Which drug class traces to the late 1800s and is used to promote muscle growth, now popular with weightlifters?

Which drug class traces to the late 1800s and is used to promote muscle growth, now popular with weightlifters?

• A. Anabolic steroids
• B. Stimulants
• C. Opioids
• D. Diuretics

Answer: (A)

Anabolic steroids promote muscle growth by increasing protein synthesis in muscle cells. They’re synthetic versions of testosterone that, by binding to androgen receptors, boost the production of muscle-building proteins and improve nitrogen retention, leading to larger, stronger muscles when paired with training. This class traces back to late 1800s ideas about anabolic processes and later became popular with weightlifters for rapid gains, despite serious health risks and legal issues. The other options don’t fit because stimulants mainly increase energy and alertness, opioids are pain relievers with no muscle-building effect, and diuretics alter fluid balance rather than muscle mass.

Anabolic steroids promote muscle growth by increasing protein synthesis in muscle cells. They’re synthetic versions of testosterone that, by binding to androgen receptors, boost the production of muscle-building proteins and improve nitrogen retention, leading to larger, stronger muscles when paired with training. This class traces back to late 1800s ideas about anabolic processes and later became popular with weightlifters for rapid gains, despite serious health risks and legal issues. The other options don’t fit because stimulants mainly increase energy and alertness, opioids are pain relievers with no muscle-building effect, and diuretics alter fluid balance rather than muscle mass.