According to a research study published in the February 2014 issue of the journal Pediatrics, they found that it’s possible that homosexual boys feel more pressure to achieve a bulked-up “ideal” male physique, or that they think muscle-building steroids will help them fend off bullies. 21% of gay or bisexual boys said they had ever used steroids, versus 4% of straight boys. Kids are often less open about using steroids than about drinking or smoking marijuana, but the study helps raise awareness and the results suggest it’s a topic physicians should be raising with their clients.
