The survey of 1,034 respondents aged 16-25 found that 29% saw SARM ads weekly, with 5% seeing them daily. A third of those who bought SARMs did so after seeing online promotions. SARMs are not approved for human consumption in the UK and can cause serious health issues including liver failure, heart attacks and strokes.
They are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada). Influencers increasingly promote SARMs as a 'safer' alternative to anabolic steroids, often using phrases like 'for research purposes only' to circumvent the law. Ukad says influencers prioritise financial gain by over-selling benefits and neglecting dangers.
It's simply not worth the risk to your health to take these substances.
A third of young people consider such online information trustworthy. Real-world consequences include a two-year ban for Team GB bobsleigher Arran Gulliver after testing positive for ostarine, and TikTok star Jack Joseph revealing he almost died of liver failure after taking SARMs as a teenager.