Every October, the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) releases its updated Prohibited List, which comes into effect on January 1st for the upcoming competitive season. For athletes who rely on prescription medications or supplements, this is the moment to review everything you use and confirm it remains permitted. If a substance becomes prohibited, speak with your health care provider about medical alternatives or, when appropriate, the process for securing a Therapeutic Use Exemption.
One group of medications continues to attract significant interest. GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide, widely known through brands like Ozempic and Wegovy, remain permitted in sport. Semaglutide has been included on WADA’s Monitoring Program since 2024, which allows laboratories to track patterns of use across sports without imposing sanctions. Its placement on the program reflects the growing discussion about the role of weight management drugs within performance environments.
The questions surrounding semaglutide’s future status stem from its intended medical use for diabetes and weight management and from how rapid reductions in body mass could influence competitive readiness in weight sensitive sports. While semaglutide is not on the Prohibited List, it continues to be evaluated within WADA’s scientific and policy committees.
This evaluation was discussed at a recent meeting of the WADA Health, Medical and Research Committee. Members reviewed ongoing work to determine whether a new category for all weight management substances should be created, including those relevant to weight sensitive sports. The committee noted three areas of focus. The first is the ongoing collection of data on semaglutide through the Monitoring Program. The second is a research project examining whether semaglutide has performance enhancing effects, with initial findings under review. The third is the emergence of new drug combinations that aim to pair semaglutide with agents intended to prevent muscle loss, which are currently in phase 2 clinical studies.
The timing is notable, as the 2025 World Conference on Doping in Sport is taking place this week in Busan, South Korea, where the topic is expected to feature prominently.
WADA also recently released a short online learning module for coaches of recreational athletes. The course outlines how anti-doping rules apply at the local and recreational level and supports coaches in promoting clean sport values in everyday training environments.
For now, semaglutide remains permitted, but its ongoing monitoring places it in a unique position. Athletes who use GLP-1 medications for approved medical reasons may need to take additional documentation steps, and athletes who are considering these medications for weight management without medical need should be aware that WADA continues to gather evidence on how these drugs are used and how they may influence athlete health and performance.
The post What Athletes Need to Know About the 2026 WADA Prohibited List and the Status of Semaglutide (Ozempic) appeared first on Triathlon Magazine Canada.