Athletes and bodybuilders are constantly searching for ways to enhance their performance and physique. Some take the natural route and rely on proper nutrition and strength training, while others choose to use anabolic steroids to help them achieve their goals. But how do these two groups differ in terms of body composition and muscle mass? A recent study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in 2012 set out to answer this question.
Methodology
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Umea and involved 17 male strength athletes who had been training with weights 4-6 times a week for at least 5 years. The athletes included weightlifters, powerlifters, and bodybuilders who competed in their respective sports. Ten of the athletes were using anabolic steroids, while the other seven were considered natural.
For comparison, the researchers also scanned 17 healthy men who engaged in recreational sports but not as frequently or intensively as the strength athletes. The anabolic steroid cycles of the users varied, with weekly doses ranging from 250-2000 milligrams of testosterone, 200-7000 milligrams of nandrolone, and 500-1000 milligrams of boldenone. Some users also used insulin, growth hormone, and IGF-1.
Findings
The results of the study showed that the natural strength athletes had 15 kilos more muscle mass than the men in the control group. The anabolic steroid users had 11 kilos more muscle mass than the natural athletes.
In terms of body fat percentage, the natural athletes had a similar percentage to the men in the control group, while the steroid users had a significantly lower fat percentage compared to both the control group and the natural strength athletes.
The researchers concluded that “long-term anabolic androgenic steroid use seems to alter body constitution, favoring higher muscle mass and reduced fat mass without affecting bone mineral density.”
Final Thoughts
It is important to note that the difference between steroid users and non-users may not be as significant in real-life scenarios as the study suggests. The users in the study were on average 11 years older than the natural athletes, so they may have had more time to build muscle and control their body fat percentage.
In conclusion, while anabolic steroids may provide a faster path to increased muscle mass and reduced body fat, the long-term health consequences of using these substances are not well understood and should be considered carefully. It is always recommended to pursue a natural and balanced approach to strength training and nutrition.
