Are Steroids illegal in Bodybuilding?

Anabolic steroids are a synthetic copy of hormone testosterone. The high profile cases of Barry Bonds, Marion Jones and the Tour de France, have brought the topic of steroids in the minds of athletes and fans alike. There are various positions in this debate with some insisting that the use of anabolic steroids is dangerous to one’s health while others on the side of new technology to help mankind.

These cases have especially hurt the bodybuilding community with most fans and athletes believing that the growth of such muscle mass cannot be achieved without the use of steroids. It is further compounded by myths like taking steroids will result in death, all steroids are pills and that they are easy to get.

Steroids are not always harmful. They do increase the size and strength of an individual significantly. People suffering from serious disease like HIV/Aids and forms of extreme muscle wasting conditions can benefit greatly from steroid use. It is also a common mistake to think that sports nutrition or supplements are steroids.

The side effects of steroids on the other hand can be very serious too. For example, excessive steroid use has been known to cause increased liver function, depression, stunted growth for teenagers, acceleration of tumour growth, development of breast like tissue and more.

It is these risks that the medical fraternity is most concerned about. For bodybuilders on the other hand, other than these risks, there is the aspect of undue advantage in competition. Steroids are part of performance enhancing drugs that most athletes frown upon due to the conceived advantages it gives to the steroid taking bodybuilder. The question then becomes if steroids should be allowed in bodybuilding and if they are illegal to take.

The simple question is yes. Steroids are illegal in the UK and most western countries if they are not medically prescribed by your physician. This is mainly because of their medical side effects and their possible abuse. Steroids were made controlled substances in UK law and are required to be prescribed and dispensed by licensed physicians. Possession of anabolic steroids with the intention to sell them is punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Even simple possession can lead to jail time not including the public humiliation and possible side effects.

Given that there is very high pressure to compete in bodybuilding championships, the question becomes if it is even worth the risk. The risk of serious health issues is high. Add the fact that the testing of steroids and performance enhancing drugs has become very sophisticated. Why would anyone who is a professional bodybuilder risk his career and end up in shame as Tour de France winner, Floyd Landis?

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