Two-part investigation by Adnan Al-Gharbi sheds light on the growing threat of steroids and unsafe sports supplements.
Adnan Al-Gharbi of Al Bayan newspaper won the Arab Media Award in the “Journalistic Investigations” category at the 25th edition of the Arab Media Award. He received the award for his two-part investigation, “Steroids and Hormones in the Guise of Sports Supplements… A Silent Danger Assassinates the Dreams of Youth.” The investigation highlighted the alarming spread of steroids, hormones and products of unknown origin marketed as sports supplements.
The honour came as part of the silver jubilee edition of the Arab Media Award, organised by the Dubai Press Club. The award is one of the Arab world’s leading platforms for recognising media excellence and creativity. This year’s edition marked 25 years since its launch in 1999.
The first part of the investigation, titled “Gyms from Fitness Spaces to Dens for Muscle Toxins,” exposed the hidden trade in steroids, hormones and sports supplements of unknown origin. It drew on testimonies from victims, athletes, doctors, experts and officials. It also relied on studies and scientific data that highlighted the health and sporting risks associated with consuming unregulated products.
The investigation opened with the personal stories of victims whose pursuit of ideal physiques or rapid athletic results led to serious health consequences. These included cases of muscle atrophy and other severe health conditions. One athlete underwent open-heart surgery, while another tested positive for steroids after unknowingly taking a supplement that contained a banned substance.
Drawing on a scientific study it examined, the investigation revealed that an analysis of a range of sports supplements purchased online found that 89% carried inaccurate labels. It also found that 12% contained undeclared prohibited ingredients. The findings underscored the risks faced by consumers, particularly athletes.
The report also cited testimonies from officials and experts who warned that some gyms have become outlets for promoting unlicensed products. They said young people and adolescents are often targeted with promises of achieving the “perfect body” quickly. They called for stricter controls, greater awareness and tighter regulation of sports supplements.
The second part of the investigation, titled “Anonymous Products with an Attractive Interface in an Out-of-Control Virtual Market,” traced the movement of the supplements and steroids trade into the digital sphere. It examined the growing role of social media platforms, influencers and e-commerce channels in promoting products that may lack proper health oversight and accurate ingredient information.
The investigation tracked the growing economic scale of the industry. It cited estimates placing the global sports nutrition market at $66.27 billion in 2024, with projections of reaching $138.48 billion by 2033. It noted that this growth has been accompanied by challenges related to manufacturing quality, online sales and products of unknown origin.
The report also examined the Arab market and included examples from the UAE, Egypt, Tunisia and other Arab countries. It combined investigative, human-interest and scientific reporting. The investigation highlighted the contrast between the rapid growth of the sports supplements market and the risks arising from weak oversight of some sales and marketing channels.
The investigation concluded that the issue does not lie with approved sports supplements themselves. Rather, it stems from indiscriminate use, counterfeit or unknown products, and the marketing of steroids and hormones as supplements. It called for stronger oversight, greater public awareness and better protection for young people and athletes from a market that capitalises on the desire for quick physical transformation without regard for the health consequences.
Source: Emirates 24|7