STUDY: Steep Rise in Teens Abusing Growth Hormones
Written By Savvy Auntie Staff Writers
By Iantha Stewart
MedlinePlus has reported that the number of teens consuming dangerous hGH, or synthetic human growth hormone, has more than doubled since 2012, from five to 11 percent. As more teens gain access to hGH, they are neither informed, nor seeking to be informed, on the dangers of taking this substance without it having been prescribed to them. Moreover, some are taking the substances in unsafe quantities.
Tyler Hamilton, former professional cyclist and anti-doping advocate, suggests that the reason for this increase in consumption:
Whether it's in sports, school, social status or appearance, teens feel they need to be better. The study provides a good opportunity for parents and other influential figures in their lives to realize what teens are facing and reinforce a message of unconditional love and acceptance,
While Dr. Patricia Vuguin, a pediatric endocrinologist, suggests it’s vanity inspired by new technology:
While it's difficult to pinpoint why more teens may be using these substances, I strongly suspect that the rising 'selfie culture' among young people -- who increasingly rely on social media to project their body image -- is influencing these disturbing new statistics,
The report also find that teens are more aware of the marketing around hGH as well as steroids, but don’t believe that their health may be at risk by consuming them. The pressure to excel in sports and to look “good” wins out over any potential risk.
The best way to prevent teens from using these performance enhancing substances is through open and informative communication. However, only 12 percent of teens reported their parents have talked to them about the dangers of performance enhancing drugs. Keeping nieces and nephews safe from such substances is very important, so share this report with their parents or legal guardians, and keep an eye out for signs teens and young adults may be abusing these substances.
More at Medline Plus.
Photo: Ambro
Published: August 5, 2014