View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
Semaglutide, a medication used for diabetes management and weight loss, primarily marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy, is currently being evaluated by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
WADA, which governs anti-doping policies for international sports organizations, added the popular drug to its Monitoring Program in 2024. The organization will continue to monitor Ozempic throughout 2025 to determine if it should be a banned substance.
Semaglutide was developed ten years ago as a medication for Type II Diabetes. Its primary function is to help manage blood sugar levels and boost insulin production in individuals with diabetes. Additionally, it has been shown to greatly lower the likelihood of experiencing cardiovascular issues, including strokes and heart attacks.
In the last couple of years, the drug has grown rapidly in popularity among non-diabetes patients as a weight loss drug. There have been reported market shortages of Ozempic due to the growth in popularity.
WADA will evaluate semaglutide using their three-part ban assessment. To be considered banned, a substance must fulfill at least two out of the following three criteria:
- Has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance.
- Represents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete.
- Violates the spirit of sport.
Dr. Olivier Rabin, the senior director of medicine and science at WADA, mentioned that Ozempic might potentially provide advantages in swimming by enhancing the weight-to-power ratio.
"It surpasses just being a basic obesity medication," Rabin stated.
Looking at precedent, in 2024, WADA added several substances marketed as a weight loss drug on to their prohibited list, including 2,4-Dinitrophenol and Rev-Erb-ɑ agonists. No diabetes medications were added.
