(CNN) — More teens are using muscle enhancing products.
That’s the finding of a study published Monday in the medical journal “Pediatrics”.
The study involved surveys of 2,793 middle and high school students, who were questioned about exercise and eating habits along with use of protein powders, steroids and other muscle enhancing substances.
The study found about one out of three teen boys reported using protein powders to build muscle mass. Six percent admitted to using steroids. And two out of three said they changed their diet to increase muscle tone or size.
Among girls, about 21 percent said they used protein powders and shakes. Nearly five percent said they had used steroids.
Researchers say the number of teens reporting muscle enhancing behavior is substantially higher than it was in previous years and “is cause for concern. Pediatricians and other health care providers should ask their adolescent patients about muscle-enhancing behaviors.”
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota and Columbia University.
To read the published study,click here.
