Two approaches towards anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use are dealt with: the first is found in the biomedical literature, centered on the effects on young men's health; the second refers to the users themselves, focusing on the sociocultural aspects of consumption. Qualitative methodology was used, based on analysis of two types of material: (i) articles from the biomedical field; (ii) material from studied conducted between 2001 and 2004, including ethnography and semi-structured interviews with nineteen male jiu-jitsu fighters in Rio de Janeiro. The results indicate that there is a mismatch between the biomedical approach, which condemns the non-therapeutic use of AAS, and the representations and practices of users who resort to these substances with the goal of improving strength and muscularity. It is concluded that the relationship between anabolic substance consumption and the social construction of masculinity needs to be further studied within the context of public health.
Gender identity; Masculinity; Steroids; Health