A new research has showed that health store employees often practice sleaze activities by promoting the use of over-the-counter body-changing supplements to minors, despite knowing they are meant for adults. The findings of the study were discussed in the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting in San Diego.

The researchers instructed study participants to call 244 health food stores in 49 states posing as 15-year-old boys and girls. It was surprising to know that 9.8% of sales associates recommended them, despite knowing testosterone boosters are not fit for kids and teens under age 18, and must not be recommended without a medical reason.

“Adolescents are being enticed by flashy advertisements and promises of quick, body-shaping results. In this body-conscious world, flashy advertising of `safe, quick and easy body shaping results’ are very tempting to younger individuals trying to achieve the perfect body”, said Dr. Ruth Milanaik of Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

Pediatricians, parents, coaches and mentors should encourage teenagers to adopt healthy eating habits, sleep and exercise for a healthy body rather than relying on supplements to better their plight.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says it’s not safe for males and females under age 18 to use body-shaping supplements. However, minors can legally buy them in 49 states.

Dr. Milanaik said health food store supplements can’t always be trusted. Besides, health food store attendants often do not have good knowledge about body-changing products they sell, like fat burning thermogenic products (such as Hydroxycut,and Shredzm), testosterone boosters, or products containing creatine.

The study showed that 41% of sales attendant told callers identifying themselves as 15-year-olds that they can purchase a testosterone booster on their own, despite many testosterone boosters bearing warnings such as “for adult use only”.

The study was titled as ‘Over-the-Counter Testosterone Boosters and Underage Teens: Easy Access and Misinformation Provided by National Retailers’.