Developed for people with type 2 diabetes and those living with obesity, nearly 12% of US adults have used weight loss injections according to a 2025 study, with another report claiming that 3.3 million UK adults are expected to use them in 2026.
Cycling has a longstanding and uneasy relationship with body image and weight, forged by a culture that’s trickled down from the pro ranks, where every kilogram matters and diet is continuously under the microscope.
Of course, there are potential health risks posed by under-fuelling, too, with research still in its early stages and cultural stigmas aplenty. But for certain cyclists – several of whom we’ve spoken to, alongside experts, but did not want to go on the record or would only speak on condition of anonymity – could the benefits outweigh the risks when it comes to weight loss drugs?
How the drugs work
The drugs inhibit appetite and slow digestion, meaning people feel fuller for longer and eat less. They are called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which stands for Glucagon-like peptide-1.
Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro are key brand names, with Semaglutide the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide in Mounjaro. The latter works slightly differently as it acts on two receptors, GLP-1 and GIP, which further reduce appetite.
Anecdotally, Ozempic and Wegovy are both produced by Danish Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which has sponsored an all-diabetic UCI ProTeam since 2013.
They are typically injected weekly, although pill form is now available in the US and is expected soon in the UK.
“Most of the people we’re seeing aren’t necessarily high performing or recreational athletes; it’s people who are obese or overweight, possibly with other co-morbidities like pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome,” said Tom Williams, Head of Performance and Strength & Conditioning Coach at Pure Sports Medicine.
“Their GPs have suggested they get on it, and our job has been working with them to increase their exercise and their activity.”
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