The Medical Challenges of Bodybuilding: Health Risks of Drugs, Extreme Training, and Dieting

Bodybuilding, a sport that focuses on maximizing muscle size, symmetry, and definition, is becoming increasingly popular in South Korea.However, bodybuilding demands extreme physical exertion and dietary control and often includes performance-enhancing drug use, which collectively contributes to unique health risks for participants.This study examines the medical challenges faced by bodybuilders, including the effects of anabolic steroids and other drugs, high-intensity training, and rigorous dietary practices.Despite a growing body of evidence on these risks, there remains limited medical oversight for bodybuilders, unlike team sports, where dedicated physicians are common.Adverse health effects associated with bodybuilding extend to the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and metabolic systems, with elevated risks of conditions such as sudden cardiac death, chronic musculoskeletal pain, kidney damage, and metabolic dysfunction.Notably, natural bodybuilders who avoid drug use still face significant health risks due to extreme diets and training regimens.Low body fat and weight cycling, frequent in bodybuilding, further exacerbate health complications, potentially contributing to cardiovascular issues and hormonal imbalance.To address these unique health risks, healthcare providers must better understand the physiological demands of bodybuilding.Regular health screenings and targeted medical guidance are recommended to mitigate long-term risks and promote well-being in this growing athletic population.