Anabolic-androgenic steroid users frequently exhibited a normalized fat-free mass index exceeding 25.0 (some >30), whereas nonusers had a well-defined upper limit of 25.0.
Cross-Sectional (n=157)
Does anabolic-androgenic steroid use increase fat-free mass index (FFMI) beyond physiological limits in male athletes?
A normalized fat-free mass index (FFMI) exceeding 25.0 strongly suggests anabolic-androgenic steroid use, providing a simple initial screening tool for suspected abuse.
We calculated fat-free mass index (FFMI) in a sample of 157 male athletes, comprising 83 users of anabolic-androgenic steroids and 74 nonusers. FFMI is defined by the formula (fat-free body mass in kg) x (height in meters)-2. We then added a slight correction of 6.3 x (1.80 m - height) to normalize these values to the height of a 1.8-m man. The normalized FFMI values of athletes who had not used steroids extended up to a well-defined limit of 25.0. Similarly, a sample of 20 Mr. America winners from the presteroid era (1939-1959), for whom we estimated the normalized FFMI, had a mean FFMI of 25.4. By contrast, the FFMI of many of the steroid users in our sample easily exceeded 25.0, and that of some even exceeded 30. Thus, although these findings must be regarded as preliminary, it appears that FFMI may represent a useful initial measure to screen for possible steroid abuse, especially in athletic, medical, or forensic situations in which individuals may attempt to deny such behavior.
Kouri et al. (Sun,) conducted a cross-sectional in Anabolic-androgenic steroid use (n=157). Anabolic-androgenic steroids vs. Nonusers was evaluated on Normalized fat-free mass index (FFMI). Anabolic-androgenic steroid users frequently exhibited a normalized fat-free mass index exceeding 25.0 (some >30), whereas nonusers had a well-defined upper limit of 25.0.