Ozempic, Wegovy, and GLP-1s: What Triathletes Need to Know
As GLP-1 medications become more common, here is what endurance athletes need to understand about training, fueling, and regulatory considerations.
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GLP-1 receptor agonists – commonly known by brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy – have seen a rapid rise in use over the past few years. Originally developed for the management of type 2 diabetes, these medications gained broader public attention due to their appetite-regulating effects and associated weight loss, leading to use well beyond their initial clinical indications.
This article does not advocate for the use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss or athletic performance. Rather, as these drugs become more prevalent in the general population, they are increasingly intersecting with endurance sport as well. For triathletes who are using (or considering using) GLP-1 medications for any reason, it is important to understand how they may affect training, fueling strategies, and recovery, as well as evolving regulatory considerations.
From Weight Loss to Energy Availability: A Shifting Dialogue in Endurance Sport
Before examining GLP-1s specifically, it is worth recognizing that endurance sport has been undergoing a broader shift in how fueling is discussed and prioritized. In recent years, increased awareness of low energy availability (LEA) and its downstream consequences, including Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), has reshaped conversations around body weight, recovery, injury risk, and long-term athlete development.
As more professional athletes have spoken openly about the long-term consequences of chronic under-fueling – both for performance and for overall health – the emphasis has increasingly moved away from chasing a specific number on the scale. Instead, the focus has shifted toward matching energy intake to training load.
This is where GLP-1 medications introduce an added layer of complexity. Because they suppress appetite, they can increase the risk of under-fueling if intake is not managed intentionally. For endurance athletes, this makes awareness of training load and fueling particularly important.
Practical Strategies for Endurance Athletes Using GLP-1s
The following strategies can help support athletes who are using GLP-1 medications.
1. Fuel by Plan, Not by Hunger
When appetite is suppressed, hunger is no longer a reliable indicator of fueling needs. For endurance athletes using GLP-1s, planned intake becomes essential. Simple tools such as training-linked nutrition apps, fueling schedules, or reminders can help ensure intake aligns with training demands. This is especially important during higher-volume or higher-intensity phases. Support from a sports dietitian can also be valuable in establishing and maintaining an appropriate fueling framework.
2. Prioritize Carbohydrate Availability Around Key Sessions
Key training sessions drive adaptation, and those sessions depend on adequate carbohydrate availability. Reduced appetite can unintentionally lead to lower carbohydrate intake, compromising both session quality and recovery. For athletes using GLP-1s, intentionally planning carbohydrate (and protein) intake before, during, and after demanding workouts is particularly important. Fueling these sessions appropriately helps protect performance in the short-term and progression over the long-term.
3. Monitor Performance Signals, Not Just Body Weight
If body weight is decreasing while power, pace, recovery, or training tolerance are also declining, this is a clear signal of insufficient fueling. Chronic energy shortfalls impair recovery and adaptation, increase injury risk, and can stall fitness gains. Performance trends, training consistency, and recovery markers provide the most meaningful feedback.
4. Build in Regular Check-Ins With Coaches and Clinicians
Regular communication helps identify issues early. Coaches can monitor changes in training quality, fatigue, and recovery that may indicate inadequate fueling. Athletes using GLP-1s for medical reasons should also ensure their clinician understands their training volume, intensity, and competitive goals. Coordinated check-ins help keep health, fueling, and training demands aligned as load and intensity increase.
Regulatory and Anti-Doping Considerations
A final consideration, and one that warrants ongoing attention, is the regulatory status of GLP-1 medications in endurance sport. At present, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does not prohibit GLP-1 receptor agonists. With that said, their rapid rise in use has prompted increased scrutiny, and their status is an area to monitor as scientific understanding and usage patterns continue to evolve.