TIRZEPATIDE (Mounjaro, Zepbound), a glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), has been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) 2026 monitoring programme.
The programme, effective since 1 January 2026 and currently rolled out at the Winter Olympic Games, states that markers of both semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) and tirzepatide will be tracked in and out-of-competition to detect patterns of misuse.
GLP-1RAs and Elite Sports
GLP-1RAs are used to treat type 2 diabetes but some athletes might seek them out to induce rapid weight loss and alter body composition.
Semaglutides were introduced to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s monitoring programme in 2024 but are not currently prohibited. The prohibited list is reviewed annually and includes substances or methods that meet at least two of three essential criteria: it has the potential to enhance sport performance; represents a health risk to the athlete; or violates the spirit of sport.
Research has shown that a growing off-label use of GLP-1RAs for cosmetic purposes has created a shortage affecting patients in need of the drug. Athletes may therefore have difficulty accessing GLP-1RAs or be reluctant to speak on their experience using it, creating a lack of research in this area.
Health Impacts of GLP-1RAs
Potential adverse health effects for elite athletes using GLP-1RAs include decreased energy intake, impaired recovery, and reduced muscle performance.
A 2025 qualitative analysis examined approximately 12,400 social media posts across two bodybuilding platforms concerning GLP-1RA use trends, polypharmacy, and side effect management.
The study found dangers surrounding GLP-1RA use in sport settings including experimental dosing, cycling or stacking different GLP-1RAs, and combining anabolic androgenic steroids with GLP-1RAs to avoid muscle waste. Researchers established an alarming trend of GLP-1RA misuse in exercise populations that carries significant public health implications.
Further, warnings on GLP-1RAs have recently been strengthened over rare cases of necrotising and fatal pancreatitis following use. Researchers emphasise that more studies on, particularly populations of highly performing individuals, are necessary to ensure safe and responsible use.
References
MedPageToday. Use of GLP-1 drugs under scrutiny at winter olympics. 2026. Available at: https://www.medpagetoday.com/popmedicine/cultureclinic/119770. Last accessed: 9 February 2026.
Seibert I. GLP-1 use in active populations and potential effects on glycogen availability, appetite, and training outcomes. Res Therapeutic Sci. 2026;5(1):2.
Lazuras L et al. One drug makes you larger, and one drug makes you small: GLP-1 drug misuse, risk beliefs, and polypharmacy in sport and exercise populations. Emerg Trends Drugs Addict Health. 2025;5:15.
