Uso de sustancias ergogénicas entre hombres mexicanos practicantes de musculación: un estudio transversal (Use of ergogenic substances among in Mexican men that engage in weight training: a cross-sectional study)

• Published in: Retos (Madrid) Vol. 46; p. 801
• Main Authors: Alvarez-Rayón, Georgina, García-Rodríguez, Jaime, Martínez-Quintero, Fanny, Consuelo Escoto Ponce de León, Ortega-Luyando, Mayaro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Spanish
• Published: Madrid Federación Española de Docentes de Educación Física (FEADEF) 01.01.2022
• Subjects: Cross-sectional studies; Scientific Concepts; Sports training; Weightlifting
• ISSN: 1579-1726; 1988-2041
• DOI: 10.47197/retos.v46.89712

There is scarce literature on the use of ergogenic substances (ES) among recreational or amateur bodybuilders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the ES (nutritional, pharmacological or hormonal) consumed by males that engage in weight training. A total of 103 SE users (Mage = 25.3, SD = 6.2) participated in the study, and their fat-free mass index was calculated, in addition to completing a questionnaire on training patterns and SE use. A total of 43.7% had musculature greater than normal; in addition, 85.3% used at least one nutritional ES, 22.4% pharmacological, 19.4% hormonal and 2.9% of the three types. Among those who used hormonal ES (80% with musculature greater than normal), the consumption of testosterone stood out; of the nutritional ones: proteins and creatine; and of the pharmacological ones: clenbuterol. The use of ES is not exclusive to elite athletes and the pattern of use was not only characterized by polypharmacy, but also by the consumption of complex formulas which, added to other products/substances, not only imply interaction between effects, but also their reiteration. Given the accelerated development of the pharmaceutical industry, a continuous analysis of the use of ES among different population groups is necessary to define their clinical relevance.