Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Hinckley and Bosworth, has continued to call for Parliamentary debate and a review on the rising use of performance-enhancing drugs.
This follows a recent survey by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), which found that 1 in 3 young people (16-25) in the UK have bought Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs).
Dr Luke has been raising awareness of the side effects of IPEDs and anabolic steroids, saying that, as a doctor, he “started to see more and more men in their 20s, 30s and 40s who were using steroids and having side effects, including bad acne, scarring acne, mood problems and depression.
The GP-turned-MP went on to say, “we know that these drugs cause had strokes, heart attacks, liver problems, kidney problems and erectile dysfunction, these are serious complications and aren’t really known about.”
As part of his work to address the poor relationship that people have with their body image, Dr Luke has been raising concerns about the impact that social media has on young people who want to ‘get fit quick’.
Dr Luke added, “The findings from UKAD make it clear that more and more young people see anabolic steroids and IPEDs as a way to achieve the physiques they see on social media.”
UKAD also found that 42 per cent of young people surveyed reported seeing “superhuman” or “shortcut results” content on social media at least once a week in the past 30 days, with some seeing similar content several times per day.
Speaking after his question in the House of Commons Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Hinckley and Bosworth, said “For years, I've been raising concerns about the rising use of anabolic steroids and Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), particularly among young people.
“These findings highlight the need for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Department for Health, and the Home Office to work together and commission a study.
“I have asked, once again, for a debate in Government time and will be following up with the relevant Minister.”
Sir Alan Campbell, Labour’s Leader of the House of Commons, responded to Dr Evans saying “As I have said before, the Member for Hinckley and Bosworth is a real champion on important matters, and I pay tribute to him for his work on the important issue of body image.
“I will reach out to the relevant Minister and ask them to update him on the Government’s position.”
Jane Rumble, Chief Executive of UK Anti-Doping, said “Young athletes and gym-goers are being exposed to online misinformation promoting IPEDs, including SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators).
“SARMs are not safer steroids. The associated health risks can be life-threatening. Let’s be clear, SARMs are illegal to sell for human consumption and are banned in sport.”
