MEASURING THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS AMONG BODYBUILDERS IN PAKISTAN- A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

As bodybuilding and fitness culture gains favor among youths and young adults in Pakistan, there has been a sudden upsurge of the consumption of dietary supplements mainly whey protein. Both praised as beneficial to muscle building, strength, and recovery time, whey protein is most commonly abused and without medical and nutritional advice. While moderate use can aid in the development of muscle mass and sports performance, excess use poses numerous risks to health, especially when used inappropriately for extended periods of time. This review article critically discusses the health effects of excess use of whey protein among Pakistani bodybuilders with reference to physiological, metabolic, and sociocultural contexts. Liver enzyme activity is also impacted because of the added metabolic stress placed on the hepatic pathways, and increased liver enzymes like ALT and AST are very frequent with chronic abuse. Other common reported side effects include gastrointestinal upset, bloating, insulin resistance, nutrient imbalance, and in certain cases, increased cardiovascular risk. This article stresses the necessity for an all-encompassing public health response. Proposed solutions include more government control over the retail sale of supplements, labeling and quality control of both imported and domestically produced products, public education regarding the dangers of excessive use, and the presence of certified nutritionists and dietitians within gyms. Moreover, the paper sees a clear gap in locally relevant clinical studies of the long-term consequences of excess consumption of protein in Pakistani participants. The future research should focus on determining the impact of excess use of whey protein on organ systems, particularly under influence of other elements of lifestyle like diet, amount of water consumed, and activity levels. Encouraging the safe and evidence-based usage of supplements is necessary to ensure the health and well-being of Pakistan's increasing bodybuilding population.