← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Performance-enhancing Drugs and Body Image — [David Mundell in the Chair]
21 February 2023
Lead MP
Luke Evans
Hinckley and Bosworth
Con
Responding Minister
Neil O'Brien
Tags
NHSEconomyScience & TechnologyMental Health
Word Count: 8177
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Luke Evans raised concerns about performance-enhancing drugs and body image — [david mundell in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The debate should address the rising number of steroid users and discuss how we can prevent this from becoming a public health issue.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the lack of discussion around anabolic steroids and image and performance-enhancing drugs, or IPEDs, in the UK. There are estimated to be between 500,000 and 1 million users, but no one is talking about it. The Priory Group estimates that 500,000 people are now using steroids compared to their estimate of around 50,000 a decade ago, saying 'we are sleepwalking into a health crisis'.
Daniel Poulter
Con
Central Suffolk and North Ipswich
Thanked the Minister for focusing on alcohol, crack cocaine, and opiate use with a comprehensive strategy over the next ten years. Highlighted the need for better data collection on steroid misuse through the crime survey for England and Wales to ensure robust evidence in drug and alcohol treatment.
James Davies
Con
Witham
I noted that there is a need for better education on the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs and the long-term health implications they pose. I also mentioned that more funding should be directed towards rehabilitation programmes.
Central Ayrshire
I spoke about the importance of supporting athletes in their recovery from drug use, suggesting a need for better mental health services and support networks. I also mentioned that we should be promoting positive body image among young people.
James Duddridge
Con
Castle Point
He mentions a tragic case of Matt Dear from Essex who died after taking pills that caused brain swelling and death, highlighting the dangers even one-time use can pose. He asks if the lead MP is concerned about such risks.
Margaret Ferrier
Ind Lab
Rutherglen and Hamilton West
She agrees that social media and reality TV are contributing to unrealistic body ideals, which affect men's self-esteem. She suggests the need for greater controls around edited imagery. A common side effect of steroids is roid rage, which impacts not just those who use them but also everyone around them. Margaret Ferrier argues for greater understanding of the side effects to tackle drug abuse.
Rob Butler
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
I emphasised the importance of transparency in the sports industry regarding drug testing and results, calling for stricter penalties for those who violate anti-doping regulations. I also mentioned that there should be more public awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs.
Woodford
He congratulates the lead MP on securing the debate and agrees that boys and men are facing unique pressures in the 21st century. He suggests a Government-led men's health strategy to address such issues comprehensively.
Rachael Maskell
Lab
York Central
I am concerned about the portrayal of women in sports and media, highlighting that many female athletes feel pressure to conform to unattainable body standards. I also mentioned a recent survey which found 70% of young girls are dissatisfied with their bodies due to societal pressures.
Sarah Jones
Lab
Croydon West
Ms Jones highlighted the pressure on young men to achieve a perfect body image, citing examples of online influencers and steroid use. She mentioned that over 50% of steroid users are motivated by improving their body image rather than fitness goals, emphasizing the psychological impact of rigid beauty standards. Ms Jones also raised concerns about the ease of accessing steroids through various websites despite them being illegal.
Stuart McDonald
SNP
Glasgow South
Mr McDonald thanked Dr Evans for securing the debate and highlighted that growing numbers of people are using image and performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolic steroids. He mentioned studies suggesting young men in their early 20s are most likely to start down this path, with increased access through online sales. Mr McDonald discussed significant health consequences, including kidney problems, liver issues, heart attacks, strokes, mood swings, aggression, and eating disorders. He emphasised the importance of improving knowledge on the issue and conducting a national review of steroid use related to body image.
Government Response
Neil O'Brien
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell, and to listen to my hon. Friend the Member for Bosworth. I acknowledged the importance of his debate on performance-enhancing drugs and body image, highlighting several points raised by other MPs as well. The minister emphasized the focus of the 10-year drug strategy on alcohol, heroin, and crack, which account for half of all acquisitive crime. He noted that anabolic steroids are prescription-only medicines but can be illegally supplied through online platforms based overseas. The Government is committed to stopping illegal trade in human medicines and preventing criminal activity, including the sale of steroids, via the Online Safety Bill. Schools play a crucial role in addressing body dysmorphia and societal pressures on young men's appearance through compulsory relationships, sex, and health education curricula. The minister highlighted several initiatives, such as grants for training senior mental health leads in schools by 2025 and investments in mental health services, including £2.3 billion a year by 2024 for expanding services available in England. He also mentioned the UK Anti-Doping outreach programme run with ukactive since 2018 to improve education and awareness around image and performance-enhancing drugs in gyms and leisure centres.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.