Men who consume anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and clenbuterol are three times more likely to report negative effects on their heart, and twice as likely to experience mood swings, and irrational excitability, new Griffith research has found.
Lead author on the paper, PhD candidate Benjamin Bonenti from Griffith’s School of Applied Psychology, investigated the physical and psychosocial side effects of consuming clenbuterol, a powerful fat-burning compound.
“The research suggests clenbuterol may substantially increase the risk of harm when stacked with steroids,” Mr Bonenti said.
“Clenbuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist which was originally developed to treat asthma.
“While it’s not a steroid, it is widely used by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts for its fat-burning properties.”
Clenbuterol works by increasing the body’s temperature and metabolic rate, which promotes fat loss and helps people get the ‘shredded’ look.
However, it also stimulates the heart and central nervous system which can dangerously affect cardiac function, especially when high doses are consumed recreationally.
The compound’s potency and narrow margin between effective and harmful doses make it particularly risky.
The study analysed data from 1,146 males who consumed AASs. Of these, 197 reported consuming clenbuterol in addition to AASs.
Mr Bonenti said the research highlights a clear need for harm reduction messaging targeting clenbuterol consumption especially among those who combine it was AASs for aesthetic purposes.
“Early intervention is key, along with educating consumers about the risks before they begin consumption, while also offering support for safer alternatives,” he said.
“It emphasises the importance of informed, evidence-based messaging particularly when we’re consistently seeing a physique-focussed culture on social media and a rapidly increasing demand for image and performance enhancing drugs.”
The paper ‘Clenbuterol and the cost of cutting: A brief report comparing self-reported side effects of clenbuterol consumption to anabolic-androgenic steroid compounds’ has been published in Performance Enhancement & Health.
