WADA keeps weight‑loss drugs off banned list, adds to monitoring list

The World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) announced that a range of weight‑loss drugs will not be added to its prohibited list, but they will remain on the agency’s monitoring programme. The decision follows a review of substances such as certain appetite suppressants and metabolic modulators that have been increasingly used by athletes to manage body composition and meet competition weight categories. WADA officials said the drugs do not currently meet the criteria for a ban because there is insufficient evidence of performance enhancement, health risk, or violation of the spirit of sport, yet ongoing surveillance will track usage patterns and emerging scientific data.

By keeping the substances under observation, WADA aims to reassess their status should new information indicate a potential for abuse or unfair advantage. Athletes and support personnel are advised to remain informed about the monitoring list, as future amendments could lead to stricter controls. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, evidence‑based approach in maintaining the integrity of sport while safeguarding athlete health.