Splitsvilla 7 Fame Mayank Pawar’s Sudden Death At 37 Shocks Fans: Expert Shares 7 Hidden Health Risks In Competitive Bodybuilding

Apart from Splitsvilla 7 fame, Mayank Pawar was also a six-time Mr India winner. His online presence was mainly about fitness, bodybuilding and an intense workout regimen. The cause of his death is still unknown, but it has sparked conversations around the health risks associated with competitive bodybuilding. To know how extreme training, performance-enhancing substances, and intense physique goals in competitive bodybuilding take a toll on a person’s overall health.

The Daily Jagran,  turned to Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, Sr Consultant Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgeon, Gleneagles Hospitals, Parel, lists down 7 health risks associated with competitive bodybuilding.

He stated, “ Competitive bodybuilding is not only about lifting heavy weights, but it also consists of intense training schedules, strict dieting, and dehydration techniques. Moreover, in some cases, performance-enhancing drugs are also taken by the body builders. Understand that the physical extremes involved can lead to health concerns when it comes to bodybuilders. The pressure for achieving low body fat levels and high muscle mass can impact the heart.”

Doctor Listed 7 Hidden Health Risks Of Competitive Bodybuilding:

1. Heart Enlargement (left ventricular hypertrophy): Beware that heavy weight training and unmonitored steroid use can cause abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, affecting its capacity to be able to pump effectively.

2. High Blood Pressure: Heavy lifting, along with supplements or anabolic steroids, can increase blood pressure in bodybuilders.

3. Irregular Heart Rhythms (Arrhythmias): Electrolyte imbalance from dehydration, which is usually practised before competitions, can trigger dangerous heart rhythm disturbances and will need timely attention from an expert.

4. Higher Chances Of A Heart Attack: So, the anabolic steroid use that is associated with higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL) can cause plaque buildup in arteries, inducing a heart attack.

5. Kidney Damage: High-protein diets and supplement overuse can also pressurise the kidneys, especially when the body is already dehydrated, and there can be kidney damage.

6. Liver Stress: Oral steroids can lead to liver inflammation or long-term liver damage. Hence, bodybuilders should be careful.

7.  Hormonal Imbalance: Testosterone suppression and endocrine disruption are common after prolonged steroid cycles.

Lastly, Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal cautiously suggested, “Competitive bodybuilding may negatively impact your heart health in the long term. Therefore, regular cardiac screening from time to time is recommended for bodybuilders. Stay safe!