Scientist Sounds Alarm as Bodybuilder Deaths Surge Suddenly

A sports scientist has sounded an alarming alert to bodybuilders following research that has revealed a troubling increase in unexpected fatalities amongst professional competitors.

Sudden cardiac arrest – when an individual passes away suddenly because of a cardiac issue — is typically uncommon among younger individuals, however, recent studies have revealed an increasing trend of fatalities among young men who are bodybuilding.

The researchers behind this study argue that their results underscore the health dangers linked to competitive bodybuilding. They advocate for increased education and preventive measures within the field.

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Dr Marco Vecchiato, the lead author of the study from the University of Padova, Italy, stated: "I have observed an increasing number of cases reporting early fatalities amongst individuals engaged in bodybuilding and fitness activities."

These unfortunate occurrences, frequently impacting youthful and seemingly fit athletes, underscore a deficiency in our comprehension of the prolonged health hazards linked to competitive bodybuilding. Up until now, no research has documented the frequency of deaths and sudden fatalities within this particular sports category.

The research examined data from over 20,200 men involved in bodybuilding competitions held between 2005 and 2020. The team then searched various online platforms such as verified news outlets, social media sites, bodybuilding discussion boards, and personal blogs for mentions of deceased participants whose names were known.

Researchers found 121 deaths, which were verified and analysed by doctors to establish the cause of death. The average age of death was 45 years old, and cardiac death accounted for nearly 40 per cent of mortalities.

The study revealed that professional bodybuilders had a fivefold greater risk of cardiac death when compared to non-professionals, autopsy reports reveal indications of heart thickening or enlargement along with coronary artery disease.

Dr Vecchiato, a specialist in sports and exercise medicine, delivered a strong warning to bodybuilders. He stated: "Although aiming for peak physical condition is commendable, the quest for extreme bodily alteration regardless of the consequences can pose major health hazards, notably for the heart."

Recognizing these dangers ought to promote more secure training methods, enhanced medical oversight, and a changed mindset that strongly opposes the usage of performance-enhancing drugs.

Dr Vecchiato commented: "Our research indicates that the mortality rate among male bodybuilders is notably elevated. It was observed that professional athletes experienced a significantly greater number of instances of sudden cardiac death, implying that the intensity of competitive sports could be a contributing factor to this heightened risk."

Bodybuilding encompasses various techniques that might affect one’s health, like intense strength workouts, quick methods for losing weight which often involve strict diets and dehydrating measures, along with extensive usage of numerous performance-boosting compounds. Such tactics can exert considerable stress on the cardiac system, elevate the chances of arrhythmias, and potentially result in long-term alterations within the structure of the heart.

The study emphasizes the necessity for a change in culture within the realm of bodybuilding, according to the researchers, who argue that initiatives should be launched to raise awareness about the dangers associated with bodybuilders misusing performance-enhancing substances.

The authors emphasize that the findings should not be construed as criticism of fitness culture or strength training, which have been demonstrated to be beneficial for health and lower mortality risk Instead, the researchers point out that there are 'latent dangers' associated with emphasizing 'chiselled body shapes'.

The study was published in the European Heart Journal .