When enhanced games outpace public health and ethics. Commentary

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Public Health Ethics
• Doping in Sports

Background:

• The upcoming Enhanced Games plan to permit performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
• This deviates from traditional anti-doping regulations in sports.
• Major international bodies criticize the event due to health and ethical risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the ethical and public health implications of the Enhanced Games.
• To analyze the conceptual frameworks of sport, performance enhancement, and doping.
• To highlight potential risks associated with normalized PED use.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of sport, performance enhancement, and doping.
• Examination of public health consequences.
• Ethical review of permitting performance-enhancing drugs.

Main Results:

• Permitting PEDs poses severe physical and mental health risks.
• The event could normalize dangerous substance use, particularly in youth.
• Ethical concerns include the impact on vulnerable populations and the integrity of sport.

Conclusions:

• The Enhanced Games present substantial public health and ethical challenges.
• Normalization of PEDs risks widespread negative health outcomes.
• Urgent consideration of ethical frameworks and health impacts is required.