How do dietary supplements and drugs affect bodybuilders in Cameroon?

Abstract

Bodybuilding is a strength sport that involves developing and sculpting the muscles of the body through intense physical exercises and a specific diet. This work aims to study the challenges related to drugs and dietary supplements in bodybuilding. The study was a cross-sectional and observational type, carried out in the city of Douala, Cameroon. Through simple random sampling, 62 bodybuilders participated. Data on the practice of bodybuilding, nutritional exploration, knowledge and practices regarding the consumption of dietary supplements and drugs were collected using a semi-direct questionnaire. As for the level of practice, only 19.4% were professionals. The physical activity level of the bodybuilders was very intense. However, they suffered from musculoskeletal injuries. Bodybuilders in the city of Douala had already followed a diet (56.5%) program, but only 6.5% consulted a health professional. The rest learned from coaches and the internet. Almost all the bodybuilders used dietary supplements, with creatine and whey being the most consumed. Drugs were used to treat pain and provide the courage to continue. The bodybuilders did not seem to be concerned about the side effects and the risks of doping, both of dietary supplements and drugs, but were more attentive to the cost and therapeutic indication. Thus, the bodybuilders would get dietary supplements and drugs from informal circuits. However, the use of these products without medical control can expose them to serious health and social problems. Nutritional education would be useful to help these practitioners to pursue their goals. It is obvious that further studies are needed to identify and quantify the substances in the products used by bodybuilders.