GLP-1s can pose a risk to athletes (19459000)
Summary of GLP-1 risks to athletes
- Serena Williams has recently revealed that she uses GLP-1, a weight loss drug
- GLP-1 medications suppress the appetite and may lead to inadequate nutrition intake
- For energy, repair and regeneration, athletes need more carbs and proteins than the average.
- GLP-1s suppress appetite and can cause athletes to not get the nutrition they need.
- It can cause muscle loss, low energy and affect performance.
Serena Williams, the US tennis superstar who is a mega-star in her own right, revealed last month that she was using GLP-1 drugs to lose weight. The former tennis player revealed that she used the GLP-1 weight loss drugs while promoting them as part of her partnership with the telehealth firm Ro. She says they helped her to lose weight after pregnancy.
It is also important for consumers to be aware of the nutrient content in GLP-1s. Taking these drugs can often mean eating less. This is especially important for athletes.
What is the nutritional need of athletes?
The nutritional requirements of athletes are different from those of the general population, so they must adapt their diets to meet these needs.
Claire Fudge, nutritionist and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association BDA, says that athletes have different needs in terms of carbohydrate consumption and energy expenditure.
In order to maintain muscle recovery, glycogen storage and adaptation, it is important that you consume enough carbohydrates and proteins during training. The exact requirements, volume and timing may vary.
Protein intake is a hotly debated topic for athletes, but the current estimate suggests 1.2-2.2 grams of protein per kilogram per day in order to maintain muscle and immune functions.
Fudge says that most athletes consume more protein than they need.
Do athletes run a risk by using GLP-1?
Fudge says that athletes can be at risk from GLP-1 consumption. Fudge says that it is not just a hypothetical issue. She has observed athletes who take the drug for weight loss despite an active lifestyle.
“While [GLP-1s support] Weight loss is common in general populations. [they present] “There are clear risks to athletes who must fuel themselves before, during and after training to maintain energy levels and recover, even if they’re not hungry.
Fudge also questions whether the use of drugs could cause athletes to lose micronutrients necessary for repair and recovery.
GLP-1 is a powerful hormone that can cause athletes to be unable to complete meals. This includes those with high carbohydrate, protein or fibre content, all of which are essential for glycogen storage.
This means that the diet becomes imbalanced once they try to eat enough carbohydrates and proteins, but then end up not eating the vegetables and salads with high fibre and antioxidants.
Can it impact athletic performance?
GLP-1 use can be harmful to health and athletic performance.
GLP-1s are currently causing muscle and fat to be lost, while the drug producers work to resolve the problem. GLP-1s are believed to cause 40% of weight loss.
Fudge explains that the drugs could “potentially reduce power and explosion in power sports, whilst during endurance training it would mean a slow gastric empties so athletes might not be able fuel themselves during sessions.”
The effects of the drug could last for up to seven days, even if athletes stop taking it before the competition.
If the body does not have the energy it needs to perform both the training and other daily activities, the muscle tissues may be broken down to produce amino acids that are used for wound healing, immune function and gluconeogenesis. It can be harmful during intense training or after-race recovery, when appetite is suppressed but protein requirements are high.
It could also affect the training process, increasing fatigue or reducing gains in strength.
She suggests that if training and energy needs are not met, this can even lead to LEAs (Low-energy Availability), which could in turn cause REDs.
It has long-term effects on bone health, hormone balance and performance.