Abstract. A total of 138 male body builders who regularly attended a gym participated anonymously in a study of the use of anabolic‐androgenic steroids in relation to side‐effects, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI; kg m−2), training frequency, social background, occupation, knowledge and attitudes to steroid use. Fifty‐three of the 138 body builders had used anabolic‐androgenic steroids for a median duration of 2 years. Steroid use was linked to a higher BMI and more frequent training. Seventy‐five per cent (n = 18) of those attending body building for competition, and 24% (n = 11) of those attending to improve their sense of well‐being, used anabolic‐androgenic steroids. Of all body builders, 94% considered anabolic‐androgenic steroids to be dangerous. Of the users, 81% experienced side‐effects, but 74% still intended to continue steroid medication. 1990 Blackwell Publishing Ltd