Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Experts Warn of Severe Health Risks at Enhanced Games
Leading experts have issued stark warnings regarding the Enhanced Games, highlighting the potential for severe health risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Competitors face the risk of decreased libido, increased chances of cardiac arrest, and psychiatric issues by using these substances.
Dangers of PEDs Downplayed
Prof Ian Broadley, a researcher supported by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and Martin Chandler, a research fellow specializing in PEDs, caution that assurances from organizers that banned substances can be safely administered under medical supervision are “incorrect and misleading.”
Enhanced Games Controversy
Organizers of the Enhanced Games have announced plans for a competition in Las Vegas next year. They also confirmed awarding Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev $1 million for surpassing the 50-meter freestyle world record using prohibited substances.
Former Australian Olympic swimmer James Magnussen has stated he “feels like 18 again” after using testosterone, peptides, and banned substances, including BPC-157, CJC-1295, and ipamorelin, to prepare for the event.
Boardley and Chandler warn that Magnussen and other Enhanced Games participants may be underestimating the severe risks associated with steroids and experimental drugs.
Specific Drug Concerns
Chandler stated, “BPC-157 has undergone minimal human trials, so we lack sufficient data. Ipamorelin was discontinued as a pharmaceutical drug. Neither is FDA-approved.”
Long-Term Effects of Steroid Use Unveiled
“Research is beginning to reveal serious long-term effects from steroid use,” he added. “Reproductive function or libido can be severely affected, with no clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Hormone levels may appear normal, but function is impaired.”
Cardiovascular Risks Highlighted
In their paper, “Harm reduction in the Enhanced Games: Can performance enhancing drugs be safe?,” the University of Birmingham academics address the dangers of testosterone on heart health.
The paper notes it is linked to:
- Dyslipidemia
- Myocardial infarction
- Arrhythmia
- Atherosclerosis
- Cardiomyopathy
- Left ventricular hypertrophy
These conditions resulted in “significantly higher coronary artery plaque volume and reduced ejection fraction compared to non-using controls.”
Hidden Cardiovascular Dangers
Chandler explained, “Testosterone carries numerous adverse effects. Obvious symptoms like acne or shrinking testicles can be managed. However, cardiovascular risks pose a more significant, hidden threat.”
He further elaborated, “With reduced ejection fraction, the heart must work exceedingly hard to circulate blood. Failure to mitigate this could result in a heart attack. While some individuals recover a year after ceasing testosterone use, others do not.”
Psychiatric Conditions Linked to Steroid Use
The paper cites studies indicating a higher prevalence of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, and mania, among steroid users compared to the general population.
Counterarguments and Rebuttals
Dr. Dan Turner, the Enhanced Games’ director of athlete safety and performance, argues that with proper monitoring, the risks of banned substances can be reduced. “It’s not the use of these substances that’s inherently dangerous; it’s the misuse.”
Boardley refutes this claim: “They imply that it can be done safely under medical supervision. That’s incorrect and misleading.”
“Adverse effects often emerge after 10-20 years of substance use. Short-term monitoring will not reveal these long-term, harmful effects,” he added.
Dependency Concerns
Boardley warned about the potential for anabolic steroid dependency. “When usage stops, it profoundly impacts mood because the body ceases testosterone production, encouraging users to restart.”
WADA’s Condemnation
WADA has also condemned the Enhanced Games, citing dangers to athletes. “WADA condemns the Enhanced Games as a dangerous and irresponsible concept,” the organization stated.
WADA added, “It has become clear from the event’s launch in Las Vegas that a focus of the organizers is to sell their products and to play down the associated risks. Inducing elite athletes to use their profiles to promote the use of prohibited and potentially dangerous substances is harmful, in particular for young athletes.”