A new study by the European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA) has indicated that the UK has the lowest levels of performance- and image-enhancing substance in fitness centres.

More than 10,300 consumers, exercise professionals and club managers from nine countries participated in the survey, which was conducted during July and August 2011.

EHFA, working in partnership the Fitness Industry Association (FIA) and eight other health and fitness associations, targeted three main areas such as performance-enhancing drugs.

The findings showed that 2.5 per cent of gym users across Europe take banned performance-enhancing substances, with the UK showing the lowest levels of use at 1.61 per cent.

It was also revealed that the use of banned substances was less prevalent in nations where the fitness sector was more developed, including the UK.

The findings were published in the Fitness Against Doping project interim report, with EHFA now inviting responses to a consultation ahead of the report's final publication in February.

FIA chief executive officer David Stalker said: "It is encouraging that out of the nine countries surveyed the UK has come out top, with the lowest levels of use of banned performance-enhancing substances."

EHFA president Harm Tegelaars added: "Through the recommendations [of the report] we can improve the understanding and interventions to further reduce the levels of harmful doping practices in fitness."

Details: www.ehfa-programmes.eu

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