Review of Bigger Stronger Faster* (2008) by David B — 05 Jan 2009

This was one of the most thought-provoking movies I've seen in a long time. I was particularly intrigued by the story of the Air Force pilots on stimulants. I am a former Army doctor who served for over a year in Iraq.

I can still recall passionate arguments I had with other physicians regarding the use of opiates for pain control or benzodiazepenes for anxiety for soldiers going on patrol in dangerous areas where decreased reaction time could mean the difference between life and death.

My question, as is the question this movie touches on, is where do we draw the line? As an Army physician, should I give stimulants to soldiers on guard duty or overnight radio watch? Should overweight soldiers be given weight loss drugs or thyroid hormone to help them lose weight? Should everyone be on sleep aids since sleeping on a cot in a warzone produces universal sleep deprivation? And what about steroids? We force soldiers to take dozens of vaccinations some of which are marginally effective with potentially life threatening side effects.

Why not give these guys weekly doses of anabolic steroids while they're at war? If pilots take stimulants to perform better, why don't infantry soldiers take steroids to do the same? The irony is that the former is standard operating procedure while the latter would result in a dishonorable discharge and perhaps even court-martial.

Congrats to Chris Bell for making a movie that asks questions to which there are no agreed upon answers. Perhaps this will be a stepping stone to a new dialogue on the subject and hopefully new legislation.