2,4-Dinitrophenol, the inferno drug: a netnographic study of user experiences in the quest for leanness

Abstract

BackgroundDespite not being licensed for human consumption, the internet has triggered renewed, widespread interest and availability of 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP). DNP, a cellular metabolic poison causes thermogenesis resulting in fat burning and weight loss. Whilst extensively available for purchase online, research on user experiences of DNP is limited. MethodsA netnographic approach was used to describe user experiences of DNP via online public websites. Public websites discussing DNP were identified and a purposeful sample selected.Discussion threads were downloaded and a textual qualitative analysis conducted. Four themes containing 71 categories were generated. ResultsThere exists a plethora of communal folk pharmacological advice and recommendations for DNP manufacture and use, together with associated harms and outcomes. The efficacy and untoward effects of DNP were described and discussed alongside the notion that DNP should only be used by experienced bodybuilders. Dosage and regimes for optimal use were also described. ConclusionThis unique study provides a rich examination of the knowledge, attitudes and motivations of DNP users, illustrating the significant role of online public websites in sharing information.Further understanding of DNP users and the online communities in which they reside is warranted to facilitate engagement and formulate appropriate and effective policy responses.

Would You Use It With a Seal of Approval? Important Attributes of 2,4-Dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) as a Hypothetical Pharmaceutical Product

“…As a result, 2,4-DNP was subsequently banned by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 24 ). Efforts of regulatory bodies to protect the public from harm associated with 2,4-DNP are counterbalanced by the ease of access and availability through Internet retailers ( 2 , 19 ), and by a plethora of online discussion forums that share experiences among users and readily offer guidance and advice on what and how to use to chemically boost athletic performance or to achieve the desired appearance ( 25 ).…”

“…2,4-DNP is used knowingly and willingly by obese individuals ( 37 ) and those desiring extreme outcomes, such as achieving unnaturally low body fat in bodybuilding ( 38 ), compensating for overeating among bulimia sufferers ( 39 ) or motivated by a rapid and effective weight loss and used 2,4-DNP as shortcut ( 19 , 40 ). The drug is often taken in cycles, and information regarding dosage and personal programs is readily made available by bodybuilders for others in the industry to follow ( 25 ). Although this is concerning, bodybuilders appear to control the dose and follow a program to reduce the potential lethal effects ( 19 ).…”

“…Alarmingly, the plethora of personal accounts of successful 2,4-DNP use in bodybuilding websites, discussion boards, and forums ( 25 ) gives some the untrue impression that 2,4-DNP is suitable for human consumption and may be considered a “safe” product if used “properly.” Discounting the idea that 2,4-DNP poses danger because it may be disguised within slimming pills, research has shown that customers buy the product knowingly ( 19 ). However, 2,4-DNP poses serious health risks to new or naïve users who are not experienced with performance- and image-enhancing drugs or conscientious of dosage, and lack of knowledge on the extent of potential harmful effects ( 19 ).…”

“…With a few exceptions [e.g., Ref. ( 19 , 25 , 40 , 48 )], thought processes and rationalization of 2,4-DNP use have not been adequately captured. Understanding people’s motives for taking risk with 2,4-DNP as well as understanding how they negotiate the risks and where they draw the line is vital for devising meaningful prevention and harm-reduction strategies [see Presentation S1 in Supplementary Material for an example of a real-world case study ( 49 )].…”

The Ethical Implications of Collecting Data From Online Health Communities

“…Research which does exist focuses mainly upon male-dominated bodybuilding communities or single-case studies in the case of DNP (Lee et al, 2014;McFee, Caraccio, McGuigan, Reynolds, & Bellanger, 2004;McVeigh, Germain, & Van Hout, 2016;Petróczi et al, 2015) or the efficacy of the drugs prior to their being withdrawn from the market in the case of rimonabant and sibutramine (Arterburn, Crane, & Veenstra, 2004;James et al, 2010;Sam, Salem, & Ghatei, 2011;Scheen, 2011).…”