Young gym-goers developing severe hip conditions due to protein powders and steroids, warn health experts

Economic Times

13-05-2025

A growing number of young gym-goers in India are suffering from serious hip problems due to misuse of steroids and unregulated protein supplements, according to leading orthopaedic experts who spoke at the Delhi Hip 360 conference held on Sunday, a TOI report stated.
ADVERTISEMENT Doctors reported a rise in avascular necrosis (AVN) and early hip degeneration—conditions typically seen in older people—now being diagnosed in individuals as young as their early 20s. Many of these cases are linked to unsupervised use of anabolic steroids and consumption of unauthorised protein powders.
Dr L Tomar, organising chairman of the Delhi Hip 360 conference and senior director at Max Hospital, said, "We are observing a significant surge in hip-related complaints among young patients in recent years. Every week in my OPD, I see 2-3 patients under the age of 30 — many in their early 20s — complaining of persistent hip pain. Investigations often reveal avascular necrosis, a condition where blood supply to the hip bone is compromised, leading to bone death. In over 70% of these cases, there is a history of anabolic steroid use or excessive consumption of unverified protein powders."
Medical studies now show that alcohol and steroid use are two of the main contributors to AVN among young adults. Doctors said the femoral head—the upper part of the thigh bone that fits into the hip socket—is especially vulnerable to poor blood circulation caused by steroid misuse.
Recent inspections by the Maharashtra Food & Drugs Administration revealed that several brands of protein powders sold online and in gyms contained banned performance-enhancing steroids. These products were found to be easily available without proper authorisation or labelling. India has a large unregulated market for muscle-building supplements, often promoted through gyms and social media. Health experts say this is encouraging youth to seek quick fitness results without medical supervision, putting their skeletal health at risk.
Dr Rajiv Jain, chief coordinator of Delhi Hip 360 and a senior orthopaedic surgeon, said, "Steroids, especially when misused or consumed unsupervised, directly impact blood supply to the bones. The femoral head, being the most vulnerable, is often the first to suffer. It begins with pain, stiffness and limping, and in many cases, leads to complete collapse of the hip joint. Hip replacements are required for patients whose condition cannot be treated using medications."
ADVERTISEMENT Doctors noted that AVN is often irreversible unless detected early. For advanced cases, the only treatment option is total hip replacement—a surgery usually performed on elderly patients. However, doctors are now seeing this procedure being increasingly used for urban youth.
Research shared at the conference, held at Hotel Ashoka in Delhi, showed that over 30% of AVN patients treated in the city's top hospitals in the last three years were under the age of 35. Most of these cases were linked to steroids taken either orally, by injection, or through supplement misuse. Dr Sharad Agarwal, scientific chairman of the conference, said, "The youngsters are misled into believing that bigger muscles equal better health. What they don't realise is that behind that muscle, their bones might be silently deteriorating."
ADVERTISEMENT He added, "We urgently need awareness drives, regulation of supplement markets and basic orthopaedic screening at gyms. The message is clear: fitness should not come at the cost of mobility. The youth of India need better guidance to build their bodies—without breaking their hips."
Medical professionals urged gym trainers, influencers, and fitness centre operators to educate clients about the dangers of taking shortcuts through steroids and unauthorised supplements. They stressed the importance of promoting safe, supervised training methods that support natural body development. Doctors concluded that without proper intervention and awareness, hip disorders among India's youth could become a serious long-term public health concern.