a bunch of kids are overdoing it, pumping iron 4 hrs a day and eating raw steak THEN there might be something to worry about. And only 5% are using steroids??? So that means the other 95% are probably nothing to worry about, right???
Prednisone is a cortico steriod which is chemically similar to cortisol, a naturally occuring anti-inflammatory hormone produced in your adrenal gland. Anabolic steriods are chemically similar to testosterone, a naturally occuring hormone produced by your testes that promotes males traits.
This sounds like the making of a dateline or Oprah episode. Or maybe even a Lifetime movie. They can call it 'My Daughter was a Body Builder.'
Most absurd article ever - kids are doing something good - getting exercise/building muscle - and something healthy - eating protein supplements, which are 100% natural and very good if lifting weights - and this article says that is a problem? Idiotic.
I thought for once a positive article, not about kids sitting watching TV, texting - but somehow the author/news source decided to make this a worry/negative story. Shut up. It's great they are lifting, maybe a sign that the new generation will be fitter - and know how to eat right, like making sure to have enough protein.
Idiot reporter.
While I agree that working out is a great habit, excessive consumption of protein can overly tax the liver and kidneys to rid the body of the resulting waste. The possibly long-term effects of high protein consumption are something to be aware of. . .some doctors recommend against consuming protein powders for lifetime wellness.
Only EXTREME amounts of protein will cause any harmful effects......hardy something an individual who is actually putting this protein to good use (building muscle mass) should worry about.
I completely agree with you Jeff. People scream and squawk about the childhood obesity problem in this country; then they complain that those who are trying to get in shape, aren't doing it the "right" way. Typical of those who wish to live in a "nanny" state.
@Jeff-1544334
And how are those protein powders for kids who don't realize they need to burn off ALL of those calories each and every day?
Do you even have kids?? Sure, lifting and exercising is great but why do kids need any supplements? Personally, I don't see how creating a generation of ultra vain teens who are worried about being toned instead of simply trying to be healthy is really that great of a thing.
How about we encourage health instead of vanity??
@DrMan
What a ridiculous thing to say. If you use protein powders and other supplements in the wrong way what exactly will happen? Will those children be in better shape or worse?
And I thought your first statement was ridiculous. How does this in any way equate to government control over our personal lives? Giving people advice is not a "nanny state" just because you don't like to hear what they are saying.
Yes it's great that this current generation seems to want to get in better shape and health, but these kids are part of the generation (Millennials, the 'Me' generation) that have role models like Snookie, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Lindsay Lohan. It's more likely they're doing it solely for looks and attention (and this generation has a much less restrictive and moralistic approach to drug use). But one can only hope that some of them are in fact doing it in order to obtain good health, not to get a competitive edge up on others when it comes to getting attention from the opposite sex (or in some cases, the same sex).
Why is stupidity the norm? - So, you are saying that nothing has really changed since at least the 1970's. (And let's not forget it was the Baby Boomer Hippies in the 1960's who put us on this train. And what about those 1950's movies with Doris Day? They were considered risque in their time.)
But yes, let's hope that some of them are gaining the values that culture hasn't prized since at least the 1940's and are looking to obtain good health, et cetera.
No, I don't equate the two - at least I don't see Snookie & Lindsay curling weights. Maybe their hair or a 6-pack (not the Abs variety, either). OF COURSE they're doing it for looks, the article said so! And that's bad because....???
Backcountry-
And how are those protein powders for kids who don't realize they need to burn off ALL of those calories each and every day?
They are exercising, which burns calories.
One day we complain that kids are obese and going to die of diabetes at 20 years old, then the next week there is an article like this describing the dangers of kids who want to exercise and take supplements. Yay.
@real3nuff
Yeah, God forbid we encourage children to exercise without taking supplements. How crazy would that be?
/sarcasm
Backcountry, most supplements out there are still safe for kids when taken/cycled as directed on the packaging itself. Creatine and protein in particular are the safest supplements on the market, and can still benefit teens who are training towards specific sport/fitness goals. Rather than encourage them to exercise without supplementation, it is better to educate them to use supplements correctly.
hockeyd13
Right, and then just hope they actually use them correctly. I'm going to go out on a limb and assume you don't have any teenagers yourself.
And please do explain why there is anything wrong with children exercising without supplements?? Personally, I want my kids to be healthy and I don't even want them to consider the need to be "toned". Is that really a bad thing??
No. But I was a teenager not too long ago, and believe me, I could have used the education to my advantage. Overall, physical EDUCATION in this country is poor at best. Children and teens have to exercise in schools but are never given a glimpse as to why exercise is a positive thing, what exercise can do for their bodies, minds, and psyches.
You say that you want your kids to be healthy, but you're not worried about them being "toned". But the word "toned" itself is a misnomer to describe muscular fitness or development, because muscles have "tone" or tensile capability regardless of visual muscular definition. You can raise your children as you see fit, but it is not a bad thing if a child or teen shows interest in developing themselves physically, particularly if they are involved in organized athletics. At no point did I say it is wrong for children to exercise without supplements. But it is better to teach them how to use supplements if they are interested, so that they used them safely and correctly.
OMG, Protein Powder?! God forbid! And.. Growth Hormone is in an entirely different world than Creatine and Amino Acids.. why would you even attribute one to the other? Also, no teens I know would be able to afford real growth hormone, so nice try.
What exactly is news worthy in this article? Is this some new trend in fitness? This has been going on since the beginning of sports. GNC has been a permanent fixture in every mall since '83 and protein shakes have been around for even longer. "Oh no teenagers are working out and a small percentage of them use steroids!" - It's the same as it ever was.
@radagast
So lets just keep making the same mistakes?? That's your point??
Not exactly. My point is this article is not a new story. Of course we should instruct children on the dangers of steroids and provide guidance on safe ways to exercise and build muscle, but the article makes it seem as though this is some new phenomenon when it is not. There is nothing to freak out about here. It's the same as it ever was.
People read stories like this and they imagine that there is some new trend or new scourge that is assailing teenagers. My point is that this is not accurate, but thanks for twisting what I said and putting a new meaning on it that I did not intend.
Really!? I find these percentages impossible to believe. I submit that genes will ultimately rule their adventure. You either got it or you don't. If your folks are pear-shaped, guess what? Of course you can be a very toned pear but you are not going to have the washboard abs that I believe is the definition of buff today's teens aspire to.
Exercising is great for kids but fourteen year old kids trying to get buff or bulk up is a little early for pounding the iron at the gym hard enough to want HGH or 'roids. Kids shouldn't be using steroids much less have access to them at that age. I can't imagine kids being able to fully understand the risks, how to cycle, appropriate dosages. There is some information that low dosage steroids can avoid the scary side effects but let the kids at least finish puberty first.
@ real3nuff and Dave Southard
I was thinking the same thing that we finally have some good news on kids' eating/health habits and then the author spins it in a negative direction. Way to go! :(
Wait .... I thought First Troll, Moochie, said our kids were fat.
So which is it? Our children are fat or they are seeking to have great looking bodies?
Once again, the issue of fitness is not problematic in and of itself - parental supervision is always necessary with youth and it seems that parents would love to show off wonderfully fit children instead of Honey Boo Boo clones!
Does Moochie's diet imposed upon cafeterias actually assist with children seeking fitness or is she ignoring this facet of life that is happening in spite of her?
Honey Boo Boo is to be admired and looked up to the country over. She says and does stupid things all day and Americans love this.
Too much protein can be hard on the kidneys and some people may have some mild intestinal issues with flatulence and changes in bowel movements, but too much of anything can be bad. The additional protein as I see it is an adjustment to account for the modern diet that is very high in Carbohydrates and bad Fats, so an extra 50 grams or so of protein puts that balance back where it should be for strength training. Fitness conscious people also add good fats to their diets too.
What I like about fitness as opposed to dieting is that people don't see it as a short term quick result and are making long term lifestyle changes with long term goals.
What is interesting about this trend, along with the current obesity trend seems to be driving us to the state of a majority of people either being fit with normal body fat ranges or very unfit and high in body fat. The group in the middle who are somewhat fit but high in fat or out of shape with normal weight appears to be shrinking and may for many be a transitory stage from one extreme to the other.
Lifting weights and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is wonderful for young adults and teenagers.......unless it's only driving force is from wanting to increase one's appearance and self esteem? What a stupid article and study. Anabolic steroids should ONLY be used by individuals over 21 years of age.
nothing wrong with using working out/excercise to build self esteem.
This article makes a faulty argument based on flawed logic.
Overall, more kids exercising is a good thing – a very good thing. We're by far the fattest country in the world.
Protein shakes don't present a health risk in any shape or form. At that age, they won't help them bulk up. It'll just make their poop a bit more expensive. And to say that they'll later turn to steroids is nothing more than conjecture.
I was an athlete in high school and I drank weight gainer and protein shakes to try to bulk up. My metabolism just burned them off. But I never once considered steroids.
There's a huge difference between chemicals and nutrition. Kids understand that. It's a major line to cross. If they take steroids, they almost certainly would have taken them anyway.
The five percent figure sounds about right. Roughly that percentage of guys I went to high school with used them. And that was almost 20 years ago. They're the ones thinking they're going into the NFL and take the risk for the multi-million dollar rewards / pipe dreams.
I only knew one or two guys on steroids that just wanted to look good. But if you've ever had the misfortune of seeing a Twilight movie, you know that roided out meathead isn't the look they're going for.
The HIGH majority of anabolic steroid users use them for appearance reasons. A very small percentage use them for athletics. Its pretty simple....most chicks dig muscle. Also, keep in mind, there are many anabolic steroids that are for cutting purposes and not bulking (Twilight ripped)
Actually, steroid use among athletes is far higher than it is among non-athletes percentage wise. This is true at both the high school level and in adulthood. The majority of adult steroid users were athletes at one time and failed to make it at a higher level. So while you can say they take steroids for looks now, their original motivation was performance based.
Wrong....the high majority of individuals who currently use anabolic steroids use them for appearance purposes that have ZERO to do with an athletic advantage. Just because the user was a former athlete doesnt mean the reason he is using them now is for athletics purposes.
@Bonds25
I would like to see some info to back up this claim because it is fairly counter intuitive. I would also point out that bodybuilders who compete would hardly fit into the definition of just "doing it for appearances" even if their "sport" is not exactly athletic.
Look Linda Carroll, do you want your child consuming protein shakes, packing on muscle, and living an active life-style or do you want your child consuming soda, rotting their teeth out of their head, gaining unnecessary weight and living a sedentary life-style? It may be a hard concept for you to wrap your head around due to your narrow scope of data points, but you shouldn't have written this article. I appreciate your concern for our youth but this article is a fallacy and before it was written you should have done more due diligence.
You have to understand that protein has the highest biological value of any food protein-- even infant formula contains a high concentrate of isolate whey protein! And because protein generally originates from milk, it provides essential amino acids found in all animal sources of protein. These amino acids I speak of are essential to anyone's diet (teenagers and infants included) as our bodies are incapable of synthesizing them. These amino acids supply the growing and active teen with the building blocks of OPTIMAL HEALTH!! Oh by the way, creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid (protein building block) that is found in meat and fish, and it's also made by the human body in the liver, kidneys and pancreas.
I acknowledge I'm only speaking of protein, amino acids and creatine here but it shouldn't have been cross referenced with DHEA and Steriods... Damn you Linda Carroll!
Be wary of the results from any study based on self reporting!!!!!!
Young teens downing protein shakes and using steriods is insane; it's like a 14 year old girl getting breast implants. Yes, eat wisely but eat real food; exercise, yes but for the overall health of your body, not to just pack on muscle. Teens are still in the process of developing a mature body and they need a developed body before taking off on this bulk for muscle routine. Too many movies with bad actors going around shirtless; it sends the wrong message. Who can say what these kids bodies are going to mature into when packed with chemicals? Where are the parents of these kids? Are they so out of touch they don't see whats going on or have they bought the all looks no substance message thrown at consumers now days?
Lifting weights early in life helps promote muscle, bone, tendon and ligament development.......
This is a really poor piece of of journalism, if only for the fact that it makes no differentiation between protein shakes (simple whey protein concentrate or isolate, or perhaps soy or egg protein) as an alternative to more chicken/fish/beef/eggs... and exogenous hormones delivered through a syringe (or pill, to be fair). If the WILD difference between those two is not readily apparent to you, you are likely not sufficiently educated on this topic to be writing on it.
By the way, the percentage of teen girls on steroids is MUCH higher than 5%. Look up what birth control pills are. Then again, Ms. Carrol has shown a serious deficiency on this subject matter, so I don't doubt that she doesn't know the difference between anabolic/androgenic steroids and other types.
Lastly, I can't be the only one who questions the accuracy of a self-reported multiple-choice questionnaire given to children. Does anybody really expect that such a questionnaire given to a mere 235 students is statistically significant? I would not be the least bit surprised if these numbers are heavily skewed. First, who knows if these children are answering honestly. Second, who knows if the children are able to answer honestly - if Ms. Carrol (an adult) has a deficient understanding of the topic, how can we expect children to actually know protein powders are not steroids? Third, if you administered such a survey in someplace like Texas, where high school football is nearly a religion, your numbers would be much higher for steroid use than in, say, suburban Illinois at a school with no football team.
Either way, shame on Ms. Carrol and MSNBC for producing such poor, misleading content.
It's MSNBC, pretty much a synonym with poor, misleading content. No surprises here.
My cousin took steroids when he was in high school (1980s). He's passed away since. Not such a great idea to go any further than protein powders.
I knew many people who have passed away since high school......none of them have ever used anabolic steroids. Your point is ridiculous at a minimum.
Janellect apparently felt the need to share with others his/her own experience regarding a relative's untimely death as a possible result of steroid use. The Center for Disease Control lists the number of deaths due to anabolic androgenic steroids at 3 per year, not a big number, but just the fact that it's a possibility doesn't make Janellect's post any more ridiculous than yours.
Ridiculous. Creatine powder has been studied thoroughly and is entirely safe, as well are most pre/post workout supplements.
I chose not to go into detail out of respect to his memory, but there were health issues complicated by drug use. His heart gave out in his 3rd decade. I don't know many people who can say that is common Bond. I also happen to know steroid use can halt bone growth, and that's coming from my A&P professor.
You mean....the thousands of people who die from heart attacks every year while in their 30's? What other drugs was your friend taking? Anabolic steroids have ZERO effects on bone growth. Your A&P Professor should resign immediately.
Bond25, Why are you so defensive? Are you taking steroids? No, it is not common to die from a heart attack in your 30s, and yes steroids can most definitely affect bone growth. Here is a link from Emory. It also affects the testicles too.
http://www.psychiatry.emory.edu/PROGRAMS/GADrug/Children/Children%20-%20Other%20Drugs/steroids.pdf
Janellect, your response to Bond is nothing more than a logical fallacy, a personal attack. And then you site a newsletter as if it provides legitimate information to support your viewpoint, and yet it references absolutely no actual research to support that cause.
While I do not use steroids myself, and I used to be blindly opposed to their use, I have since educated myself on their application and dangers, as it is relevant to my educational field. I highly recommend that you take a look at the documentary "Bigger, Faster, Stronger". It's available in its entirety on youtube and spends a great deal of time trying to find actual research to confirm/deny many of the side-effects associated with steroid use. For a documentary in the modern era, it's well done and fairly objective. To be quite honest, the steroids being used illegally result in about three deaths per year, according to the CDC, while over the counter and other prescription drugs typically result in a much larger number of deaths, such as about 16000 deaths due to NSAID use each year. While that in no way justifies steroid use, it does not make related deaths a strong argument against them.
hockey and bond
Irving L, Wall M, Neumark-Sztainer D, Story M (2002). "Steroid use among adolescents: findings from Project EAT". The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine 30 (4): 243–52.
there's about a hundred references right here about the negative effects:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anabolic_steroid#cite_note-53
I am going to defer to my text and my professor before I ever believe either of you. What are your credentials?
And no, you don't find the reason of death directly related as it is not the only factor nor an immediate one. My grandfather died from a hospital infection, but it doesn't say that on his death certificate.
Common sense here! I suppose there are more deaths from legal drugs because more people use them, no? Anyhow that's not my argument... drugs, even prescription should be avoided when possible. I personally think opiods are safer than NSAIDs when used as directed.
Great!! A new generation of people obsessed with looks! Someone should also inform these teens that those "buff" bodies start to disappear at 40
Ohh no.....just because our bodies begin to breakdown after 40 means we shouldnt care about our personal appearances earlier in life? Your post is dumb....to say the least.
Really.. ? You are being sarcastic right?
Well, you might consider "buff" as relative. Sure, most people's physiques start to soften up in their 40s (if not earlier) & don't look as "cut" as in their teens & 20s, but a person can still look trim & healthy. And if you're in good shape early in life, it's easier to stay that way as you age, as opposed to being a teenage couch potato & then trying to play catch-up later when you realize you should be thinking a little more about your health. At least these kids are establishing (hopefully) body conscious views early & will think about their health issues as they go along in life. Weight lifting is also an activity that can be pursued throughout your life, as opposed to a lot of sports activities that become more difficult as you lose strength & mobility. Weight lifting for women as also been touted as a way to strengthen bones & combat osteoporosis.
People have always been appearance-conscious, & there'll always be some that take it to an obsession, whether through exercise, dieting, or plastic surgery.
The head of DNBK (Greater Japan Martial Arts Association) is 70 and is still cut like Bruce Lee was and can literally kill a man 3 times his size. You only get fat and lazy after 40 if you let yourself or if it's in your genetic code to do so. My dad grew up farming and made a career out of it. At 40 he was a lean, mean dude because he worked for a living and didn't sit behind a desk eating donuts. It's all a matter of lifestyle.
I live in NJ, so this is not news. This was going on in high school back in the 80's -- especially if a HS had a bigtime football program. You almost couldn't compete in some sports programs, unless you're doing the occassional cycle. Why wouldn't young teens do it? The professioanls do it. Despite what people say and think --- young teens will emulate adult behavior. The "I'm not a role model" line is a socially cowardly comment. You are an adult and children will watch and emulate your behavior, so you do have a responsibility to act like an adult and treat yourself and others well.
(Basically every guy with the exception of one, on the jersey shore does steroids on a regular basis ---no different then when I was in HS in the 80's ...same look...same mentality ...same narcissistic attitude. Although the stats on female steroid use is new to me --- that didnt happen back in the 80's ...unless they were taking steroids to grow their hair ;)