While many people worry – with good reason – about rising rates of obesity among today’s kids due in part to lack of exercise, there’s another, somewhat opposite concern: a growing number of teens (and even tweens) are going to alarming lengths to achieve “perfect” bodies. They’re overdoing exercise, chugging protein shakes, using various kinds of unregulated supplements and even, in some cases, taking anabolic steroids. A recent study in the medical journal Pediatrics indicated that this problem is on the rise and, although more boys are affected, girls aren’t immune. What can a concerned parent do?
A Real Problem
First, know that this problem is real. “Many of these supplements are protein-based, and an overload of protein makes the kidneys work harder to clear them out,” says Wallace Jenkins, M.D., a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. “This affects the body’s ability to clear toxins – it upsets the applecart, so to speak, and affects the liver, spleen and other filtration organs. Some kids have come close to total kidney failure. Protein overload also makes the heart work harder. And steroids are a whole other level, possibly leading to organ failure, cancer, behavioral changes and more.”
Why?
Adolescents by nature are very eager to fit in and be liked by their peers. “They also want to emulate those they perceive as role models – coaches, professional athletes, family members,” says Jenkins. There are body image and self-esteem issues as well. “When it comes to competitive endeavors they just want to win, sometimes at any cost. For the most part, their actions are impulsive without consideration for future ramifications,” he adds.
Performance enhancing drugs and supplements do achieve the desired results; however, there is a lack of education about the potential side effects. “In our results-oriented society any edge that can be obtained is strongly appealing. Adolescents do not possess the degree of abstract thought that is found later in life. They feel they are invincible,” explains Jenkins.
Signs
There are some early indicators that an adolescent may be involved in the use of performance enhancing drugs and/or supplements. “Medically, there will be some changes in the routine lab tests that are part of the annual physical; specifically, liver and muscle enzymes, BUN and creatinine. Physically there may be mood swings or angry outbursts, rapid onset of acne and changing body habitus,” says Jenkins.
It is also helpful to monitor the expenses and read the labels of all supplements purchased. Any concerns should be brought to the attention of the primary care provider immediately.
What to Do
Parents’ first line of defense is to talk to their children about this subject, says Jenkins. “I always advise parents that the best thing is to sit your kids down and ask them. Usually by body language or eye contact, you can tell if they are telling you the truth.”
If you suspect your child is using unhealthy means to achieve a stronger or more attractive body, call your child’s doctor and make an appointment. “We can help tease out the story, especially if the child won’t talk to the parent,” Jenkins says. Children are assured that whatever is said to the doctor is confidential. “I tell the child that unless he or she tells us something that is life-threatening to the child or to others, I cannot disclose what he or she says,” Jenkins explains. “When they hear that, they often open up. And then when they learn from a doctor how dangerous their behaviors are, that’s often enough to get them to stop.”
Wallace Jenkins, M.D., is a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. For more information about the hospital or to schedule an appointment, visit westchestermedicalcenter.com/mfch or call 877-WMC-DOCS (877-962-3627).
David Levine is a freelance writer who specializes in health and medicine issues. A portion of this content was originally published by Westchester Health & Life.
