Lives risked for big muscles: SA Health

The reckless and illegal use of steroids has resulted in a rise in users being admitted to hospital in South Australia, health authorities say.

Between 2001 and 2008, less than one person a year sought medical help at a public hospital as result of misusing the drugs.

But this has tripled since 2013.

Royal Adelaide Hospital professor of medicine Gary Wittert says an obsession with body image has led to more people risking their health with anabolic or androgenic steroids.

"With social media perceptions and the growing pressure for men and women to look fit, the relatively easy access to these drugs online makes it a seemingly attractive option for people to use as a quick fix to achieve the look they are after," he said.

The muscle-building drug can have various long-term effects such as heart disease, stroke and abnormal liver function.