What are the dangers of "skinny pills". The tragedy of a young bodybuilder

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What are the dangers of "skinny pills". The tragedy of a young bodybuilder

18:00, 04.01.2025

Bodybuilder's tragedy: how a dangerous substance for "drying" led to death

French doctors have described a tragic case in which a 21-year-old bodybuilder died due to long-term ingestion of the banned substance 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) in combination with anabolic steroids.

A young man suffered from muscle dysmorphia - an obsession that his muscles were underdeveloped. In order to maintain his "perfect" physique, he used DNF, ignoring serious health risks.

The authors of the paper, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, stress the importance of doctors recognising the symptoms of DNF intoxication sooner.

What 2,4-dinitrophenol is
It was originally used to make explosives and as a pesticide. By chance, it was discovered that DNP accelerates metabolism and "burns" fat stores. The substance was briefly used for weight loss in the 1930s, but was quickly banned due to its high toxicity and risk of death. However, in the 1980s, bodybuilders and some athletes began using DNF illegally again. Dozens of deaths around the world were recorded, as the substance was easy to buy online without realising its dangers.

The story of the deceased bodybuilder
For six months he regularly used DNF, he developed tachycardia, intense sweating and rapid breathing - typical signs of intoxication with this chemical. Four months after starting to use the chemical, the young man was admitted to hospital with multi-organ failure; at that time he confessed to using DNF. But later, in counselling sessions, he denied it, making it difficult to diagnose correctly. Doctors suspected endocrine problems or a tumour.

Despite his deteriorating health, the bodybuilder continued to take DNF in an effort to maintain "lean" muscle. Eventually, he took a dangerous dose of 2 grams of the drug, after which he again sought emergency help. The man could not be saved: he died a few hours later.

Autopsy results
Doctors found symptoms of acute poisoning with 2,4-dinitrophenol and traces of anabolic steroids in the hair of the deceased. They believe his death was caused by a combination of DNF and steroid ingestion, as well as a psychological condition called muscle dysmorphia. In this condition, a person is so afraid of "getting out of shape" that they neglect health risks.