As use of weight-loss drugs rises, the World Anti-Doping Agency has decided to allow athletes to continue using the medications in 2027 and not place them on its banned substances list.
WADA confirmed the decision on Thursday following a meeting of its executive committee this week in Belgrade, Serbia, with the rule set to take effect in January, with an annual reevaluation process.
The global anti-doping organization has previously expressed reservations about the impact of weight-loss drugs, which include semaglutide and tirzepatide and are sold on the market under brands like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy.
“However, at this stage, there is not enough evidence available for us to conclude with confidence that the substances meet the criteria needed for inclusion on the List,” WADA senior director of science and medicine, Olivier Rabin said. “With one relevant, sport-related scientific study already up and running, WADA has initiated a second study that will look into the effects of these substances on athletes. We anticipate that these projects will provide the data needed to make a firm decision.”
WADA will place the drugs on its monitoring list and keep a close eye on “possible effects on athletes who take them,” after initially putting semaglutide and tirzepatide under review in 2024 to track usage in and out of competition.
When a substance gets placed on the banned list after being monitored, it has to be proven as performance-enhancing, poses a health risk or violates the spirit of sport.
Still, WADA has conceded that weight-loss drugs have risen in usage outside of sports and are now commonplace in society.
But in its continued monitoring, the organization put its attention on observing that rapid weight loss can provide an advantage in sports like boxing where weight categories have mandates. Cutting weight can happen much easier by using the drugs while promoting behaviors outside of a physician’s recommendation.
WADA believes that even more data is needed in order to determine whether steeper regulation is needed or if the drugs will ultimately be place on the banned list.
The next review of the impact of weight-loss drugs will take place at the next executive committee meeting in September 2027.
Under the current monitoring program, athletes do not need a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) since the drugs are not on the prohibited list but are advised to check if any additional compound is included as an active ingredient.
