At the Delhi Hip 360 Conference held on Sunday, leading orthopaedic experts expressed deep concern over the growing misuse of anabolic steroids and unregulated protein supplements. These substances, widely used among gym-goers in their 20s, are increasingly linked to avascular necrosis (AVN) and early hip degeneration—conditions once typically seen in older adults.
Young Adults Suffering from “Old Age” Hip Conditions
Dr. L Tomar, organising chairman of the conference and senior orthopaedic surgeon at Max Hospital, revealed a disturbing trend.
“Every week in my OPD, I see two to three patients under 30 complaining of chronic hip pain. “Most of them are in their early 20s,” he said. “Further investigation often reveals that AVN disrupts the blood supply to the hip bone, leading to bone death. Alarmingly, over 70% of these cases have a history of steroid abuse or use of unverified protein powders.”
Substandard Supplements Easily Available, Unchecked
Studies have linked AVN in young adults primarily to alcohol and steroid consumption. The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration has recently launched inspections across the state following the discovery of unauthorised steroids in several popular protein supplements. These products, readily available online and in gyms, often bypass any regulatory scrutiny.
Hip Damage Begins Silently, Ends in Surgery
Dr. Rajiv Jain, chief coordinator of the Delhi Hip 360 and senior orthopaedic surgeon, explained how steroid misuse harms bone health.
“Steroids disrupt the blood supply to bones. The femoral head, the ball part of the hip joint, is the most vulnerable. Patients start with stiffness, limping, and pain, and many progress to complete hip joint collapse. When medications fail, total hip replacement becomes the only option—something we typically reserve for elderly patients,” he stated.
Urban Youth at High Risk
As reported by TOI, orthopaedic research presented at the conference revealed that over 30% of AVN cases treated in Delhi’s tertiary care hospitals over the last three years involved patients under 35. Most of them had consumed steroids through injections, oral supplements, or contaminated protein powders.
Behind the Muscles, Bones Are Breaking
Dr. Sharad Agarwal, scientific chairman of the conference, pointed out a major flaw in India’s booming fitness culture.
“Young people are misled into believing that bigger muscles automatically mean better health,” he said. “They don’t realise that their bones may be silently deteriorating behind that muscle mass. We need urgent action—starting with regulating supplement markets, launching orthopaedic screening at gyms, and running public awareness campaigns.”
Call to Action: Educate, Regulate, and Guide
Healthcare professionals are now calling on fitness trainers, gym owners, and social media influencers to take responsibility. They urge these groups to educate fitness enthusiasts about the dangers of shortcuts, especially those involving unverified supplements and steroid use.
The message from the medical community is clear:
“True fitness must not come at the cost of future mobility. India’s youth deserve guidance that builds strength—without destroying their hips.”