<p>Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription drug in the GLP-1 receptor agonists class. It’s U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to improve blood sugar and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and death in those with type 2 diabetes. People taking it lose weight, so it’s used off-label (for something it’s not prescribed for) for weight loss too.&nbsp;</p><p>Taking it is also reportedly linked to unplanned pregnancies. Social media posts refer to this phenomenon as &#8220;Ozempic babies.&#8221; But what’s reality and what’s hype? Do these weight loss drugs boost fertility and lead to pregnancy?</p><p>In this article, we dig in and offer some answers.</p><div class="wp-block-klarity-cta-banner-section-v3 k-cmp k-section cmp-cta-banner-section cmp-layout--l-img cmp-background--sky-mist cmp-img-type--image cmp-img-mode--cover cmp-img-effect--none" style="--cmp-background-color:#e5f3fe" data-layout="l-img"><div class="k-section-inner"><div class="k-row"><div class="k-col"><figure class="k-img-wrapper"><img decoding="async" class="k-img" src="https://cms.helloklarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/How-to-get-Wegovy-online.jpg" alt="" title=""></figure></div><div class="k-col"><h2 class="k-headline">Is Ozempic right for you?</h2><div class="k-desc"><p>Get in with a provider in 24 hours or less and find out.*</p></div><a class="k-cta k-cta--button" href=https://www.helloklarity.com/ target="_blank">Find a provider</a></div></div></div></div><p>If you’re struggling with obesity or are overweight, don’t wait to get the help, support, and <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/service/weight-loss/ target="_blank">weight loss treatment</a> you deserve. <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/condition/weight-loss target="_blank">Find a provider </a>for a weight loss plan that may include Ozempic or another medication.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_Overweight,_obesity,_and_fertility_and_Ozempic_babies'>Overweight, obesity, and fertility and Ozempic babies</h2><p>The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) reported that obesity contributes to 6% of infertility cases in women who’ve never become pregnant. Women with a body mass index (BMI) between 24 and 31 are 30% more likely to have infertility problems linked with anovulation (when the ovary fails to release an egg during the menstrual cycle) than those at a healthy weight. When a person’s BMI is more than 31, that number increases to 170% more likely.&nbsp;</p><p>Note: BMI measures a person&#8217;s body fat based on height and weight. Overweight is defined as a BMI greater than or equal to 25. A BMI greater than or equal to 30 is obesity.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">How obesity and weight gain affect fertility</h3><p>Several studies have shown that overweight and obesity affect reproductive functions in both men and women, resulting in lower fertility rates. Adverse reproductive effects of obesity and overweight can include:</p><ul><li>Irregular menstrual cycles&nbsp;</li><li>Impaired follicular (tiny fluid-filled sacs that contain one immature egg) development</li><li>Lower number of oocytes (eggs)</li><li>Poor quality of oocytes</li><li>Low sperm count or no sperm&nbsp;</li><li>Impaired fertilization, embryo development, and implantation</li></ul><p>The flip side of this may be that losing weight helps diminish or stop the effects that obesity and overweight have on fertility.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">How PCOS may affect fertility</h3><p>It&#8217;s estimated that 8 to 13% of women of reproductive age have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that may be caused by insulin resistance and other factors. It can cause infertility. And obesity can worsen its complications, including infertility.&nbsp;</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_What_are_GLP-1_agonists?'>What are GLP-1 agonists?</h2><p>A popular way to lose weight today is using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists — such as <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/ozempic-vs-wegovy/ target="_blank">Ozempic or Wegovy </a>(both semaglutide). <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/medication/semaglutide-online-prescription/ target="_blank">Semaglutide</a> lowers blood sugar by mimicking the actions of the GLP-1 hormone. The gut releases the GLP-1 hormone in response to eating, which increases insulin production and lowers blood sugar levels.&nbsp;</p><p>In clinical trials and during post-marketing use, people taking Ozempic for diabetes also lost weight. And studies show that <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/glp-1-agonist-medications/ target="_blank">GLP-1 agonist medications</a> lead to sometimes dramatic weight loss. One study found that people taking the 2-milligram <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/ozempic-for-weight-loss-dosage/ target="_blank">Ozempic dose</a> lost between 5% and sometimes more than 10% of their body weight in 40 weeks. People on the 2.4-milligram <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/wegovy-doses/ target="_blank">Wegovy dose</a> lost an average of up to 14.9% of body weight in 68 weeks.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">How weight loss and GLP-1s might improve fertility in women</h3><p>Although researchers aren’t sure how, or if, weight loss and GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, affect fertility, they have ideas, including that they:</p><ul><li>Improve fertility by promoting weight loss as part of a <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/service/weight-loss/ target="_blank">weight loss program</a> in previously infertile women</li><li>Make some types of birth control pills ineffective by interfering with their absorption (GLP-1 drugs slow stomach emptying, which impacts how food and drugs are absorbed)</li><li>Help regulate menstrual cycles and ovulation, which often occurs even with modest weight loss</li><li>Improve metabolic health which could restore healthy ovarian function</li></ul><p>And because losing 5 to 10% of your body weight can improve both fertility and PCOS, losing weight with Ozempic might be responsible for Ozempic babies in women with and without PCOS and not Ozempic itself.&nbsp;</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">How GLP-1 agonists may Improve fertility in men</h3><p>While the exact mechanisms of <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/how-does-glp-1-work/ target="_blank">how GLP-1 drugs work</a> for weight loss aren’t well understood, several studies show that their use “appears to be involved in processes vital to spermatogenesis [sperm production].”</p><p>&nbsp;A 2023 study showed an improvement in fertility rates when obese men took <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/medication/glp-1-weight-loss/ target="_blank">GLP-1 weight-loss</a> drugs. The drugs were found to:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Improve sperm motility (movement) and metabolism</li><li>Enhance insulin in vitro (in a lab Petry dish)</li><li>Promote positive effects on Sertoli cells ( testicular cells needed for sperm development)</li></ul><p>Bottom line: Studies have yet to answer the question of Ozempic babies. But Ozempic itself probably isn’t resulting in Ozempic babies. Losing weight though may be making women and men who take it more fertile and likely to become (or contribute to becoming) pregnant.&nbsp;</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_Birth_control_and_Ozempic_babies'>Birth control and Ozempic babies</h2><p>The buzz over Ozempic babies may have you thinking about birth control. Are Ozempic babies the result of Ozempic affecting birth control? And <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/ozempic-and-birth-control/ target="_blank">can you take Ozempic and birth control</a>?&nbsp;</p><p>You can. And one study found that Ozempic did <em>not</em> interfere with the absorption of a certain type of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) that contain levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. This study concluded that there was no evidence that Ozempic lowers the effectiveness of this type of contraceptive. There are many other types of birth control pills, so there’s not enough evidence to show whether Ozempic interferes with other types of contraceptives.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_GLP-1_agonists,_pregnancy,_breastfeeding'>GLP-1 agonists, pregnancy, breastfeeding</h2><p>Whether Ozempic leads to Ozempic babies or harms pregnant or breastfeeding women isn’t clear.&nbsp;</p><p>People who were pregnant or planned to get pregnant were excluded from Ozempic’s initial clinical trials. And the FDA and Novo Nordisk, who makes Ozempic, couldn&#8217;t evaluate its safety during pregnancy.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Since the drug’s FDA approval, preliminary studies implied that taking Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications during pregnancy may pose serious risks to a developing fetus. It was thought that the risks may include reduced fetal weight and growth or skeletal abnormalities of the developing fetus.<br><br>A more recent observational study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in February 2024 though found no apparent link between taking GLP-1 drugs early in pregnancy and major birth defects.&nbsp;</p><p>Still, Novo Nordisk advises those who plan to become pregnant to stop taking Ozempic or Wegovy at least 2 months before trying to conceive. Women who become pregnant or are breastfeeding while taking Ozempic or Wegovy should immediately stop taking the medication.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_Key_takeaway_on_Ozempic_babies'>Key takeaway on Ozempic babies</h2><ul><li>It’s possible that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic affect fertility and are causing pregnancies, but the research hasn&#8217;t yet proven this.</li><li>Women are using social media platforms to announce getting pregnant after taking drugs like <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/medication/ozempic-online-prescription/ target="_blank">Ozempic</a> and <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/medication/wegovy-online-prescription/ target="_blank">Wegovy</a>. Many of these women had long-term infertility before taking GLP-1 medications. Others report getting pregnant while taking Ozempic despite being on birth control pills.&nbsp;</li><li>Studies show that GLP-1 drugs may reduce the effectiveness of some types of birth control pills by interfering with their absorption.</li><li>There’s not enough available study data on whether GLP-1 drugs are safe during pregnancy. There are, though, animal studies that suggest they could harm a fetus during pregnancy.&nbsp;</li><li>People are advised to stop taking drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy at least 2 months before trying to conceive. If they become pregnant while using these medications, they should stop taking them immediately.</li></ul><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_Talk_to_a_provider_about_Ozempic'>Talk to a provider about Ozempic</h2><p>If you want to learn more about Ozempic and other alternatives, on Klarity Health, you can search providers and schedule an appointment to get the answers and information you need. <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/ target="_blank">Find a provider</a> on Klarity Health today. </p><div class="wp-block-klarity-faq-section k-cmp k-section cmp-faq-section cmp-layout--default cmp-style--undefined" data-layout="default"><div class="k-section-inner"><div class="k-section-head"></div><div class="k-section-content"><dl class="k-faq-list"><dt class="k-faq-q"><h3>Sources</h3></dt><dd class="k-faq-a"><p>ASRM, Obesity and Reproduction: A Committee Opinion, 2021, <a href=https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/obesity-and-reproduction-a-committee-opinion-2021/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/obesity-and-reproduction-a-committee-opinion-2021/</a><br><br>BMC Endocrine Disorders 23, Effects of GLP1RAs on pregnancy rate and menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis and systematic review, 2023, <a href=https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-023-01500-5 target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-023-01500-5</a> <a href=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31260047/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31260047/</a><br><br>Current Obesity Reports, Weight Loss and Improvement in Comorbidity: Differences at 5%, 10%, 15%, and Over, Donna H. Ryan, MD, FTOS, and Sarah Ryan Yockey, MD, FACOG, Jun. 2018, <a href=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5497590/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5497590/</a><br><br>Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), Effects of GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors during pregnancy and lactation on offspring outcomes: a systematic review of the evidence, Oct. 2023, <a href=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37881498/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37881498/</a><br><br>Human Reproduction, Association between body mass index, weight loss and the chance of pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and overweight or obesity: a retrospective cohort study in the UK, Christiane Lundegaard Haase, Anette Varbo, Peter Nørkjær Laursen, Volker Schnecke, and Adam H. Balen, Jan. 2023, <a href=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9977115/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9977115/</a><br><br>Human Reproduction Update, The role of glucagon-like peptide-1 in reproduction: from physiology to therapeutic perspective, Jul. 2019, <a href=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31260047/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31260047/</a><br>Medicina, Impact of GLP-1 Agonists on Male Reproductive Health-A Narrative Review, Dec. 2023, <a href=https://www.doi.org/10.3390/medicina60010050 target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.doi.org/10.3390/medicina60010050</a><br><br>JAMA Internal Medicine, Safety of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Other Second-Line Antidiabetics in Early Pregnancy, Cesta CE, Rotem R, Bateman BT, Chodick G, Cohen JM, Furu K, Gissler M, Huybrechts KF, Kjerpeseth LJ, Leinonen MK, Pazzagli L, Zoega H, Seely EW, Patorno E, Hernández-Díaz S., Feb. 2024,<a href=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10714281/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10714281/</a><br><br>JAMA Network Open, Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity, 2022, <a href=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9486455/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9486455/</a> <br><br>Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Semaglutide, a Once-Weekly Human GLP-1 Analog, Does Not Reduce the Bioavailability of the Combined Oral Contraceptive, Ethinylestradiol/Levonorgestrel, 2015, <a href=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4418331/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4418331/</a> <br><br>JP Morgan, The increase in appetite for obesity drugs, Nov, 2023, <a href=https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/current-events/obesity-drugs#:~:text=What&#039;s%20driving%20the%20increase%20in,by%20diabetes%20and%20obesity%20usage target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/current-events/obesity-drugs</a><br><br>MDPI, Molecules, Peptides from natural or rationally designed sources can be used in <br>overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes therapies, 2020, <a href=https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25051093 target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25051093</a> <br><br>New England Journal of Medicine, Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity, 2021, <a href=https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183</a> <br><br>The Journal of the Turkish-German Gynecological Association. , Impact of obesity on infertility in women, Jun. 2015, <a href=https://doi.org/10.5152/jtgga.2015.15232 target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.5152/jtgga.2015.15232</a> <br><br>The Lancet: Diabetes &amp; Endocrinology, Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide 2.0 mg versus 1.0 mg in patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN FORTE): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3B trial, Juan P. Frias et. al., Jul. 2021, <a href=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34293304/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34293304/</a><br><br>World Health Organization (WHO), Obesity and Overweight, 2024, <a href=https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight</a> <br><br>World Health Organization, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Jun. 2023, <a href=https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome</a><br><br>Wegovy Prescribing Information. <a href=https://www.wegovy.com/tools-and-resources/faq.html#:~:text=Wegovy%C2%AE%20may%20harm%20your,you%20plan%20to%20become%20pregnant target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.wegovy.com/tools-and-resources/faq.htm</a></p></dd><dt class="k-faq-q"><h3>How we reviewed this article</h3></dt><dd class="k-faq-a"><p>This article went through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author. Learn more about the <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/policy/editorial-standards/ target="_blank">editorial and medical review</a> process and standards for the HelloKlarity site.</p></dd></dl></div></div></div><div class="wp-block-klarity-disclaimer-section k-cmp k-section cmp-disclaimer-section cmp-style--default" data-style="default"><div class="k-section-inner"><div class="k-section-content"><p>*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.<br><br>The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage.  Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.<br><br>If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.</p></div></div></div>

Dr. Paul Hetrick

Ozempic babies: can prescription weight loss drugs boost fertility?

Overweight, obesity, and fertility and Ozempic babies