Short answer: Most peptides sold for performance are banned in sport. USADA lists BPC-157, TB-500, ipamorelin, other GH-releasing peptides, AOD-9604 and IGF-1 as prohibited under WADA rules. Human evidence that they improve performance is thin or missing. Even growth hormone raised lean mass but not strength in a review of trials. GLP-1 drugs are not banned but are being monitored.
What people discuss for athletic performance
What people discuss, and the strongest evidence we found for this goal
| Compound | Best evidence | What it shows |
|---|
| Growth hormone (hGH) | Human trials | A review of 27 small study groups in fit young adults found lean mass rose 2.1 kg, but strength and exercise capacity did not seem to improve. Swelling and fatigue were more common. |
| Ipamorelin and other GHRPs | No published studies found | Raise growth hormone in people, but we found no published trial of sport performance. Prohibited under WADA class S2, per USADA. |
| CJC-1295 and other GHRH analogs | No published studies found | CJC-1295 raised growth hormone and IGF-1 for days in healthy adults. No published performance trial found. GHRH analogs are prohibited by WADA, per a 2021 anti-doping lab study. |
| BPC-157 | Animal or lab studies only | Animal studies only, per USADA; no human trials establish benefit. Prohibited at all times under WADA class S0. |
| TB-500 | No published studies found | We found no published human trial for performance or injury. Prohibited under WADA class S2, per USADA. |
| Testosterone | Approved for a different use | Approved only for deficiency. In healthy young men, strength and power rose with testosterone levels. A Schedule III controlled substance. |
"Animal or lab studies only" means no published human trial for this goal that we could find. Results in rats or cells often do not carry over to people. Compounds that are not FDA-approved have no tested label for dose, purity or safety.
Are peptides banned in sport?
Most are. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes the Prohibited List each year. USADA, the US anti-doping agency, summarizes it for athletes. Its October 2026 advisory names these peptides as prohibited:
WADA Prohibited List status as summarized by USADA, October 2026.
| Substance | WADA class |
|---|
| BPC-157 | S0, non-approved substances |
| TB-500, thymosin beta-4 | S2, peptide hormones and growth factors |
| Ipamorelin and other GH-releasing peptides (GHRPs) | S2 |
| AOD-9604, hGH 176-191 | S2 |
| IGF-1 and its analogs | S2 |
| Ibutamoren (MK-677) | S1 |
| Semaglutide, tirzepatide | Not prohibited; on the 2027 monitoring program |
S0 covers any drug not approved for human use by any health agency anywhere, and S0 substances are banned at all times. USADA says the list is not exhaustive, and that from 2027 "peptides" in general are named in S0. A peptide missing from the list may still be banned.
GLP-1 drugs are allowed. USADA says WADA is monitoring them to decide whether to ban them in future, and that no exemption is needed to use them.
What human evidence exists for performance?
- Growth hormone. A 2008 systematic review (27 study groups, 303 people given GH, average age 27) found lean mass rose 2.1 kg, but strength and exercise capacity did not seem to improve. Its conclusion: claims that GH boosts performance are not supported.
- GH-releasing peptides. Ipamorelin, CJC-1295 and sermorelin raise growth hormone in small human studies. We found no published trial showing they improve speed, strength or endurance. See muscle growth for the body-composition studies.
- BPC-157 and TB-500. USADA says BPC-157 has animal studies but no human trials establishing benefit, and that it is unknown whether any dose is safe. We found no human performance trial for TB-500.
- Testosterone. In Bhasin 2001, healthy young men whose own testosterone was shut down and replaced at set doses gained leg strength and power in line with testosterone levels. HDL cholesterol fell as levels rose. The higher doses gave levels far above normal and are not a treatment.
A 2026 review of peptides used in sports medicine found tissue-repair results mostly in animals, scarce rigorous human safety data, and potential for serious harm. It also notes the placebo effect, amplified by social media, may explain some reported benefit.
Safety, and what is still unknown
- Strict liability. USADA notes that under the anti-doping code, athletes are responsible for whatever is in their system.
- Unapproved products. USADA says GLP-1 products labeled "research only" or sold without a prescription are red flags for unapproved versions with safety risks.
- Testosterone misuse. Its label lists serious harms reported with steroid abuse, including heart attack, stroke, liver toxicity and infertility.
- GLP-1 drugs may make it hard for some athletes to eat enough for training, USADA notes.
Diagnosis, prescriptions and dose changes belong with a licensed clinician who knows your history. Tested athletes can check a substance's status through USADA's Global DRO.
What is worth tracking
- Every dose with date, time and amount, so you have an accurate record if you need a therapeutic use exemption or face a test.
- Product name, lot and source for each vial, so you know exactly what you used.
- Training notes such as lifts, times or perceived effort in your daily check-in, to judge any effect honestly.
- Side effects such as swelling, joint pain, fatigue or injection-site reactions.
- Lab results such as hematocrit, lipids or IGF-1, logged next to your dose history.
Terms on this page: Growth hormone secretagogue · Research use only (RUO) · Peptide · Hematocrit
This page is education, not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to use any compound. It does not cover dosing. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, changing or stopping anything, and get diagnosed before treating a symptom.
Is BPC-157 banned by WADA?+
Yes. USADA says BPC-157 is prohibited at all times under WADA class S0, non-approved substances. It is also not approved for human use by FDA.
Is ipamorelin banned in sport?+
Yes. USADA lists ipamorelin and other growth hormone-releasing peptides as prohibited under WADA class S2.
Are semaglutide and tirzepatide banned for athletes?+
No. USADA says GLP-1 drugs are not prohibited and need no exemption, but WADA is monitoring them and both are on the 2027 monitoring program.
Does growth hormone improve athletic performance?+
A 2008 review of trials in fit young adults found it raised lean mass by 2.1 kg but did not seem to improve strength or exercise capacity, and it caused more swelling and fatigue.