2025/11/01 by Luke A. Turnock, Timothy Piatkowski · 1 voice
Medicine · Social Sciences · #Doping in Sports #Hormonal and reproductive studies #Pharmacology and Obesity Treatment
paper · doi:10.1016/j.peh.2025.100362
openalex created_date 2025/11/01 · openalex publication_date 2025/11/01 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Bodybuilders are often at the forefront of experimental forms of drug use and the consumption of novel compounds. One form of enhancement drug use that has received increasing attention in recent years is weight-loss medicine use, including 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP). However, the market for IPEDs is constantly evolving, with new drugs emerging in digital market spaces. This research focusses on discussions relating to one of these emerging drugs, BAM15, a weight-loss medicine that some bodybuilders perceive as a potentially safer but effective alternative to DNP. We explore the cultural contexts to the navigation of risk in relation to this emergent drug within digital bodybuilding cultures, applying a cultural theory of risk. The research is based on a netnography of forum threads and YouTube content. Thematic analysis was used to analyse discussions relating to BAM15 on two of the largest bodybuilding forums in the world, in addition to a YouTube instructional on the creation of BAM15 and its comment section. Our findings reveal that BAM15 is perceived as a promising, low-risk alternative to traditional weight-loss drugs like DNP. The video’s accessibility and step-by-step synthesis guide contributed to the normalisation of risk-taking behaviours. Comments from viewers indicated a high level of engagement, with many expressing intent to self-experiment with BAM15 despite limited clinical evidence. The study highlights the need for harm reduction frameworks to consider the cultural and digital dimensions of risk. We argue for more contextually informed, peer-led harm reduction interventions that address both material risks and cultural practices surrounding drug use.