Ozempic and Fertility: Unexpected Pregnancies and Emerging Concerns

The rise of Ozempic and similar weight-loss drugs has brought an unexpected side effect into the spotlight: increased fertility. As more women report unplanned pregnancies while using these medications, healthcare professionals and researchers are scrambling to understand the implications.

The “Ozempic Baby” Phenomenon

Social media platforms have seen an influx of women sharing their “Ozempic Baby” stories. Many report becoming pregnant while taking the drug, with some even conceiving despite previous fertility struggles. One content creator on TikTok credited Ozempic with enabling her pregnancy, stating, “Thanks to Ozempic…this went from a weight loss journey to a pregnancy journey”.

Understanding the Link

While Ozempic (semaglutide) is FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes, its weight loss effects have made it popular for obesity treatment. The increased fertility appears to be linked to two main factors:

1. Weight loss: Even a small amount of weight loss (5-10 lbs) can help resume ovulation in some women.

2. Hormonal changes: Weight loss can reduce body inflammation and improve metabolic health, both crucial for pregnancy.

Dr. Iman Saleh, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, explains, “Once you lose that weight, even if it’s very slight, they become more fertile and get pregnant”

Concerns About Birth Control Effectiveness

There are growing concerns that semaglutide may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Dr. Saleh notes, “As we use these medications to make people feel fuller, the absorption changes in our body. And therefore the absorption of patients on birth control can affect the efficacy of the birth control”.

Scientific Perspectives

Recent research has shed some light on the potential mechanisms behind this increased fertility. A study published in Nature Metabolism in May 2024 identified a species of gut bacteria that regulates natural GLP-1 production in mice. When treated with a GLP-1 drug, mice with disrupted ovarian function began ovulating again.

Federico Mallo, an endocrinologist at the University of Vigo in Italy, suggests that GLP-1 receptor analogues may promote fertility by increasing the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) peak, which triggers ovulation.

Safety Concerns and Recommendations

The safety of these medications during pregnancy is not well-established. Both Novo Nordisk (manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy) and medical professionals recommend stopping the drug at least two months before trying to conceive.

The Wegoby website cautions that the drug may cause “fetal harm”. Animal studies suggest potential risks of foetal abnormalities, leading to recommendations against using semaglutide during pregnancy.

Ongoing Research

A study on the effects of Wegovy exposure during pregnancy is underway and expected to be completed by August 2027. Additionally, Novo Nordisk has established the FDA-approved Wegovy Pregnancy Registry for reporting pregnancies occurring while taking the medication.

Conclusion

As the popularity of Ozempic and similar drugs continues to grow, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to counsel patients about the potential impact on fertility and the importance of effective contraception. Women considering or currently using these medications should consult with their healthcare providers about the best management strategies, especially if pregnancy is a possibility.

The unexpected link between weight-loss drugs and increased fertility highlights the complex interplay between weight, hormones, and reproductive health. As research progresses, we may gain a deeper understanding of these relationships, potentially opening new avenues for fertility treatments in the future.