Primary Country (Mandatory)

United States

Other Country (Optional)

Set News Language for United States

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language[s] (Optional)
No other language available

Set News Language for World

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language(s) (Optional)

Set News Source for United States

Primary Source (Mandatory)
CNN
Other Source[s] (Optional)

Set News Source for World

Primary Source (Mandatory)
AajTak
Other Source(s) (Optional)
  • Countries
    • India
    • United States
    • Qatar
    • Germany
    • China
    • Canada
    • World
  • Categories
    • National
    • International
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Special
    • All Categories
  • Available Languages for United States
    • English
  • All Languages
    • English
    • Hindi
    • Arabic
    • German
    • Chinese
    • French
  • Sources
    • India
      • AajTak
      • NDTV India
      • The Hindu
      • India Today
      • Zee News
      • NDTV
      • BBC
      • The Wire
      • News18
      • News 24
      • The Quint
      • ABP News
      • Zee News
      • News 24
    • United States
      • CNN
      • Fox News
      • Al Jazeera
      • CBSN
      • NY Post
      • Voice of America
      • The New York Times
      • HuffPost
      • ABC News
      • Newsy
    • Qatar
      • Al Jazeera
      • Al Arab
      • The Peninsula
      • Gulf Times
      • Al Sharq
      • Qatar Tribune
      • Al Raya
      • Lusail
    • Germany
      • DW
      • ZDF
      • ProSieben
      • RTL
      • n-tv
      • Die Welt
      • Süddeutsche Zeitung
      • Frankfurter Rundschau
    • China
      • China Daily
      • BBC
      • The New York Times
      • Voice of America
      • Beijing Daily
      • The Epoch Times
      • Ta Kung Pao
      • Xinmin Evening News
    • Canada
      • CBC
      • Radio-Canada
      • CTV
      • TVA Nouvelles
      • Le Journal de Montréal
      • Global News
      • BNN Bloomberg
      • Métro
MoreBack to News Headlines
Men face growing pressure to use steroids as studies show increase in male body dysmorphia

Men face growing pressure to use steroids as studies show increase in male body dysmorphia

CBC
Monday, January 13, 2025 10:34 AM GMT

Experts and parents are sounding the alarm about non-medical anabolic steroid use as posts glorifying it grow on social media.

Experts suggest it's related to a concerning rise in body dysmorphia among men.

"The pressures on young males around body ideals has increased," said Kyle Ganson, a University of Toronto assistant professor in social work who studies muscle dysmorphia, a body image-related disorder that is common among men.  

"They're seeing people on social media like, 'This is what the male body should look like,' " Ganson said. "Basically, you perceive yourself to be smaller or less muscular than you actually are."

As non-medical steroid sales happen on the black market and online, it is difficult to track usage. But several studies suggest muscle dysmorphia is on the rise, and seems to be inspiring steroid use. 

A recent study in the U.K. found that nearly a quarter of men rarely or never feel body confident, and young men between the ages of 18 and 24 were the most likely to try steroids. In Australia, one study found social media use is fuelling rising anabolic steroid usage among men and adolescent boys, while a government drug use survey found non-medical anabolic steroid use has tripled.

Today, an ideal male body type is often considered lean, muscular and toned with a V-shaped torso, says Ganson. 

That means men aren't necessarily striving to bulk up like Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger. Instead, they might use anabolic steroids, such as Anavar, Testosterone, or Trenbolone, to achieve a cut or toned look faster.

And there are risks. While many people use steroids without suffering side effects, there are several associated with anabolic steroids, including keloid scarring, premature baldness, mood swings, severe depression, organ failure — even heart attacks or strokes.

"They can really affect almost every system of the body, cardiovascular or neurological, endocrine," said Ganson. 

Anabolic steroids are a controlled drug in Canada and illegal without a prescription. And yet, they are shockingly easy to access. CBC News found nearly a dozen websites that sell steroids directly to consumers seemingly without requiring a prescription — and they ship across the country. 

Andy has been using anabolic steroids himself for nearly 10 years. CBC News has agreed not to use his real name because he is worried about job prospects.

"When I was 21, I just wanted to be as big as possible," said Andy, now 30. 

He buys his steroids online. 

Read full story on CBC
Share this story on:-
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running GamePlay Run 3, the ultimate space tunnel running game with 300+ challenging levels!Adv.
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing GameTraffic Jam 3D is a game where you’ll be driving through heavy traffic.Adv.
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic GamePlay the classic 1984 light gun shooter game Duck Hunt on your browser.Adv.
More Related News
Millions of seahorses worth $29M smuggled illegally, study finds

Nearly five million smuggled seahorses were seized globally by authorities over a 10-year period, Canadian researchers found, warning it's only the "tip of the iceberg" in an illegal trade that is likely far larger in scale.

This 40-foot serpent sculpture in Vancouver is a reclamation of Squamish and Japanese art

James Nexw'Kalus-Xwalacktun Harry, a Squamish artist, and Lauren Brevner of Japanese and Trinidadian heritage, have been collaborating on art pieces for a decade.

2 new species of crayfish identified in Pacific Northwest — and they're already at risk

Two new species of crayfish have been identified in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, and researchers say both species are vulnerable to extinction.

Seasonique birth control pills from Teva Canada recalled due to extra yellow tablets

Health Canada issued a recall notice on Friday for some Seasonique birth control products due to some packages containing the correct blue-green pills coming with extraneous yellow tablets.

These families left the Mackenzie Delta for Yukon, and a chance to pursue their hockey dreams

Thirteen-year-old William Gruben said when he first moved from Inuvik, N.W.T., to Whitehorse in August 2024, he missed his friends back home. 

Anniversary of 'Red Paper' highlights First Nations' fight against assimilation

A grassroots group in Edmonton honoured those who stood up for First Nations rights back in 1970 when the Canadian government was proposing to erase legal distinctions between First Nations and other citizens, at an event Wednesday. 

Canadian technology could be used to mine the deep seas, but there's growing alarm over the risks

In dark waters near Collingwood, Ont., a giant yellow machine with metallic claws precisely snatches tiny rock balls from the lakebed, kicking up sediment with each grab. 

What we know about measles during pregnancy

The death of an Ontario infant born prematurely and infected with measles through the mother is raising questions about how the virus is transmitted during pregnancy.

Work underway to measure the quality of life of Nova Scotians with disabilities

In Nova Scotia, where there's a significant proportion of people living with disabilities, work is underway to measure whether the province is making progress on improving their lives.

Life is 'better after solar': Harnessing sunlight gives India's salt farmers freedom and profit

Under a punishing midday sun, Devabhai Sawadiya slowly rakes the salt pan that has been in his family for generations. It's quiet around him, except for the sweeping motions of his salt broom and the soft, clinking sound of dishes being washed nearby. 

Some rape crisis centres report spike in calls since start of Hockey Canada sexual assault trial

WARNING: This article references sexual assault and may affect those who have experienced​ ​​​sexual violence or know someone impacted by it.

A brisk walk a few times a week could help keep colon cancer away, study suggests

James Smith woke up from a colonoscopy to be told devastating news. At 59, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Doctors found a mass so large it completely blocked their view of the rest of his colon. Smith said he was shocked.

Daughter of First Nations woman missing 20 years remembers her mother's 'warm hands'

Stephanie Cameron-Johnson was 11 and in foster care when she learned her mother had gone missing on Vancouver Island, after a friend showed her a photo in a newspaper.

Parking Slot | Free Parking GamePlay Parking Slot, the best online 3D car driving and parking game.Adv.
Slope Ball Run - Play OnlineSlope Game takes you on an exciting journey of a ball on special paths.Adv.
Fort Qu'Appelle, Sask., class teaches kids to sew by making ribbon skirts

Sewing is a skill that you will have for a lifetime and it comes with many lessons. Some say it builds patience, care and focus.

From roundabout gardens to park meadows, how cities across Canada are encouraging pollinators

It's taken a lot of work to rehabilitate the tiny patch of land at the centre of the small roundabout on Glen Drive and 10th Ave. in Vancouver, but for Katie Berlinguette, it was a labour of love.

Twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV approved in U.S.

The U.S. has approved the world's only twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV, its maker Gilead Sciences announced Wednesday.

Nunavut bodybuilder winning medals and hoping to lift Inuit in the process

Diane Marin has always been determined. 

Nuclear Waste Management Organization begins site selection process for 2nd deep geological repository

The Canadian government has yet to decide whether it would allow recycling spent nuclear fuel in the country, as the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) announces it will be engaging with the public to choose a site for the nation's second deep geological repository.

Men are not OK, report on premature deaths in Canada suggests

About 44 per cent of men living in Canada die prematurely, according to a new report from the Movember Institute of Men's Health.

Obstetrical, gynecological care patient complaints on the rise in Ontario, says patient ombudsman

New data shows more people are filing complaints about obstetrical and gynecological care in Ontario, with insensitivity, poor communication and lack of trauma awareness among the most common grievances.

Why did this outfit by a Blackfoot designer lead to controversy… and what does she think about it?

A Blackfoot designer says she was shocked when her latest collection received backlash online over sexualization of Indigenous women and inappropriate use of traditional medicines. 

'The missing link': New early tyrannosaur species discovered by Calgary researchers

Scientists from the University of Calgary have discovered a new dinosaur specimen that they say appears to be the "missing link" in the evolution of tyrannosaurs.

First Nations opposition continues after passing of Ontario's Bill 5

Many First Nations people in Ontario are continuing protests following the passing of Bill 5 in Ontario last week.

B.C. Mountie loses bid to stay obstruction of justice charge connected to 2017 death of Indigenous man

A Prince George RCMP officer has lost a bid to stay an obstruction of justice charge and will now be sentenced, in a case connected to the 2017 death of an Indigenous man in custody.

Preventable deaths, violent attacks: doctor alleges deteriorating conditions at Fraser Health hospitals

An emergency room physician is blowing the whistle on deteriorating conditions in hospitals managed by B.C.'s Fraser Health Authority — claiming in a lawsuit that her job was threatened after she and other doctors sought to warn patients about a potentially dangerous situation.

© 2008 - 2025 Webjosh  |  News Archive  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us