Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. Ever wondered how those bulky weight lifters got so big?

While some may have gotten their muscles through a strict regimen of weight-lifting and diet, others may have gotten that way through the  use of Anabolic steroids.

Sometimes doctors prescribe them to help people with certain kinds of anemia and men who don’t produce enough testosterone on their own. Doctors also prescribe a different kind of anaboids, called corticosteroids, to reduce swelling.

Groups who typically use them include:

• Professional athletes and bodybuilders who are involved in competitive sport or who have a strong desire to succeed.
• People who work in industries where muscle strength is important – such as security workers, police, construction workers and defence force staff.
• Young people and adults who are concerned about their body image and want to look muscular to feel good. This may include people who work in the fashion and entertainment industries.