Higher muscle mass but lower gynoid fat mass in athletes using anabolic androgenic steroids.
This study evaluated the relationship between anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use and body constitution. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD, g·cm(-2)) of the total body, arms, and legs. Total gynoid and android fat mass (grams) and total lean mass (grams) were measured in 10 strength trained athletes (41.4 ± 7.9 years) who had used AASs for 5-15 years (Doped) and 7 strength trained athletes (29.4 ± 6.2 years) who had never used AASs (Clean). Seventeen sedentary men (30.3 ± 2.1 years) served as Controls. Doped athletes had significantly more lean body mass (85.5 ± 3.8 vs. 75.3 ± 2.5 vs. 60.7 ± 1.9, p < 0.001) and a greater index of fat-free/fat mass (5.8 vs. 2.6 vs. 2.5, p < 0.001) compared with Clean athletes and Controls. Doped athletes also had significantly less gynoid fat mass compared with that of Clean athletes (2.8 ± 0.4 vs. 4.8 ± 0.2 kg, p = 0.02). There were no differences in BMD between the athletes (p = 0.39-0.98), but both groups had significantly higher BMDs at all sites compared with that of Controls (p = 0.01 to <0.001). Thus, long-term AAS use seems to alter body constitution, favoring higher muscle mass and reduced gynoid fat mass without affecting BMD.
Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Sports Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. anna.nordstrom@idrott.umu.se
Anna
A
Nordström
Gabriel
G
Högström
Anders
A
Eriksson
Patrik
P
Bonnerud
Yelverton
Y
Tegner
Christer
C
Malm
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000737:chemistry*; D000328:Adult; D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D056352:Athletes; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects; D050218:Body Fat Distribution; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*
D045930:Anabolic Agents