The rise of social media fitness influencers and misuse of medicines: a public health crisis?
09 May 2026
Showcase Theatre
The growing influence of social media fitness culture is contributing to rising misuse of image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) in the UK. UK Anti Doping (UKAD) identifies anabolic steroids as the most common IPED, with an estimated one million users in the UK (UKAD 2020), while the MHRA recently warned of reported misuse of GLP-1RAs for aesthetic weight loss (MHRA 2024). Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are a class of compound designed as an alternative to traditional androgen receptor-based therapies. Despite SARMs not being approved for human use by any regulatory body, they are widely available for purchase illegally, carrying significant health risks (USADA 2026).
This presentation explores how unverified information shared on social media platforms normalises IPED use, distorts risk perceptions, and fuels a widening public health issue. From a clinical pharmacy perspective, it will outline the associated health risks, emerging patterns of harm seen in practice, and the essential role of pharmacists in providing harm reduction support.
The session aims to equip healthcare professionals with practical strategies to counter misinformation, engage at risk individuals, and strengthen public health responses to the growing IPED challenge.

