Young men seek muscle in the ‘Wild West’ of alternative PEDs

Young Men Seek Muscle in the 'Wild West' of Alternative PEDs

Young men seek muscle in the Wild - At 17, Jason and his friend found themselves drawn to Instagram videos showcasing gym influencers extolling the virtues of a substance named MK-677. The teens, eager to achieve a more muscular physique, were captivated by the drug's claimed ability to increase appetite, allowing them to consume more calories without feeling satiated. They began sharing these videos back and forth, sparking their curiosity about how such a product might aid their fitness goals. Jason, now 19, said the capsules they ordered from a Chinese manufacturer appeared to fulfill their promises—namely, an intense hunger and better sleep. Yet, the side effects soon raised concerns. “We both felt constantly bloated,” he recalled, “and I developed high blood pressure.”

The Rise of Unregulated Performance Enhancers

America’s youth, increasingly influenced by social media and peer pressure, are turning to a diverse range of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) that are often less familiar to the general public. Unlike the well-known anabolic steroids, these alternatives—such as turkesterone and ostarine—have emerged as popular choices for those seeking to build muscle. They are frequently marketed as “nutritional supplements” and sold online without oversight, making them easily accessible to teenagers and young adults. Platforms like WhatsApp have become a hub for users to exchange contact information for trusted suppliers, while influencers across the internet promote these substances as a path to a “better” body.

Among the newer compounds gaining traction is turkesterone, a plant-derived supplement that claims to offer the muscle-building benefits of synthetic steroids without the typical risks to the liver, heart, or hormonal systems. Rohlil Dhaliwal, a powerlifter and undergraduate researcher at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, became aware of turkesterone after discussing it with teammates in 2024. Influencers on social media cited scientific studies to back their assertions, but Dhaliwal, who was also studying at Harvard University, sought further clarity. He reached out to Dr. Harrison Pope, a leading expert on anabolic steroids and PEDs, to explore the substance’s potential.

“I’m one of the most widely published people in this field in the world,” Pope said. “I had never heard of turkesterone. And if I hadn’t heard of it, then it was likely a lot of people in the wider medical community hadn’t either.”

Pope, who has spent decades researching the physiological and psychological effects of PEDs, expressed alarm about the growing gap between users’ practices and medical professionals’ understanding. “We in the ‘above ground’ medical community are just completely out of touch with this vast underground world,” he noted. This disconnect, he argued, could lead to significant public health risks, as the long-term impacts of these drugs remain poorly understood. Many of these substances lack extensive longitudinal studies, leaving their safety uncertain.

A Survey Reveals Experts’ Lack of Awareness

To investigate this trend, Pope and Dhaliwal conducted a study for a research paper published in March in the journal *Performance Enhancement & Health*, titled “The Wild West of Bodybuilding Supplements.” They surveyed nearly 400 sports medicine professionals, aiming to assess their familiarity with MK-677, ostarine, and turkesterone. The results were striking. “We put a couple of fictitious compounds on the list in the survey, and more experts claimed to know about those drugs than the real ones we were interested in,” Pope explained. This finding underscored how the rapid proliferation of alternative PEDs has outpaced both medical knowledge and regulatory frameworks.

The shift toward these substances reflects a broader trend in the fitness industry. For years, PEDs have been a staple for athletes aiming to improve their performance, but the rise of social media has amplified their visibility. Platforms like T Nation and Bodybuilding.com now serve as digital forums where users share experiences, tips, and recommendations, often without expert oversight. This peer-driven culture has fueled experimentation with compounds that were once obscure, including ostarine, a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that targets specific muscle groups. While these drugs may appear safer than traditional steroids, their long-term consequences remain unclear.

Pope highlighted that even the most established PEDs are not fully understood until users reach older age. “It was only recently that the medical community developed literature on the recreational use of steroids, because many users are only now reaching old age,” he said. This suggests a delayed recognition of risks, which could apply to the newer alternatives as well. The enthusiasm for these substances, he warned, is creating a new frontier of experimentation—one where medical professionals struggle to keep up with the latest trends.

The Unregulated Market and Its Consequences

The accessibility of these drugs has also led to their widespread use in unregulated environments. Unlike prescription medications, supplements like MK-677 and turkesterone can be purchased with just a few clicks, bypassing traditional safety checks. This has created a scenario where young men are experimenting with substances that may have unknown effects. Jason’s experience is emblematic of this trend. While the drug initially helped him meet his fitness goals, the side effects, such as bloating and hypertension, made him question its benefits.

According to Pope, the combination of social media influence and easy access has turned the landscape of PED use into a chaotic, self-directed market. “It’s like the Wild West,” he said. “There’s no clear boundary between what’s safe and what’s risky.” The lack of standardized testing and labeling means users might unknowingly consume products with higher doses or contaminants. This uncertainty is compounded by the fact that many of these substances are still in the early stages of popularity, with limited data on their efficacy and safety.

Despite these concerns, the demand for alternative PEDs continues to grow. For young athletes, the promise of increased muscle mass without the stigma of traditional steroids is enticing. Yet, as Pope pointed out, this popularity comes with a cost. “The enthusiasm has outpaced medical knowledge, or even awareness, of how people are choosing to use these substances and what the effects may be,” he said. The challenge now lies in bridging this gap before more young men face long-term health consequences.

In the end, the story of Jason and his friend illustrates a larger phenomenon: the intersection of digital culture and personal fitness aspirations. As the market for alternative PEDs expands, so too does the need for comprehensive research and regulatory action. Until then, the youth of America will continue navigating this uncharted territory, relying on peer influence and social media for guidance in their pursuit of physical perfection.