Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are a class of compounds that have gained significant attention worldwide, primarily within fitness and bodybuilding communities, despite not being approved for medical use in most countries. Their use is a growing global concern due to availability, increasing popularity, and potential health risks.

Prevalence and User Base:

While precise global statistics on SARM use are challenging to ascertain due to their illicit nature in recreational contexts, available data and trends indicate a notable prevalence, particularly among individuals seeking to enhance physique and performance. Surveys and studies, although limited, suggest that SARM use is present in various regions, including North America, Europe, and Australia.

A study involving young male gym-goers in the Netherlands reported that 2.7% had used SARMs.
Anecdotal evidence and discussions on online forums and social media platforms suggest a much higher prevalence within specific subcultures dedicated to weightlifting and bodybuilding.
Users are predominantly young males, often between 18 and 29 years old, though use is not limited to this demographic. Fitness enthusiasts, competitive and recreational athletes, and individuals in professions requiring physical prowess are among the users.

Trends in Worldwide Use:

Interest in and the use of SARMs appear to be on an upward trend globally. This is evidenced by:

Increasing Online Interest: Google search trends for SARMs have shown a significant rise over the years, in some cases surpassing search interest for traditional anabolic steroids and testosterone replacement therapy.

Social Media Influence: SARMs are widely promoted on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit, contributing to their growing visibility and adoption, particularly among younger populations influenced by fitness influencers.
Rising Positive Doping Tests: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has reported an increase in the number of adverse analytical findings (positive doping tests) for SARMs in athletes across various sports between 2015 and 2019, indicating their use in competitive settings globally.

Availability and Regulation:

Despite being largely unapproved for human use and banned by major sports organizations, SARMs are widely available for purchase worldwide, primarily through online vendors. They are often marketed deceptively as "research chemicals" to circumvent regulations. The ease of online purchase contributes significantly to their accessibility on a global scale. Regulatory bodies in various countries have issued warnings about the health risks associated with these products and have taken action against companies illegally selling them as dietary supplements.

Reasons for Use:

Individuals are drawn to SARMs for perceived benefits in:

• Increasing muscle mass and strength.
• Decreasing body fat.
• Improving athletic performance and recovery.

Users often perceive SARMs as a safer alternative to traditional anabolic-androgenic steroids, believing they offer similar benefits with fewer side effects due to their supposed tissue selectivity.

Associated Risks and Lack of Medical Approval:

It is crucial to understand that despite claims of selectivity and safety, SARMs are experimental compounds with limited long-term human studies. Regulatory bodies have not approved them for medical use because their efficacy and safety have not been established. Potential health risks associated with SARM use, as reported in studies and case reports, include:

Liver toxicity and damage.

Suppression of natural testosterone production, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances and requiring post-cycle therapy.
Adverse effects on cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Potential risks to other organs and bodily functions that are not yet fully understood.
Products sold online may be impure, incorrectly dosed, or contain undeclared harmful substances, further increasing health risks.

The worldwide use of SARMs is a significant and growing phenomenon, driven by accessibility through online markets and promotion on social media. While specific global prevalence figures are elusive, trends indicate increasing interest and use, particularly among young males in the fitness community, despite the lack of medical approval and the presence of significant health risks