It is a fact that most bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts rely on supplements and steroids to beef up their bodies. Spending hours in gyms and following a training regimen for several months may not entice a lot of health conscious people. Most of them look for something that would aid them fast track muscle development and gain strength and stamina in just a very short time. This is where anabolic steroids comes in. These substances became the drug of choice for most bodybuilders because it gives them instant results.

However, a lot of bodybuilders and fitness conscious people become the usual victims of unscrupulous businessmen. There are many instances where local fitness centers and health clubs offer their clients with supplements that were not approved by the FDA or supplements that were made by fly-by-night manufacturers.

Illegal manufacturers and distributors of bodybuilding supplements targets fitness centers because they can easily make a sale. Illegally imported or manufactured steroids pose great health risks to the users because most of them did not conform to quality standards. According to studies, most tainted supplements contain too much or too little of the substances advertised in the label. Some contains harmful chemicals such as lead and arsenic.

Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts should only buy supplements or steroids from licensed distributors to avoid these risks. Authorities are also doing extra effort to curtail the proliferation of these steroids in the local market. According to some bodybuilders, buying steroids is as easy as buying a can of soda. The FDA and the DEA have been in the forefront to stop the illegal distribution and sale of anabolic steroids and other dietary supplements containing illegal substances.

The country is not alone in this problem. European and Middle Eastern Countries also have the same problem. GulfNews recently reported that local authorities in Abu Dhabi raided several fitness centers and health clubs in the capital because of unlicensed steroids and other banned drugs. An inspection conducted by local officials revealed that these fitness centers also offer these products to their clients.

The drugs seized from them include growth hormones and steroids. The local health officials did not disclose the amount and types of steroids confiscated during the surprise inspection. These drugs were sent to the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) for further lab analysis.

According to the report, there are several health risks that can be associated with steroids use. It can increase the risk of cardiovascular and liver diseases. When used improperly like using unsterilized syringes, it can lead to other diseases such as HIV, hepatitis and infections. Public Health Director Khalifa Al Rumaithi advises the public especially the teens to refrain from using steroids and other drugs without valid medical prescription. Anabolic steroids are not illegal but users should have prescriptions to use it. “The municipality will continue to raise awareness about the risk of using such items, as well as take legal action against any violators. We therefore urge the public to report any fitness centres or suppliers of steroids that they come across,” said Al Rumaithi.

The fitness centers caught selling steroids and growth hormones were facing disciplinary actions because they were only licensed to operate as fitness centers. The municipality also provided a hotline number so that the general public can report any supplier of steroids and other banned drugs, or fitness centers selling these product to customers.

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