Higher muscle mass but lower gynoid fat mass in athletes using anabolic androgenic steroids

J Strength Cond Res. 2012 Jan;26(1):246-50. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e318218daf0.

Abstract

This study evaluated the relationship between anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use and body constitution. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD, g·cm(-2)) of the total body, arms, and legs. Total gynoid and android fat mass (grams) and total lean mass (grams) were measured in 10 strength trained athletes (41.4 ± 7.9 years) who had used AASs for 5-15 years (Doped) and 7 strength trained athletes (29.4 ± 6.2 years) who had never used AASs (Clean). Seventeen sedentary men (30.3 ± 2.1 years) served as Controls. Doped athletes had significantly more lean body mass (85.5 ± 3.8 vs. 75.3 ± 2.5 vs. 60.7 ± 1.9, p < 0.001) and a greater index of fat-free/fat mass (5.8 vs. 2.6 vs. 2.5, p < 0.001) compared with Clean athletes and Controls. Doped athletes also had significantly less gynoid fat mass compared with that of Clean athletes (2.8 ± 0.4 vs. 4.8 ± 0.2 kg, p = 0.02). There were no differences in BMD between the athletes (p = 0.39-0.98), but both groups had significantly higher BMDs at all sites compared with that of Controls (p = 0.01 to <0.001). Thus, long-term AAS use seems to alter body constitution, favoring higher muscle mass and reduced gynoid fat mass without affecting BMD.

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Adipose Tissue / chemistry*
  • Adult
  • Anabolic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Athletes
  • Body Composition / drug effects
  • Body Fat Distribution
  • Bone Density / drug effects
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Activity
  • Muscle, Skeletal / chemistry
  • Muscle, Skeletal / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anabolic Agents