New research published in the journal Pediatrics has found that gay and bisexual teen boys use illicit steroids at a rate almost six times higher than among straight kids. The study is billed as the first to examine the problem; previous research has reported similar disparities for other substance abuse.
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Gay and bisexual teen boys use illicit steroids at a rate almost six times higher than do straight kids, a "dramatic disparity" that points to a need to reach out to this group, researchers say.
Reasons for the differences are unclear. The study authors said it's possible gay and bi boys feel more pressure to achieve a bulked-up "ideal" male physique, or that they think muscle-building steroids will help them fend off bullies.
Overall, 21 percent of gay or bisexual boys said they had ever used steroids, versus 4 percent of straight boys. The difference was similar among those who reported moderate use — taking steroid pills or injections up to 40 times: 8 percent of gay or bi teens reported that amount, versus less than 2 percent of straight boys. The heaviest use — 40 or more times — was reported by 4 percent of gays or bi boys, compared with less than 1 percent of straight teens.
Read more: Steroid use much higher among gay and bisexual teen boys: study - NY Daily News
RELATED STORIES
Company pleads guilty to steroid distribution
Senate seeks tighter supplement regulation
Senate hearing targets steroids in hiding
Mystery witness at Senate hearing on steroids
Powered by Inform
Gay and bisexual teen boys use illicit steroids at a rate almost six times higher than do straight kids, a "dramatic disparity" that points to a need to reach out to this group, researchers say.
Reasons for the differences are unclear. The study authors said it's possible gay and bi boys feel more pressure to achieve a bulked-up "ideal" male physique, or that they think muscle-building steroids will help them fend off bullies.
Overall, 21 percent of gay or bisexual boys said they had ever used steroids, versus 4 percent of straight boys. The difference was similar among those who reported moderate use — taking steroid pills or injections up to 40 times: 8 percent of gay or bi teens reported that amount, versus less than 2 percent of straight boys. The heaviest use — 40 or more times — was reported by 4 percent of gays or bi boys, compared with less than 1 percent of straight teens.
Read more: Steroid use much higher among gay and bisexual teen boys: study - NY Daily News
