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November 19th, 2012
12:01 AM ET
More teens using muscle enhancing productsMore teens are using muscle enhancing products, according to a study published Monday in Pediatrics, a journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "These behaviors are a little more common among young people than we previously thought," said lead study author Dr. Marla Eisenberg "We want to put it on the radar for pediatricians, parents and other people working with adolescents." Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician in Atlanta, says some teens don't always realize that these type behaviors can be harmful. "First thing to do is try to educate and say, 'You know, I’m glad you are active and playing sports and trying to be happy. Just remember most kids don’t need protein supplements, or even energy drinks because they are getting the electrolytes in their diet,'" Shu says. "It's good for parents to be aware because they might think it’s good and buy teens these protein powders." Researchers found the number of teens reporting muscle enhancing behavior to be substantially higher than in previous years. Boys were more likely to report these behaviors, which included supplement use and consumption of protein shakes. The concern is that this type of behavior leads to more serious behavior, excessive use and use of illegal substances (something that was reported by some of the teens). Parents need to be aware of what to look for in their kids, says Eisenberg, especially if they notice a big change in exercise patterns. She says parents should treat it the same way they would a body image disorder. Fletcher says he definitely sees kids working towards increasing their body mass and overall strength. While he says hasn't found muscle enhancing products an issue in his practice, he says he does find kids trying to be like their idols. "As their idols have increased in size they are continually pushed to get stronger, bigger and faster... there is that trickle down effect." Researchers looked at a diverse group of about 3,000 teens who were attending urban middle or high schools in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area during the 2009-2010 school year. Of the study subjects, 46.8% were male and 53.2% were female. The average age was 14 years old. Thirty-five percent of boys reported using protein powders; 6% reported using steroids; and two-thirds reported changing their diet to increase muscle tone or size. Twenty-one percent of girls reported using protein powders; 4.6% used steroids; 5.5% used other muscle-enhancing substances. Twelve percent of boys and 6% of girls said they used three or more of these substances and/or behaviors. Teens were monitored using the EAT (eating and activity in teens) 2010 data analysis - a 235 question survey where teens self report their weight status, dietary intake, physical activity, weight control behaviors and other related factors. Prevention programs need to alert pediatricians, parents and coaches so they are aware this is happening, Eisenberg said. She does't want this study to make it seem as though exercising isn't important. "We want kids to be active and eating right to improve overall health and well-being," she said. |
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love. |
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It's obvious. It's because the muscle guys get the hot girls while the scrawny ones are delegated to their hand or the fat chicks. Duh.
With all the preening and looking in the mirror – they're probably more interested in getting the hot boys.
Actually, the skinny guys doomed to nerd-dom are the ones that make billions in new technology, get the best looking babes, and hire the brainless muscle boys to be their chauffers, landscapers and security guards.
and then their wife will have a fling with the security guard
haha funny and true
*relegated
@Bob – Have you ever seen Bill Gates' or Warren Buffet's wife? Yeah, your theory that rich guys get all the hot chicks compared to the hot dudes is invalid.
So, exercise and protein are bad now? I realize that steroids are bad, but protein shakes are very healthy, and gaining muscle mass is very good for metabolism, heart health, etc. Besides the steroids, we should be encouraging this behavior.
I totally agree with you MG! This article is ridicuous in that it is critical of supplements and protein drinks without even the first statement about "why" they are not healthy ..... when in fact a post further down by Dr. Rustles rebutts these silly concerns!
I think the article, or rather the writer is simply making the public aware that teens are not only taking legal protein supplements, but they are mixing them with illegal muscle enhancers, such as steroids. A healthy teenager has no reason to take protein supplements, much less steroids. A well-balanced diet that includes high-protein foods should suffice. Add to that a moderate weight-lifting regimen and you will build a great muscle-toned body without the use of any additional supplements or substances.
Additionally, too much protein actually can harm the kidneys as well... so why start damaging your kidneys at such a young... age.
i also agree that is the true but not everybody belives in it
No one needs protein powder at that age. How about trying to eat some actual food.
too much protein contributes to a number of problem, not least the buildup of toxic ketones that an harm the kidneys, cause dehydration and help produce stones. A buildup of uric acid can contribute to gout.
people who work out need protein shakes to help the body recover support immune system and prevent over training, not only do they need the extra protein but the also need extra vitamins and minerals. There is countless studies that support this i am not gonna cite any here but just type in protein benefits in Google and see for yourself. The article should be more about peds (performance enhancing drugs) than supplements
Lolwut? Teens don't need protein because of their high electrolyte diet?? Strong use of broscience from a supposedly well-educated doctor.
Did you read it? He said "...most kids don’t need protein supplements, or even energy drinks because they are getting the electrolytes in their diet,'...notice that use of "or" in there?
Steroids don't necessarily cause testicular atrophy. There's no chance of that occurring in most men until usage of several weeks, and then it doesn't necessarily cause any shrinkage. One has to use male hormones for years for a large amount of shrinkage and for it to be permanent, and there are ways to prevent shrinkage from long-term habitual use, like HCG. While the testicles may atrophy a slight amount while using steroids for a peroid of twelve weeks, this atrophy is not permanent, and the testicles return to their normal size after cessation, since they now are producing testosterone again. Steroids can cause temporary testicular atrophy due to a negative feedback loop where the body responds to the high levels of exogenous testosterone by stopping natural testosterone production which occurs in the gonads.
Steroids also do minimal to no liver damage at all, but these government shills in the media like to lie and say it does when it is only the 17-alpha methylated oral steroids that can cause significant and life-threatening hepatic problems. Steroids are one of the few drugs where IM delivery is considerably safer than the oral route.
With that said, steroids are not the best way to go about building muscle due to the plethora of harmful side effects especially when taken unsupervised and at high doses over an extended period of time.
So whey protein is the new "gateway drug?!?!" Give me a break. We should be happy that so many male adolescents are engaged in traditional masculine pursuits, especially in this broken, gynocentric society that has been pushed upon us.
"So whey protein is the new "gateway drug?!?!" Give me a break. We should be happy that so many male adolescents are engaged in traditional masculine pursuits, especially in this broken, gynocentric society that has been pushed upon us."
Dat last sentence–well said. Now let us pepper our anguses for the shnit storm that be a brewing..
Steroids are bad plain and simple, they cause the gonads to stop producing test in any amount taken not just high amounts. The liver is not the problem with steroids its the prostate so many kids in my area under the age of 25 are having prostate problems a 22 year old has cancer now. Not to mention you can wreck you hormone profile with just one 6 week cycle to where you gonna need trt for the rest of your life. There are some pros to steroids from a medicinal stand point but for 16 year olds trying out for the foot ball team its just so bad. Next 10 years will tell the tail for these kids
Are you aware that there are people in this world that have a severe medical condition which causes them to be that way? My mother for instance is one of those people. She is a truck driver that has bad knees and a bad back from driving the truck but you probably do not care about that case either. Oh well I am not one of those people I am 6'4" 245lbs and I exercise every day. I would love to see you say something like to my mother in front of me. Probably never happen though you are probably just an internet tough guy. I doubt very seriously you would say that to someones face. Just my thought.What do you think. Oh I am sorry you probably do not have a brain. I on the other hand will be happy to buy you a plane ticket to come here and see if you have the nerve to say that to someone I know.
Bro do you even lift?
So fat is beautify and fit is unhealthy.... way to go America. The want for strength and health should never be grouped as a body image issue similar to anorexia, bulimia, nor obesity. Plus I doubt this author bothered to look into the research done on steroids hosted by NIH.
lmfao the misc presence is strong in this one. this article is terrible. if this article isn't clearly attacking the lifestyle that is lifting heavy and taking a multi, then what's the point of publishing all of this? you've done nothing but list the facts that athletes consume whey, healthily adjust their diets, exercise, and take anabolics. if you're going to reprimand the use of anabolics, do so appropriately and intelligently, you cheeky broscientists. as for the other commenters: do you even lift?
I'm glad that the world still functions under stereotypes (not srs). Just because a person is skinny and plays WoW all day long, does not mean they are inherently blessed with supreme intellectual capabilities, just as a teenage boy wishing to increase his strength and be more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, is not innately a caveman-like moron. Lifting weights is healthy. Protein is healthy- if it weren't, you'd be at risk to the temptation of steroids every time you eat a steak. Wanting to better yourself mentally AND physically should be praised, not looked down upon.
^^^ This. Someone rep this man.
PS: URBAN MIDDLE-HIGH SCHOOLS OF PEACE.
PPS: OP, you're missing a vital data statistic: BBC GENETICS: 100%
I can definately relate to young people wanting to use muscle building supplements. When I graduated from high school I was 6" 4" and weighed about 170 pounds. This is the body type of my family, we are all tall and thin, and I know that some people would say that it is a blessing. But at the age of 17 I didn't think so. I didn't really have any girlfriends because they all wanted to be my "friend". So I can relate to the pressure of society and the muscular build. You can't blame a high school student wanting to look that way, even if they aren't an athlete. People don't understand the impact that body image has on young people whether they are over, or even under normal weight. I had a friend of mine even looking into getting me steroids. That eventually fell through and I never used, but I think we need to give high school students some slack and help them along with body image, and good weight lifting techniques. I was never taught that wight lifting would have helped me until I was in my mid 20s. That was when I started to lift and became a different person. Again, let's just give them some slack, as I can totally relate to their angst.
yes using steroid is bad but at least they're trying to get buff somehow because half of the U.S is unhealthy
I imagine you r now a hansome man and not fat like the once "muscular" kids in your highschool were. We need to teach kids that those that look "mature and robust" as teens usually turn out being the fat adults. Skinny boys: you'll chance will come! Eat healthy, exercise and don't despair. My husband was a scrawny kid and gained nice muscle in his 20s, kept exercising all his life and still looks hot at 50. He coulnt recognize all the fat guys at his 30th highschool reunion...had the last laugh!
Possibly one of the worst health related pieces I've ever read. What school did you graduate from for you to claim exercise and diet is detrimental to health.
Parents who notice their child trying to better their physical appearance should treat it like a body disorder? Sad that a medical professional would claim that improving ones appearance is comparable to a disorder, but I guess that's the society we live in today.
4.6% of girls surveyed admitted to using steroids... what? Just think about that statement. I'd be surprised if 4.6% of girls surveyed went to the gym, never mind took steroids. Where did you do this survey? Junior Miss Olympia?
Protein is a gateway drug? Ok, I'll have to make sure to throw out that chicken I bought for dinner then... don't want to OD.
You are a moron and should have whatever medical license you have revoked.
People, people, disregard L. Gordon's words and take them with a grain of salt. The man is just exhibiting side effects of muscle enhancing products, causing his jimmies to be thoroughly rustled.
Not serious. Very well said, sir.
As for the grain of salt, I'm sure OP's diet has enough electrolytes in it to not need anymore. NAWM SAIYAN?
It's the creatine monster growing inside of me; I just can't keep a grip on it any more.
brb gonna go shoot up and throw 50kg dumbells at my kids
Hi there, again, this article is based on a study published in a medical journal, not on a survey CNN conducted. The study is published in the journal Pediatrics. Ashley Hayes, CNN
@ahayes, how about when one of the doctors quoted stated that electrolytes could replace protein? Do you happen to have a link to studies stating that a low protein, high electrolyte diet is effective at inducing muscular hypertrophy?
Dr. Shu says that most kids don't need protein supplements or energy drinks because they get electrolytes in their diet. I don't believe she said electrolytes replace protein but I see your point. Thanks.
"most kids don't need protein supplements or energy drinks because they get electrolytes in their diet."
I keep hearing this everywhere about protein (not just kids) from doctors. What about the kids and exercisers in general who are the subject of this article. How much protein do they need? Are there studies? The only studies I see are about the average non-exercising person (emphasis on non-exercising).
How much protein and other nutrients does a person who wants to build muscle in a healthy way need?
@JohnCoffey, you keep misquoting the statement about electrolytes and protein. You need to re-read the article. There are two separate statements about protein supplements and energy drinks with OR between them, the issue of electrolytes applies to the consumption of energy drinks only.
The author of this article is a complete and utter moron.
The author of this article clearly does not understand the physiology of muscle building. Protein is a gateway drug? I guess we might have to ban all the eggs, meat and other dairy from being purchased.
At the Misc Academy, we have long researched the physiological pathways and trigger points of protein and other hormones responsible for muscle building and NONE of our research at Misc Academy has even suggested the things that the moronic author has decided to spew in this horrendous article.
I totally agree with you Dr. Rustles! What exactly are the author's concerns with supplements and protein drinks? Perhaps Trisha Henry is simply upset that some young people are working out and paying close attention to their diets, rather than consuming junk food like the nearly 50% of obese children in the U.S. do everyday. I know of no ill health effects of a low fat protein rich diet ...... and it takes a very stupid person to then make the leap to use of illegal drugs!
This is an absolute joke of article. This is ridiculous for a well known news organization to have an article on their website with false information. It is CNN's responsibility to check their facts before they make the entire organization look like a bunch of idiots.
Hi, and thanks for your comment. This article is based on a study published in the medical journal Pediatrics and also from interviews with experts. If there is specific information you believe to be false, please let us know. Thank you. Ashley Hayes, CNN
And by the way... thats a low percentage of girls using steroids... which should be much much higher because birth control is a steroid.
Gotta love statistics, you can spin them anyway you want.
but it is true about teenagers are getting buff and fast cause the last time i saw my cousin was when he was 17 and 3 years later i go visit him and he's huge big mucles everything in just three years
This is hardly new. In the 50's, steroids were passed around like vitamins. In the 70s. still legal, just 'controlled' and it was necessary to get a prescription. When banned, all that changed is, this took legitimate doctor's care out of the equation, and everybody who still used was on their own/cowboy. The use of steroids by teens in sports has been a constant, at some level, now without the care of a legitimate doctor involved, to check blood and limit usage. Of course, cowboying was always possible, even in the 70s, when it was legal but controlled. But today, with it banned, only cowboying is possible. The latest failed prohibition. They should have two baseball leagues; one in which steroids were effectively banned, and the other one that everyone would watch.
DYEL TRISHA????
"Researchers looked at a diverse group of about 3,000 teens who were attending urban middle or high schools in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area"
They should do a study in other states. All I see here in California are stick figure emos and obese teens. Not many in the muscular and fit category.
Where is info about how much sugar is pumped into kids and that is the gateway drug to obesity and diabetes? Really, protein shakes? Please give kids another excuse to sit on their ars and be lazy.
I remember years ago a football player from Pitt showed me the steroid pills he was taking. He had muscles the size of basketballs.
Yes, because the "gateway drug" argument isn't flawed at all.
There is nothing wrong with vitamin supplements. It's like saying eating more chicken will lead to substance abuse.
This article is a joke.
Your comparing apples to oranges. You may be missing the point of that aurgument. Getting used to protien supplements and the fact you dont have to cook or prepare it, makes it much easier to use. Onced youve used protien supplements and have showed improvements, you may be more willing to explore into other avenues to enhance yourself. Therefore, protien supplements could be in the aurgument of a gateway supplement. This all depends on who you speak too.
This article is horrifically bad... no wonder kids are so fat these days because ridiculous sensationalist "reporting" like this causes mass panic
"OH MAN OUR KIDS MIGHT GET HEALTHY THIS IS HORRIBLE"
The RDA of 15% of total calories of protein for the AVERAGE person is LOW. If the average person simply monitored their intake and kept it AT their BMR (prevents overeating, which is too common in the US) and upped their protein intake to 25%, even for the minimally-active teen, their body will choose to burn FAT as energy more. If teens are TAUGHT THIS, they will eat consistently, consume less of the garbage the American "Food-Manufactures" make AND they will be more active. Being just "Fit-ish" is not difficult, but generic or half-the-story opinion articles like THIS mislead and keep Americans fat and feeling like there is nothing they can do
This article is bad. Teens don't need protein powder? Seriously? There is nothing in this article that is dangerous for teens and these products are perfectly fine for student athletes. The only thing teens should be educated on is the bad side effects of steroids.
Do you even lift BRAH? Why are we hating on the young bros trying to enter the kingdom of swoledom?
"Just remember most kids don’t need protein supplements" BS
True. And they don't NEED iPhones, or skinny jeans, etc, etc, etc.
Anyone that is exercising regularly should get 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day. Period.
Now, the national media is stigmatizing something that is healthy. This shouldn't even be a story. Just be glad all the teenage boys there talking about aren't sitting on their ass eating cup cakes and ding dongs and playing XBox. Sheezzzz You would think we could write about some real news here. There is absolutely no issue with protein shakes. Steroids are bad if not needed but lifting weights and steroids don't automatically go together.
This article is complete crap. There is nothing dangerous, unhealthy, etc about consuming protein shakes if you're physically active enough to need added protein to supplement your intake from natural foods. Just because it isn't on the USDA's (federal government's – read flawed) approved food pyramid, doesn't mean its evil. Maybe if teens became more active in lifting, sports, Crossfit, etc. and started actually looking at what they put into their bodies to fuel themselves, we wouldn't have a nation of lazy, fat people. And before anyone calls me a meat head, yes I Crossfit, I also hold 2 degrees in IT. So you can be a "nerd" and be healthy.
The amount of bullcrap in this post is too damn high!
What's missing in most people's daily diet is real food.
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One in five young girls tried steroids?! That makes no sense at all... it would masculinate/androgenate them very quickly.. you wouldn't need a survey to see that... all you'd have to do is look at them! ..there's nothing wrong for a boy wanting to feel and be physically stronger because, unfortunately, a boys lot in life is that he must be able to defend himself or become a victim. Kids are cruel to each other; and schoolyard victims tend to stay victims until they become strong enough to demonstrate they can protect themselves. This was my sad reality growing up. I was once a student who was tormented by the more underprivileged kids at my school. I even had my arm broken.....after working out for a year I was never bothered again... and I didn't even have to prove myself in anymore fights!
Teens need to be educated about good muscle health and how to obtain that. Unfortunately some of the poor decisions we make in youth will effect us negatively for the rest of our lives.
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Bodybuilders often supplement their diets with a powdered form of protein. The powder is mixed with water, milk or juice. Protein powder is generally consumed immediately before and after exercising, or in place of a meal. Some types of protein are to be taken directly before and after a workout (whey protein), while others are to be taken before going to bed (casein protein)...;"'
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