Ozempic babies: how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs can affect fertility.

In recent months, both in the media and in fertility clinics around the world, there has been increasing discussion about a curious phenomenon: “Ozempic babies”—unexpected pregnancies that occur while a woman is taking weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Saxenda.

The term may sound almost ironic, but behind these stories lies a much more complex reality. These drugs can have significant effects on metabolism—and, consequently, on fertility as well. For this reason, when a woman is planning a pregnancy, it is essential to clearly understand when they may be beneficial and when, instead, they require greater caution.

From diabetes drugs to key players in metabolic medicine

GLP-1 class medications (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists), such as semaglutide and liraglutide, were initially developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

In recent years, they have gained widespread attention because they help many people lose weight significantly. In some cases, weight reduction can reach as much as 15–20% of total body weight, which is why they are now also used in the treatment of obesity.

But when a woman is planning a pregnancy, the question becomes inevitable: what impact can they have on fertility?

The answer, as is often the case in medicine, is not straightforward. It all depends on the context: the patient’s metabolic condition, where she is in her reproductive journey, and her long-term health goals.

When weight loss can improve fertility

For some women—particularly those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or obesity—excess weight can interfere with hormonal balance and ovulation.

Excess adipose tissue can:

• increase insulin resistance

• alter the production of reproductive hormones

• promote higher levels of androgens

• make the menstrual cycle irregular

  
  

In these situations, reducing body weight can help restore a more favorable metabolic balance. Some studies suggest that GLP-1 medications may help improve insulin sensitivity and promote more regular menstrual cycles.

When metabolism stabilizes and weight approaches a more physiological range, the reproductive system can also regain more regular function.

When weight loss becomes a problem

However, there is also the other side of the coin. These medications are not intended for use by individuals with a normal weight or for achieving excessively low weight levels.

In recent years, partly driven by their popularity on social media, some women have been using them for purely aesthetic purposes. From a reproductive health perspective, however, this can be counterproductive.

The female hormonal system is extremely sensitive to energy balance. Excessive or overly rapid weight loss can lead to:

• suppression of ovulation

• irregular or absent menstrual cycles

• reduced oocyte (egg) quality

  
  

In other words, being underweight can also impair fertility, just as obesity can.

The role of body fat in female hormonal balance

An often underestimated aspect is that adipose tissue is not just an energy reserve—it is also a metabolically active organ involved in hormonal regulation.

An adequate amount of body fat contributes to the production and regulation of estrogens, hormones that are essential for the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and reproductive health.

This becomes even more important at certain stages of a woman’s life, particularly after the age of 40, when many women go through the transition to perimenopause or undergo fertility treatments during a more hormonally delicate phase.

In these cases, reducing body fat too much can further destabilize an already fragile balance. A certain level of fat mass—when not truly excessive—can instead play a stabilizing role in the hormonal system.

For this reason, it is important to remember a fundamental point: the weight we consider ideal from an aesthetic perspective does not always match what our body considers ideal from a biological perspective.

When a woman is trying to conceive, the goal should not be chasing a number on the scale, but achieving a true metabolic and hormonal balance.

What happens if you become pregnant during treatment?

Another common question concerns pregnancies that occur while taking these medications.

To date, available data indicate that there is still insufficient evidence regarding the safety of these drugs during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown possible negative effects on fetal development, which is why major regulatory agencies recommend avoiding GLP-1 medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If a woman is planning to conceive, it is generally recommended to discontinue the treatment in advance. In the case of semaglutide, for example, it is advised to stop the medication at least two months before trying to conceive, to allow the body to fully eliminate it.

If, on the other hand, pregnancy occurs during treatment, it is important to consult a physician to assess the situation and plan appropriate monitoring.

Fertility and weight: finding the right balance

When discussing fertility, body weight is only one part of a much broader balance that involves metabolism, hormones, and overall health.

At Mater Clinic, care focuses on the patient’s gynecological and reproductive health as a whole. In many cases, understanding the role of metabolism and body composition can help better interpret menstrual cycle function, ovulation, and possible difficulties in conceiving.

Every woman has a different history, and therefore the relationship between weight, hormones, and fertility must be evaluated on a personalized basis.

---

If you have questions about how body weight may influence your fertility, or if you are planning a pregnancy after using weight-loss medications, speaking with a specialist can help clarify many aspects and prepare your body for pregnancy in the best possible conditions.

The path to motherhood is not only about fertility in the strict sense, but also about the overall balance of women’s health at every stage of life.

Contact us

📲 WhatsApp: [645 096 548 ]

📧Email: [care@mater.clinic]

We will always be happy to help you! 🌟