WADA Eyes Ozempic for 2028 Olympics Ban

As the Winter Olympics concluded, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is actively investigating the potential inclusion of weight loss injections on its prohibited substances list for the 2028 Summer Games. The agency is closely monitoring Semaglutide, the active component in widely used GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, to detect any signs of misuse by athletes seeking unfair advantages.

Dr. Olivier Rabin, WADA's senior director of science and medicine, indicated that the agency seeks to identify patterns of abuse for this drug class. The advent of these medications has significantly altered how weight can be managed, prompting WADA's careful observation due to potential performance-enhancing aspects and the imperative to protect athlete health and the spirit of fair competition.

A decision regarding the ban could be finalized by the end of this year or in 2027, preceding the Los Angeles Olympic Games. Experts suggest endurance athletes might stand to gain the most from these drugs, which suppress appetite but can lead to energy deficiencies. Welfare concerns are also being raised, highlighting the pressure athletes might face to use these substances in environments that equate thinness with athletic superiority.

While exemptions may be considered for athletes with genuine medical needs, such as diabetics managing weight, there is an underlying concern that authorities may be reacting to a trend already in motion, with athletes potentially using these medications undetected. This complex situation presents significant challenges for WADA in its efforts to maintain a level playing field.