Arnaud Pontin (Image : AI / Gay Globe)
Gay men are often heavily represented in gyms, practicing sports or placing great importance on their physical condition. Unfortunately, some also turn to supplements or substances whose legality and safety are sometimes questionable in order to improve their performance or physical appearance.
Certain products, such as testosterone when used without medical indication, can create the impression of promoting rapid muscle gain. However, their use carries significant health risks, particularly when these substances come from the black market or when their dosage is not controlled.
A new type of product is now gaining popularity in certain fitness centers and within parts of the gay community: peptides. Often sold illegally online or through parallel networks, these peptides raise serious concerns within the medical community, both because of their potential side effects and the lack of control over their manufacturing and composition.
Black market peptides are peptides that are manufactured, imported, or sold outside regulated pharmaceutical channels. They are often marketed on the internet, through social media, in certain gyms, or by private resellers, without a prescription and without quality control.
Unlike approved medications, these products are generally not manufactured according to the standards required for pharmaceutical products. There is no guarantee that they actually contain the advertised substance or that their concentration is accurate. Analyses conducted in several countries have revealed that some products contained impurities, bacterial contaminants, a different dose than indicated on the label, or even a completely different substance.
The peptides most commonly found on the black market include:
- CJC-1295, intended to stimulate growth hormone production;
- Ipamorelin, used for the same purpose;
- BPC-157, presented as promoting the healing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, despite the lack of solid evidence in humans;
- TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4), sold to accelerate recovery after training;
- GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, which also stimulate growth hormone secretion.
These substances are often presented as “safer than steroids,” but this claim is not scientifically proven. Some can cause adverse effects such as water retention, joint pain, increased blood sugar, hormonal disruption, or even promote the undesirable growth of certain tissues.
The main danger, however, comes from the black market itself. When a person injects a product purchased from an unauthorized seller, they often have no idea:
- whether the product is sterile;
- whether the dosage is accurate;
- whether the content actually matches what is indicated on the vial;
- whether it was manufactured under adequate sanitary conditions.
This is why health authorities recommend never using peptides from unauthorized sources. Even when a peptide is the subject of research or has a recognized medical use in certain situations, this does not mean that the versions sold illegally are safe or effective.
Some peptides can be obtained legally, but only in specific medical contexts and according to current regulations. It is important to distinguish between peptides approved as medications and peptides sold for bodybuilding or performance enhancement.
For example, certain peptides are authorized to treat specific diseases, such as certain hormonal disorders, metabolic diseases, or other conditions. They are then prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacy. In these cases, their manufacturing, quality, and dosage are rigorously controlled.
It is also important to distinguish GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide, which are approved peptides for treating diabetes or obesity in certain situations. These medications are legally available by prescription and should not be confused with peptides sold clandestinely for bodybuilding.
Peptides generally do not cause physical dependence comparable to that of opioids, nicotine, alcohol, or certain drugs. In other words, they do not create a significant withdrawal syndrome when use is stopped.
However, specialists speak more of psychological dependence or behavioral dependence.
In some individuals, the rapid improvement in physical appearance or performance can create a need to continue injections to maintain the results obtained. The fear of losing muscle mass, regaining weight, or no longer matching an aesthetic ideal can push the user to continue despite the risks to their health.
This phenomenon is particularly concerning in environments where appearance plays a major role. Researchers have observed that some people develop a form of muscle dysmorphia (sometimes called bigorexia), a body image disorder in which they perceive themselves as insufficiently muscular, even when they already have a highly developed musculature. This perception can encourage repeated use of steroids, peptides, or other performance-enhancing substances.
Some people also become dependent on the results themselves. After several months of use, they fear losing the muscle gains obtained and resume injections at regular intervals. This repeated use can become a difficult cycle to break.
There is another risk: users of peptides are sometimes more inclined to try other products, such as anabolic steroids, growth hormone, or other doping substances. This is known as polysubstance use, a practice that significantly increases the risk of side effects and medical complications.
Even if peptides generally do not cause physical dependence comparable to that of alcohol or opioids, some people develop a psychological dependence linked to their body image, athletic performance, or fear of losing the results obtained. Fortunately, help is available.
The first step is to consult a family doctor or sports medicine physician. This professional can assess the effects of peptides on health, request blood tests if necessary, and direct the person to appropriate resources.
A pharmacist can also answer questions about the substances used, drug interactions, and the risks associated with stopping certain products.
When consumption is associated with an obsession with physical appearance or psychological distress, support from a psychologist or psychotherapist can be very beneficial. Cognitive-behavioral therapies have notably proven effective in treating body image disorders and compulsive behaviors related to training or the use of performance-enhancing substances.
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