Abstract

Objetive: to determine the use of nutritional supplements and drugs without supervision of health professionals in gym users. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study. A previously validated survey was applied to 204 users from 5 gyms. Results: 40.2% of the total population consumed some nutritional supplement, with protein preparations as the most consumed with a 33.3% preference. These products were consumed mainly with the aim of increasing muscle development (23.5%), 31.9% recognized that they were consuming food supplements without any control from a health professional. Anabolic products were consumed by 3.4% of all athletes, with testosterone being the preferred use by all anabolic consumers. Anabolic products consumers (100%) admitted not receiving or seeking medical control for the consumption of such drugs. Conclusion: it is important for people in the health area to be able to educate about the risks of prolonged use of these substances.