Over the last few years there has been a growing discussion around the use of ‘peptides’ in the sports performance and wellbeing space. What are they and have they always been banned?
Peptides
A peptide is a molecule made up of a chain of amino acids. In the sports field these are biologically active, some are naturally occurring (or a copy of them) and some are synthetic. the term ‘peptide’ does not classify the action of the drug, unlike categories such as stimulants or anabolic steroids, but instead describes the drugs structure. As such the term peptides can refer to a wide variety of drugs and their use.
Well known examples that have long been banned in sport include Erythropoetin (EPO) and human growth hormone (hGH). EPO and hGH are listed in the Prohibited List under class S2 – peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics. Some peptides are also listed under S4 – Hormone and Metabolic Modulators, such as insulin and insulin mimetics.
Peptides may have been designed for a range of legitimate medical treatments, but in sports they may be misused to increase endurance (EPO), promote muscle growth (hGH), some are said to aid in recovery from injury or training and some assist with weight loss.
Why are substances banned by WADA?
WADA uses three tests to determine if something should be placed onto the prohibited list. A sunstance or method may be included on the list if it is shown to meet two of these three criteria:
- It has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance;
- It represents an actual or potential health risk to the Athlete;
- It violates the spirit of sport (this definition is outlined in the WADA Code).
They also have a section in the list which is called S0 – Non-approved substances. This category includes all substances that it not approved for human use, such as experimental drugs or substances approved for veterinary use.
What have WADA done this year?
this year’s update is more of a clarification really rather than a change. Many peptides sold online fall into the S0 – Non approved substances category and are sold in a grey area of ‘research chemicals’ rather than sold for human use. The update (see pic below), advises caution and is a good reminder that even if a substances isn’t explicitly in the prohibited list it may still be covered in one of the broader categories. Use of these will likely result in a ban from sport.
What about the weight loss peptides GLP-1 receptor agonists?
The use of GLP-1 agonist drugs such as Wegovy or Ozempic have increased dramatically in recent years. These medicines are peptides, but have been through the full safety checks to be used as prescription medications. The use of these peptides is currently being monitored by WADA, which means they are not banned for sport currently. WADA will be gathering information to determine whether they are generally beneficial to performance and how widespread their use is in sport.
Summary
When it comes to peptides, buyer beware. Many substances available online have not undergone the appropriate safety checks for human use and could pose a risk to your health. In the anti-doping code ‘not named’ does not mean ‘allowed’. If you’re unsure about a substance, check before you use it.
AI transparency: Featured image has been generated by AI, the rest was written by me, with a proof edit via copilot.