[.ca] Pumped (ISBN 0393321290)

From Amazon.com:
You see them everywhere. You can't walk into a shopping mall without seeing a store selling body-building nutritional supplements, and even the discount drugstores generally have large displays of muscle-enhancing and fat-burning potions. But do any of them work? And are they safe? The authors of Pumped, who previously tackled recreational drugs in Buzzed, attempt to answer these questions in a straightforward way, free of scientific jargon. They conclude that many of these drugs and supplements actually work, but not as well as their proponents might claim. For example, they note that creatine produces about a 1 to 5 percent improvement in certain high-intensity activities like sprinting--significant if you're a trained athlete, but probably not cost-effective for the recreational weight lifter. They also show that touted fat-burning drugs like ephedrine and caffeine do indeed help people lose weight, but just a few pounds over several months. And, they note, the brain eventually compensates for the hunger slowdown these drugs produce. So they're a short-term solution to a lifelong problem, and a modestly effective solution at that. Pumped could easily have come off like a "just say no" campaign against performance-enhancing and appearance-improving drugs and nutritional supplements. And, indeed, the overriding tone is one of skepticism toward every drug and supplement they describe, from anabolic steroids to protein powders. (They show that a great protein source like eggs can cost seven times as much if you buy it as a supplement instead of in its natural form.) But the authors temper their skepticism by noting that scientists have looked foolish in the past by claiming that anabolic steroids didn't work while most of the world's elite power athletes knew better. Science, in other words, will always be a few steps behind practical application when it comes to performance enhancement. Still, the lack of enthusiasm the authors muster for drugs and supplements will probably restrict the book's potential audience. Parents of athletes will want to absorb the information, but the athletes themselves will turn to bodybuilding magazines and Web sites for advice. Likewise, coaches and guidance counselors will find Pumped useful and informative, but the people they're coaching and guiding probably won't get too excited over it. --Lou Schuler

Outdated theories posed as facts:
If you are looking for a book that will explain the uses, and the effects of certain sports supplements and or drugs this is not the book. The book uses scare tactics from out-dated and disproven information. If you are an athlete or have a child that is an athlete and you want up-to-date information on products then you are better off buying a book or a magazine that is written by, doctors that are also athletes. Save your money and buy a book that uses studies that were done after 1999 unlike the 5 year studies used in Pumped.

Just the facts, mam.:
This is quite a remarkable book. It is short, to the point, knowledgable and readable. It tells the truth about performance enhancing drugs and is clear about the downside even for those that work. At the same time, it does not preach and I don't think would be a turn-off for teenagers. If you have a child who is an athlete, or if you are in competetive athletics yourself, you should read this book. As a physician, I think these drugs are available in most every high school in the country. They are a giant temptation. This book is most helpful to parents, coaches and athletes themselves.

Good overview of a variety of topics:
Book provides a good detailed overview of a wide variety of supplements and drugs and their impact on athletes. All findings in the book are backed by scientific fact. Only negative is that it doesn't go into great depth on any one topic, but instead keeps it fairly short and to the point.

For Health's Sake:
This is a useful, readable description and summary of drug and supplement use and the body's functioning especially written for athletes and those interested in physical fitness. It seems to make an honest effort to give the facts about drug and supplement use and sort out the truth from all the training ads that bombard anyone who uses fitness media. The problem is what most everyone suspects- there are no shortcuts and anything that does effect the body's functioning is a potential health risk. However, those who want all the drugs and supplements to work will be critical of this book because it doesn't tell them what they want to hear and unfortunately will probably continue to use what they want. The authors did a good job of describing the efficiency of the human body. It is such a remarkable machine that it adjusts to any "shortcut" and the effects become counter-productive. The well-known fact that the body starts to store fat when a person diets too quickly is a good example. I know the information in this book will not be accepted by some teens and exercising adults but it is worth knowing and hopefully the recommendations will be followed for health's sake.

A book no serious body builder should be without:
Finally, a book that provides non-judgmental information about the biology and pharmacology of body-building. This is not just one of those "just say no" books - it provides the reader with factual information so he or she can make informed choices. Take my word for it: trust the information in this book more than the layman's advice you get at the gym.