Controversial Steroid Use Considered in Fight Against Against against Childhood Obesity in U.S. Schools
December 19, 2022 - Kevin Wan

In the fight against obesity, schools across the United States are turning to an unlikely and controversial source - steroids. According to recent studies, the use of growth hormones can help reduce body fat and increase muscle mass in adolescents, leading some districts to consider offering these drugs as part of their health and wellness programs.

The Chicago public school system is looking into the potential benefits of steroid use for overweight students, saying that it could be a way to provide young people with healthier bodies and better self-esteem. The district’s medical staff has proposed making testosterone, estrogen, and other hormone replacements available to those students who are significantly obese or have severe endocrine disorders.

However, the idea has sparked debate among parents and healthcare professionals alike. Some worry that prescribing steroids may lead to long-term health problems, such as liver toxicity, depression, and acne. Others have raised concerns about the risk of side effects and addiction associated with steroid use.

The use of steroids as a tool in the fight against obesity in schools is a controversial topic that has sparked debate among parents, healthcare professionals, and school officials. The Chicago public school system is currently considering the use of growth hormones, including testosterone and estrogen, as part of their health and wellness programs for students who are significantly obese or have severe endocrine disorders.

While some argue that steroids may be an effective way to help students achieve healthier bodies and improved self-esteem, others worry about the potential long-term health risks, such as liver toxicity, depression, and acne, as well as the risk of side effects and addiction.

Ultimately, the decision whether or not to utilize steroids lies in the hands of local governments and school boards, who will have to weigh the pros and cons of this new approach to fighting childhood obesity. As for now, many districts remain unsure about how effective this strategy would actually be.