Morocco's National Agency for Medicines and Health Products (ANAM) has issued a public warning about the serious health risks associated with the misuse of corticosteroids, particularly for non-medical purposes like weight gain. The agency states that prolonged use without medical supervision can lead to severe adverse effects.
Verified health risks include arterial hypertension, bone fragility and osteoporosis, hormonal disorders such as Cushing's syndrome, increased risk of infections, diabetes, and skin problems. These drugs are potent anti-inflammatories intended for specific medical conditions and require strict medical oversight.
The ANAM alert, reported by Moroccan media, appears to be a response to a dangerous trend of using these prescription medications for cosmetic purposes. The agency emphasizes that corticosteroids are not approved for weight gain and their misuse constitutes a public health hazard.
Health authorities advise the public to only use corticosteroids under a doctor's prescription and continuous monitoring. Any use for off-label purposes, such as bodybuilding or weight gain, is strongly discouraged due to the potential for irreversible damage to multiple organ systems.
