UP to a million Brits are taking anabolic steroids to get a buff bod, public health experts and doctors have said.

From teens seeking the ripped abs of their screen idols to older gents juicing for youthful looks the numbers of people using image- and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs).

1 Up to a million Brits are using steroids to get a buff bod a new study has revealed Credit: Getty - Contributor

Research suggests that looks rather than sporting prowess are the reason for most of those now using anabolic steroids and other IPEDs.

There is growing concern that the desire for blokes to get “shredded” is causing thousands to put their long-term health at risk by pumping into themselves IPEDs rather than just pumping iron.

Many also face complications by mixing steroids with booze and drugs such as cocaine.

Cops and have seen an increase in underground labs “cooking” steroids in the UK and of drugs being imported to from countries where IPEDs can be bought over the counter.

Social media has also made it easier to swap both information and products, with lifestyle magazines and reality television shows thought to be playing on people’s body anxieties.

The findings come from the national IPED info report which considered the most in-depth study of steroid usage.

Joe Kean, who is the lead recruiter of steroid users for the report, said he was confident there were about 900,000 users in the UK.

Kean, who is based in Yorkshire, said users he had worked with included everyone from soldiers to imams who were using steroids.

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He told The Guardian: “The first thing they say when they arrive at a needle exchange is: ‘I’m not a smackhead.’

“The evidence is emerging that steroid use will cost the NHS millions.

“Lads are taking steroids, drinking and taking a bit of coke and they go out feeling hard and manly. Steroids, alcohol and cocaine are the holy trinity for heart issues.”

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