This observational study aims to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries and cardiovascular risk factors among individuals with and without exercise addiction. Adult recreational gym users who have been engaging in resistance training for at least six months will be included. Participants will be divided into two groups based on their exercise dependence levels, and outcomes such as musculoskeletal symptoms, anabolic substance use, and cardiovascular risk scores will be compared between groups.

The current study will examine the effects of exercise addiction on musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health in recreational gym users. Exercise addiction is characterized by compulsive training behavior despite physical or psychological harm and is increasingly prevalent among young adults, especially those engaged in bodybuilding.

Participants will be recruited from randomly selected fitness centers in Istanbul and categorized into exercise-dependent and non-dependent groups using the Exercise Dependence Scale-21 (EDS-21). Musculoskeletal symptoms will be assessed using the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Cardiovascular risk will be evaluated using the SCORE Risk Assessment System, which considers factors such as blood pressure, smoking, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. The Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS) will also be applied to assess body image and muscle-related attitudes.

In addition to the physical assessments, participants will be asked about the use of anabolic steroids, and the frequency and patterns of such use will be recorded. The study will aim to raise awareness about the health consequences of excessive exercise and unregulated anabolic substance use, with the goal of informing preventive strategies and guiding future research.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged ≥18 years
• Member of a fitness center
• Regular physical activity (≥3 times per week)
• Voluntary participation with informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed psychiatric illness
• Professional or elite athletes
• Incomplete questionnaire data

The study population will consist of healthy adult individuals aged 18 years or older who are members of fitness centers in Istanbul and have been regularly engaging in resistance or bodybuilding training for at least six months. All participants must exercise at least three times per week and meet the inclusion criteria. Individuals will be divided into two groups based on their exercise dependence status: those who meet the criteria for exercise addiction and those who do not. Participants with professional athletic status or a diagnosed psychiatric illness will be excluded. The population represents recreational gym users with varying attitudes toward exercise behavior, body image, and supplement use, providing a real-world sample for assessing the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular impacts of exercise addiction.