Prevalence of Supplement Use and Consumption Practices among the Gym-going Population of Nepal

Introduction: The use of dietary supplements among gym-goers has become increasingly prevalent worldwide, driven by a growing fitness culture, social influences, and the pursuit of enhanced physical performance.

Aim: This study aims to assess the prevalence, types, and patterns of supplement use among the gym-going population in Nepal, as well as the level of awareness and factors influencing supplement consumption.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among gym members across different cities, collecting data on demographics, supplement usage patterns, sources of information, and perceived benefits or risks. 100 Nepalese gym goers completed the questionnaire (75% male vs 25% male/ 29.62yrs ± 5.72yrs). The online questionnaire survey on supplement use among the Nepalese population was made available from the 2nd of July 2023 to the 30th of August 2023, and a link to the online questionnaire was distributed through friend circles and fitness clubs' social network groups in Nepal to reach the target population and reduce bias. An inductive approach was applied to analyze the responses received to the open-ended questions (the reason behind using supplements). The responses obtained for open-ended questions were first arranged and classified into different areas/themes such as 'muscle gain', 'increasing strength', 'prevent nutritional deficiencies’ and ‘fat loss.’ Then, these responses were represented in frequencies and percentages.

Results: The findings indicate that only a quarter (25%) of Nepalese gym goers were supplement users though 50% of gym goers in the study agreed on supplement being useful. The financial constraints and cultural disparity might be the reason behind the huge gap on the prevalence of supplements use between Nepal and other countries. Of those supplement users a significant proportion of them relied on protein powders, amino acids, pre-workouts, and fat burners, with many making purchasing decisions based on advice from trainers, peers, and/or social media rather than certified health professionals. There is limited awareness regarding potential health risks and the authenticity of supplements available in the market. Additionally, regulatory challenges and the availability of counterfeit products pose further concerns. The observation from the study shows the random use of supplements among the study population without proper guidance and consultation, which can also lead to an overdose of supplements and ingestion of illegal ergogenic aids from the contaminated supplement.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for educational initiatives, stricter regulations, and professional guidance to ensure the safe and informed use of supplements among Nepal’s gym-going population.