Tirzepatide in Sport after Inclusion in the WADA Monitoring Program: An Updated Narrative Review of Body Composition, Muscle Preservation and Potential Performance Implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.71.74956Keywords
tirzepatide, dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, incretin-based therapies, sports performance, body composition, muscle mass, anti-dopingAbstract
Background: Tirzepatide, as a dual agonist of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, has become one of the most effective pharmacological therapies used to treat obesity and metabolic disorders. Growing interest in its potential use among physically active individuals and the inclusion of tirzepatide markers in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) monitoring program for 2026 highlight the need to reassess the significance of this substance in sports.
Aim: The aim of this study was to update the available data on tirzepatide in the context of sports.
Material and methods: A narrative review of the current literature on tirzepatide, incretin receptor agonists and their use in the context of sports was conducted. The analysis included clinical trials, systematic reviews, publications on body composition, metabolism, and exercise adaptation, as well as WADA regulatory documents.
Results: Tirzepatide effectively reduces body weight and improves metabolic parameters. However, available evidence mainly concerns individuals with obesity or type 2 diabetes, rather than athletes. Changes in lean body mass during therapy may be relevant for physically active individuals, especially in sports requiring high strength and power. Although weight reduction could be beneficial in weight-class sports. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term impact of tirzepatide on athletic performance and to address the ethical issues associated with its use.
Conclusions: Tirzepatide currently has no proven effect on enhancing athletic performance. However, its impact on body weight and body composition may be important for athletes. The inclusion of tirzepatide in WADA’s monitoring program highlights the need for further research into its potential misuse, its effects on muscle, and the long-term consequences of its utilization in the athletic population.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dominika Kochan-Olszewska, Małgorzata Witaszczyk, Alicja Sołtan, Natalia Wiktorzak, Julia Lipska, Jagoda Prządka, Longin Rudnicki, Jakub Pawlicki, Gracjan Koźma, Paweł Klimas, Justyna Laskus, Bartosz Gawior, Olga Stasiak, Marta Borkowska
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