Bodybuilding
The Challenges and Risks of Female Bodybuilding
Female bodybuilding, while a showcase of strength and dedication, is fraught with challenges and serious risks that extend beyond the competition stage. From dehydration to drug scandals, the industry faces multiple layers of complexity that affect athletes' health and safety.
Health Risks in Female Bodybuilding
Dehydration remains a common issue among female bodybuilders, often leading to significant health risks. The rigorous demands of achieving a lean, muscular physique require competitors to engage in extreme dieting and training techniques, which can exacerbate dehydration. The severe dieting practices not only lower testosterone levels but can also result in symptoms like fatigue, loss of sex drive, and moodiness.
Additionally, gaining weight to build muscle mass can strain the heart, as the added weight increases the heart's workload. Many bodybuilders avoid regular aerobic exercise to preserve muscle mass, despite research highlighting its cardiovascular benefits. Some athletes resort to 'dirty bulking,' consuming calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods, instead of adhering to a balanced diet rich in produce and whole grains, further impacting their health.
The Role of Performance-Enhancing Drugs
Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), particularly steroids, are prevalent in bodybuilding. These substances, including potent drugs like trenbolone originally developed for cattle, help athletes build muscle faster but carry significant risks. Steroid use can lead to high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and heart attacks, as well as strain the cardiovascular system by forcing the heart to support a larger body mass. Some steroids also aid in reducing body fat and water weight, contributing to the desired lean, 'cut' appearance.
A 2014 study suggested that approximately 80% of steroid users start before the age of 30. The health consequences of these drugs tend to become more severe with age, raising concerns about the long-term impact on athletes' well-being. Although natural bodybuilding poses risks as well, athletes in these divisions avoid many of the long-term, potentially fatal conditions tied to illicit drug use. Frequent testing in natural divisions reduces the likelihood of athletes cheating the system through careful drug cycling.
Social and Cultural Pressures
Beyond the physical risks, social media has contributed to body dysmorphia among bodybuilders and aspiring athletes. Influencers often perpetuate unrealistic standards of leanness and muscularity, leading to a rise in body dysmorphia among young men and women. Some individuals experience 'bigorexia,' a condition characterized by the perception of being too small or skinny, driving them to gain mass by any means necessary.
Drugs to enhance muscle growth and fat loss are widely available on social media, despite their associated risks. Critics argue that substantial changes in the bodybuilding industry will only occur following a severe incident, such as a death on stage. Experts suggest removing certain bodybuilding categories prone to steroid abuse, like heavyweight classes, and recommend shifting competition judging criteria from size to balance.
Exploitation and Lack of Oversight
The bodybuilding industry, particularly for female athletes, is marred by widespread exploitation and a lack of transparency. Female bodybuilders have reported decades of exploitation by federations, including pressure to provide nude photographs and manipulated contest results favoring compliant competitors. Investigations have highlighted these issues, revealing a toxic environment where managers hold significant power over athletes.
The sport lacks adequate oversight, with no health insurance or unions for athletes, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. Women have reported not receiving promised payments from websites and feeling pressured to comply with exploitative requests. Despite these challenges, the sport has not seen significant reform, with health risks to athletes often overlooked.
In conclusion, the world of female bodybuilding is rife with challenges that extend beyond the physical demands of the sport. From health risks associated with extreme training and drug use to social pressures and exploitation, the industry requires comprehensive reform to ensure the safety and well-being of its athletes.