BACKGROUND: Performance-enhancing drugs are frequently used by bodybuilders: anabolic steroids, growth hormone and insulin, only to mention a few. Many little known drugs are also used. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two men aged 20 and 32 years, both active bodybuilders, complained about lassitude and malaise. Clinical and laboratory evaluation revealed an unusual cause of their complaints. RESULTS: Laboratory investigation showed very low serum levels of free thyroxin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), suggesting central depression of thyroid function. Both men then admitted taking dinitrophenol (approximately 5 mg/kg bodyweight/day) to "burn fat" before body-building competitions. INTERPRETATION: Doctors should be aware that bodybuilders might use dinitrophenol. This toxic compound has severe metabolic effects. Overdose may cause hyperpyrexia and death. Use should be strongly discouraged.
BACKGROUND: Performance-enhancing drugs are frequently used by bodybuilders: anabolic steroids, growth hormone and insulin, only to mention a few. Many little known drugs are also used. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two men aged 20 and 32 years, both active bodybuilders, complained about lassitude and malaise. Clinical and laboratory evaluation revealed an unusual cause of their complaints. RESULTS: Laboratory investigation showed very low serum levels of free thyroxin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), suggesting central depression of thyroid function. Both men then admitted taking dinitrophenol (approximately 5 mg/kg bodyweight/day) to "burn fat" before body-building competitions. INTERPRETATION: Doctors should be aware that bodybuilders might use dinitrophenol. This toxic compound has severe metabolic effects. Overdose may cause hyperpyrexia and death. Use should be strongly discouraged.