GPL-1 drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, WeGovy, and Zepbound were designed to help manage diabetes but are being used for weight loss– weight loss that has caused formerly infertile women to have surprise pregnancies. The drugs are not the primary cause of increased fertility but instead a secondary effect of the weight loss caused by the drugs. Being overweight or obese is related to and/or the cause of various conditions that result in infertility, including polycystic ovary syndrome.

The risks of use while pregnant aren’t well known and animal studies showed fetal abnormalities, growth restriction, and “embryonic mortality.” Doctors recommend that women who want to become pregnant stop using these drugs three months before trying to conceive and that women who don’t want to stop using the drugs to use multiple forms of contraception, even if they have previously had infertility issues. If you are using these drugs to manage diabetes, talk to your doctor if you are planning to have a baby.

Sources:

Camero, Katie. 17 April 2024. “They got pregnant with ‘Ozempic Babies’ and quit the drug cold turkey…” USA Today.

Klein, Amy. 5 April 2024. “An Ozempic Baby Boom?” Washington Post.

Muller, Madison. 18 April 2024. “Ozempic ‘Oops’ Babies Spark Debate About Weight-Loss Shot Use as Fertility Drugs.” Bloomberg.

Pawlowski, A. Originally published 24 April 2023, updated 27 March 2024. “Weight-loss drugs are leading to ‘Ozempic babies’: Doctors explain surprise pregnancies.” Today.

Stabile, Angelica. 16 April 24. “Ozempic Babies: Women claim weight loss drug are making then more fertile and experts agree.” Fox News.