GLP-1 agonists are increasingly appearing in athletes' conversations about weight control, and along with this, the number of questions is growing: can you get disqualified for semaglutide? The editors analysed the anti-doping status of the drug and the risks that exist even without a formal ban.
Is semaglutide banned in sports
Short answer: as of this writing, semaglutide is not on the Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It is not listed among the prohibited substances either in competition or out of competition, and for its medical use an athlete does not need a therapeutic use exemption (TUE).
At the same time, "not prohibited" does not mean "it does not matter". The Prohibited List is updated every year, taking effect on January 1, and WADA can add a new substance if it meets the Code's criteria. Therefore, the only correct habit is to check the current version of the list, and not rely on articles or advice on social networks, including this one.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist: it reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, and improves glycemic control. These effects are not related to a direct increase in strength, endurance or speed, which explains why the drug is not yet considered a classic doping.
However, the sports community's interest in GLP-1 agonists has grown significantly, primarily in sports with weight categories and in aesthetic disciplines. WADA has publicly acknowledged that it is monitoring this trend, so the status of the class may change in the future.
How semaglutide relates to list categories
The banned list is organised by category, and to understand the status it is useful to go through those that could theoretically cover semaglutide. Category S0 refers to pharmacological substances not approved by any governmental health authority for human use. Semaglutide has FDA and EMA registration, so it does not fall under S0.
Category S2 covers peptide hormones, growth factors and related substances, such as erythropoietin, growth hormone, chorionic gonadotropin. GLP-1 agonists are not mentioned in this list. Category S4 includes hormonal and metabolic modulators, including insulins and insulin mimetics. Semaglutide is not insulin and does not mimic its action directly — it enhances the glucose-dependent secretion of its own insulin.
Category S5 — diuretics and masking agents. Semaglutide does not have a diuretic effect and is not used for masking. Finally, stimulants (S6) are also not in his class: the drug does not increase the excitability of the nervous system.
So, under the current logic of the list, semaglutide does not fall into either category. This distinguishes it from, for example, clenbuterol or insulin, the status of which is determined unambiguously.
| WADA List Category | What it covers | Does this cover semaglutide? |
|---|---|---|
| S0 — unapproved substances | Preparations without registration for humans | No, the drug is registered |
| S2 — peptide hormones | EPO, growth hormone, hCG, etc | No, not mentioned in the list |
| S4 — metabolic modulators | Insulins, insulin mimetics, AMPK modulators | No, not insulin |
| S5 — diuretics | Diuretics, masking agents | No |
| S6 — stimulants | Amphetamines, ephedrine, etc | No |
Monitoring program and possible changes
In addition to the Prohibited List, WADA maintains a Monitoring Program, a list of substances that are not banned but that the agency monitors to assess the extent of their use in sport. Laboratories record the presence of such substances in samples, and the results do not entail sanctions.
Entry of a substance into the Monitoring Program is not a prohibition, but is often the first step to a decision. It is through monitoring, for example, that meldonium and other metabolic modulators once passed before they were banned.
For a substance to be on the Prohibited List, it must meet at least two of the Code's three criteria: the potential to enhance athletic performance, an actual or potential risk to an athlete's health, and a violation of sportsmanship. For GLP-1 agonists, the debate revolves around the first criterion—whether weight control provides a real competitive advantage.
The editors recommend that every year in October, when WADA publishes a new list for the following year, check not only the list itself, but also the Monitoring Program document. These documents are available free of charge on the agency's website and at the National Anti-Doping Centre of Ukraine.
Real risks for the athlete
Even without a formal ban, the use of semaglutide by an athlete has several potentially dangerous aspects. The most serious is the quality of the product. The World Health Organization and regulators of several countries warned about counterfeit semaglutide preparations, the composition of which did not correspond to the declared one.
So-called "research peptides" from online stores are a separate problem. A substance with unknown impurities or a completely different molecule, in particular an unapproved one, may be sold under the name of semaglutide. If a substance of category S0 is detected in the sample, the principle of strict liability applies: the athlete is responsible for everything that got into his body.
The second aspect is the impact on work capacity. Decreased appetite makes it difficult to cover the energy needs of training, which increases the risk of relative energy deficiency syndrome in sports (RED-S). Along with the fat mass, a part of the fat-free mass is also lost.
The third aspect is side effects from the digestive system: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea. For the athlete, this means the risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and reduced results on the day of the competition.
- Counterfeits and products of questionable origin.
- Risk of accidental use of a prohibited substance-admixture.
- Energy deficit and loss of lean mass.
- Gastrointestinal disorders and dehydration.
What an athlete should do
If semaglutide is prescribed for medical reasons, such as type 2 diabetes or obesity, the athlete should inform the doctor about sports and participation in competitions. The doctor will help to assess how the therapy will affect nutrition and the training process.
During doping control, we recommend that you indicate all the drugs you are taking on the control form. This is not a violation and not an admission of guilt, but transparency that can help in case of controversial situations.
Buy the drug only in licensed pharmacies with a prescription. No amount of savings is worth the risk of receiving a fake or a product with impurities of prohibited substances.
Finally, in addition to WADA rules, individual federations, professional leagues and competition organisers may have their own rules, particularly regarding weighing and weight control. They also need to be taken into account.
Editorial conclusions
Semaglutide is currently not included in the WADA Prohibited List and does not require a TUE. It does not fall under categories S0, S2, S4, S5 or S6 under the current list logic.
However, the status of the GLP-1 agonist class is under discussion, so athletes should check each year for updates to the list and the Monitoring Program.
The main risks today are not related to anti-doping sanctions for semaglutide itself, but to counterfeits, impurities and the drug's impact on health and performance.
We suggest you also read "Status of tirzepatide in WADA", "Myths about semaglutide" and "Contraindications to semaglutide".
List of used literature
- World Anti-Doping Agency. World Anti-Doping Code International Standard: Prohibited List. Montreal: WADA; акÑÑалÑна ÑедакÑÑÑ.
- World Anti-Doping Agency. Monitoring Program. Montreal: WADA; акÑÑалÑна ÑедакÑÑÑ.
- World Anti-Doping Agency. World Anti-Doping Code. Montreal: WADA; 2021.
- European Medicines Agency. Ozempic (semaglutide): summary of product characteristics. Amsterdam: EMA.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Wegovy (semaglutide) injection: prescribing information. Silver Spring (MD): FDA.
- Mountjoy M, Ackerman KE, Bailey DM, et al. 2023 International Olympic Committee's (IOC) consensus statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). Br J Sports Med. 2023;57(17):1073â1097.
