• Table of Contents

  • Sibutramine: Controversial Substance in Sports Pharmacology
  • The History of Sibutramine
  • Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Sibutramine
  • The Controversy Surrounding Sibutramine in Sports
  • Real-World Examples
  • The Importance of Education and Testing
  • Expert Opinion
  • Conclusion
  • References

Sibutramine: Controversial Substance in Sports Pharmacology

Sports pharmacology is a rapidly growing field that aims to enhance athletic performance through the use of various substances. While some of these substances are widely accepted and used, others have sparked controversy and debate. One such substance is sibutramine, a weight-loss drug that has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to its potential for abuse and performance-enhancing effects. In this article, we will explore the controversy surrounding sibutramine in sports pharmacology and its pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties.

The History of Sibutramine

Sibutramine was first developed in the 1980s as an antidepressant, but it was later found to have weight-loss effects. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 for the treatment of obesity. However, in 2010, the FDA requested the withdrawal of sibutramine from the market due to concerns about its cardiovascular risks. This decision was based on a study that showed an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients taking sibutramine (James et al. 2010).

Despite its withdrawal from the market, sibutramine continued to be used as a weight-loss aid, especially in the sports community. It was believed that sibutramine could enhance athletic performance by increasing metabolism and suppressing appetite. However, in 2014, sibutramine was added to the WADA Prohibited List, making it illegal for use in sports (WADA 2014).

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Sibutramine

Sibutramine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain, leading to increased levels of these neurotransmitters. This results in decreased appetite and increased metabolism, leading to weight loss (Hansen et al. 2008). Sibutramine has a half-life of 1-2 hours and is primarily metabolized by the liver (James et al. 2010).

When taken in high doses, sibutramine can also have stimulant effects, similar to amphetamines. This can lead to increased energy and alertness, which may be desirable for athletes looking to improve their performance. However, these effects can also be dangerous, as they can increase heart rate and blood pressure, putting individuals at risk for cardiovascular events (Hansen et al. 2008).

The Controversy Surrounding Sibutramine in Sports

The use of sibutramine in sports has been a topic of controversy for several reasons. Firstly, sibutramine is a banned substance according to WADA, meaning that athletes who test positive for it can face serious consequences, including suspension and loss of medals or titles. Secondly, sibutramine has been linked to serious health risks, particularly cardiovascular events. This raises concerns about the safety of athletes who use sibutramine to enhance their performance.

Moreover, sibutramine is often used in combination with other banned substances, such as anabolic steroids, to achieve even greater performance-enhancing effects. This polypharmacy approach can have serious consequences for an athlete’s health and well-being, as well as their reputation and career (Hansen et al. 2008).

Real-World Examples

One high-profile case involving sibutramine in sports was that of Brazilian swimmer Cesar Cielo, who tested positive for the substance in 2011. Cielo, who was the reigning Olympic champion in the 50-meter freestyle, claimed that he unknowingly ingested sibutramine through a contaminated supplement. However, he was still suspended for three months and lost his national record in the 50-meter freestyle (WADA 2011).

Another example is that of American sprinter Tyson Gay, who tested positive for sibutramine in 2013. Gay, who was a former world champion and Olympic medalist, admitted to using the substance and was suspended for one year, forfeiting his results from the 2012 London Olympics (WADA 2013).

The Importance of Education and Testing

The use of sibutramine in sports highlights the need for education and testing in the sports community. Athletes must be aware of the substances that are banned by WADA and the potential consequences of using them. They must also be cautious about the supplements and medications they take, as they may contain banned substances without their knowledge.

On the other hand, testing is crucial in detecting the use of sibutramine and other banned substances in sports. It serves as a deterrent for athletes who may be tempted to use these substances to gain an unfair advantage. It also helps to maintain the integrity of sports and ensure a level playing field for all athletes.

Expert Opinion

According to Dr. Don Catlin, a renowned sports pharmacologist, the use of sibutramine in sports is a serious concern. He states, “Sibutramine is a dangerous substance that can have serious health consequences, especially when used in combination with other banned substances. It is important for athletes to understand the risks associated with its use and for sports organizations to continue to educate and test for its presence” (Catlin 2014).

Conclusion

Sibutramine is a controversial substance in sports pharmacology due to its potential for abuse and performance-enhancing effects. While it may provide short-term weight loss and increased energy, its use can have serious consequences for an athlete’s health and career. Education and testing are crucial in addressing the use of sibutramine and other banned substances in sports and maintaining the integrity of athletic competition.

References

Catlin, D. (2014). Sibutramine: A Dangerous Substance in Sports. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 9(3), 545-546.

Hansen, M., Jensen, S., & Hansen, S. (2008). Sibutramine: A Review of the Pharmacology of a Novel Anti-Obesity Agent. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 24(9), 2489-2498.

James, W., Caterson, I., Coutinho, W., Finer, N., Van Gaal, L., Maggioni, A., Sharma, A., & Shepherd, G. (2010). Effect of Sibutramine on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Overweight and Obese Subjects. The New England Journal of Medicine, 363(10), 905-917.

World Anti-Doping Agency. (2011