WADA Probes Weight Loss Jabs for Potential Olympic Ban by 2028
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is actively investigating the possibility of adding weight loss injections, such as those containing Semaglutide, to its prohibited list for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. This move comes amid growing concerns that athletes might misuse these drugs to gain a competitive edge, potentially violating the principles of fair sport and endangering their health.
Monitoring Semaglutide and GLP-1 Medications
WADA is closely monitoring Semaglutide, the active ingredient in popular GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, to detect any patterns of abuse in sports. Dr. Olivier Rabin, WADA's senior director of science and medicine, emphasized the agency's focus on this issue, stating, "We want to see whether we detect patterns of abuse of this drug or this class of substances in sport." He noted that these drugs represent a significant shift in weight management paradigms, raising questions about their performance-enhancing potential and the need for athlete health protection.
The agency must establish that athletes are using these jabs to boost performance, risk their health, or undermine fair competition before implementing a ban. Dr. Rabin indicated that a decision could be reached by the end of this year or in 2027, potentially ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Performance and Health Risks for Athletes
Experts suggest that endurance athletes could benefit the most from weight loss jabs, as these drugs induce feelings of fullness, leading to reduced food intake. However, this can result in energy deficiencies, impairing muscle nutrient absorption and interfering with other necessary medications. Beyond physical risks, there are significant welfare concerns, with athletes facing pressure to use these drugs in toxic environments where thinness is often equated with speed, power, or beauty in sports.
Kate Seary, co-founder of Kyniska Advocacy for safe sport, highlighted this issue, saying, "In many ways a more invisible issue is GLP-1s being used to control the weight of athletes." She advocated for a precautionary ban until long-term consequences are fully understood, citing the pervasive pressures within the sport system.
Challenges in Detection and Regulation
Dr. Ian Beasley, former medical chief for England football teams and a Team GB Olympics physician, expressed concerns about the difficulties in regulating these drugs. He pointed out that athletes might use them during off-seasons to gain advantages during competitive periods, posing detection challenges for authorities. "If you wanted to cheat, could you take it during a close season and then reap the benefits during the season? And how would you be able to measure that?" he questioned, noting that WADA is grappling with these complexities.
While exemptions could be granted for athletes with genuine medical needs, such as diabetics requiring weight management, there is a fear that regulatory bodies are lagging behind potential misuse by athletes. This investigation underscores the ongoing battle to maintain integrity in sports while safeguarding athlete well-being.
