Fitness becoming a craze, the youngsters in Dehradun are using supplements to build muscles in a short while, a trend that the doctors say can impact their health adversely. A large number of students in Dehradun are into bodybuilding and are consuming supplements for the coveted quick build.
In tune with the trend, fitness centers are mushrooming in Dehradun. The gym instructor of Fitness Point says that around 300-400 college students have joined the gym. “Fitness is essential as it leaves an impact on people. Many students develop muscles with the help of supplements. As far as our knowledge goes there are no long-term side –effects of such kind of body-building. However, it can result in acne and one should drink lots of water for its prevention,” he says.
Bilal Chaudhary, owner of Power Food Agency (supplement product shop), said “There are a variety of supplements like Ceratine- for power and stamina. Mass Gainer helps in gaining mass while whey proteins aid development of muscles. All these help in gaining in a short while and there are no side- effects if it is supplemented with the right sort of diet and adequate intake of water.”
Varishth, a college student suffering from obesity says that his main purpose of joining the gym is to grow thin. “It would add grace to my personality aside from making me fit and agile. I suffer from occasional breathing problems. Besides, I lack stamina. I am confident that very soon these problems would go,” he adds .
Another student Vansh says that he is least bothered about the outward appearance. “People following the trend have forgotten that there is a fine line dividing making the body a temple of the soul and building body to win awards,” he adds.
However, the doctors say taking such supplements which are steroids harm the body. Dr Richa Kukreti Dobriyal, a dietitian at Doon Hospital, says “ Using these supplements is very harmful. It spawns side effects. Supplements are means which alter metabolism, functioning of heart, kidney, liver and digestion to the peril of health. We should go for means available in nature to replenish and strengthen the body.”
Citing an instance of a 18 –year- old student eager to participate in Mr Uttrakhand having had a heart attack. “He used to eat 12 eggs a day to build his muscle. The process he adopted to win the crown had altered his cardiovascular system because of access of protein intake,” he said.
Dr Pankaj Kumar Sharma who is an ayurvedic doctor says, “ One should rely on natural diet rather than chemical supplement. Vital organs like liver and kidney are affected and long- term consumption of such chemicals can lead to arthritis and vascular pain. These can involve high levels of arsenic, which is almost poison. The young students who are at their primary growth stage should not lift heavy weights as it can lead to stunted growth and loss of libido due to low levels of testosterone. A mixture of aashvagandha, sawar and white musle with milk is very nutritious and one should prefer milk, cereals and milk products for proper muscle development.”