Bodybuilding and anabolic steroid usage have become as common as working out and drinking whey protein once used to be. There are more needles prominent in the weight room than youngsters watching their diet or training. People do not know much about calories, macronutrients, correct form, technique, supplements but they do know about anabolic steroids. There are high chances that a newbie inside the gym may not even be able to squat with a proper form but would have already had an experience with a needle up his ass. Such is the sad state of weightlifting or bodybuilding and drug usage lately. 

© Ben Lack Photography LTD

One mental disorder that contributes to this steroid culture is a condition known as muscle dysmorphia or Bigorexia. If you know of anorexia, bigorexia is the complete opposite of it. It is a disorder wherel a person feels that he is small and always needs to push himself more to get bigger and muscular. As being bigger and mĺuscular is considered to be a positive thing and there is no finish line to it. According to statistics, one in every ten gym going guys now suffer from Bigorexia.

© Ross Parry.co.uk

Oli started bodybuilding at the age of 16 and as he always had body image issues, he suffered from Bigorexia. Anabolic steroids were a part of his gym regime since the very start.

Because of the rampant anabolic steroid abuse on his body, Oli had already suffered two heart attacks and three strokes by the age of 18. He was told by doctors then that continuing to lift weights and pushing himself in the gym could be life-threatening. Of course, Oli paid no heed to the doctor's advice and continued to inject himself. His family tried stopping him but he would tell them that nothing would happen to him and that he is 'invincible'.  Though after suffering the strokes and heart attacks he had admittedly stopped taking anabolic steroids, the damage was already done and was irreversible. He even used to tell a nurse that he would rather have a heart attack than a stroke because of the effect a stroke would have on his body. 

Even though he knew he suffered from an image disorder with a strong urge to get bigger and to feel more confident in the society, he refused to listen to professionals or seek help. This innate desire to get huge ultimately cost him his life and he passed away at the young age of just 20 years. 

© Ross Parry

Bigorexia is a very serious problem and is one of the major reasons that drives rampant steroid usage in today's world. If you face this problem or know someone who does, try to make sure that they seek professional help as it is unhealthy and steroid usage comes with a lot of permanent side effects and a higher risk of early death. 

Steroids can kill. Be safe. 

Author Bio:

Pratik Thakkar is the co-founder and director of GetSetGo Fitness, an online fitness company. He is regarded as someone who will make it easy for you to understand the process by putting things in the right context and providing science-based recommendations for natural bodybuilding. You can reach out to him at pratik@getsetgo.fitness and follow him on Instagram and Facebook.