Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) are pharmacologic agents that athletes and bodybuilders use to enhance performance, increase muscle mass, improve strength, and enhance physical appearance
. They are also known as performance-enhancing substances and are sometimes referred to as ergogenic aids
. Some of the most commonly used PEDs in bodybuilding include anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, insulin, diuretics, and stimulants
. The use of these substances is controversial and is driven by the desire to achieve a competitive edge, the pursuit of the perfect physique, and the pressure to meet societal beauty standards
. The prevalence of PED use among bodybuilding athletes can be high, with one study reporting that 51.7% of bodybuilding athletes had used PEDs
