‘Ozempic Babies’: How Weight Loss Drugs May Interfere with Birth Control & Boost Fertility

There’s a growing buzz on social media about a trend called the “Ozempic babies.” It is a TikTok trend where women using weight loss drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) are unexpectedly becoming pregnant. These medications, known as GLP-1 drugs, were initially designed to help with weight loss, but some women are sharing their surprising stories of pregnancy, even after facing infertility issues for years.

What’s more intriguing is that these pregnancies are occurring despite many of these women taking birth control measures. While these stories are gaining attention and the term “Ozempic babies” is becoming popular, questions arise: Are these drugs boosting fertility? Or is there another explanation behind these unexpected pregnancies? Let’s explore what might be happening with this surprising trend.

How Does Ozempic Interfere with Oral Birth Control?

Before we go on with our discussion on this TikTok trend, it is essential to comprehend how weight loss drugs like Ozempic could be influencing the effectiveness of birth control pills. Dr. Neha Lalani, an expert in endocrinology with a practice in Austin, Texas, has shed some light on this issue. According to Dr. Lalani, these medications are indeed causing some unexpected challenges with oral contraceptives.

GLP-1 drugs, including newer forms that also target GIP, slow down how quickly your stomach empties. This slowing process affects how your body absorbs both food and medication. Dr. Lalani explains that increasing the dosage of these drugs can actually disrupt the consistent absorption of birth control pills. Essentially, the effectiveness of the pill may decrease, leading to increased chances of pregnancy. Due to these findings, Dr. Lalani recommends considering alternative forms of birth control if you’re using GLP-1 drugs. This advice is crucial for those looking to manage their weight with these medications while also needing reliable contraception.

How Fertility May Be Affected by Ozempic?

It is crucially important to understand how these GLP-1 drugs might impact fertility more broadly. Dr. Neha Lalani points out that while the direct effects of GLP-1 drugs on reproductive health are still under study, an interesting pattern is emerging linked to weight loss.

Dr. Lalani explains that even modest weight loss—around 5%—has been associated with increased fertility, not just with lifestyle changes but also with other weight loss medications. This improvement in metabolic health, including weight loss facilitated by GLP-1 drugs, might help restore ovarian function, which can enhance fertility.

Dr. Jamie Grifo from NYU Langone Fertility Center supports this view. He highlights that many patients with higher body mass indexes (BMIs) face challenges such as irregular or absent ovulation, often related to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). With the weight loss achieved through GLP-1 drugs, many women start to ovulate regularly again. This shift from being less fertile to regaining a more typical fertility level can significantly increase the chances of conception.

What to Do If You Become Pregnant While Taking Ozempic?

If you find yourself pregnant while taking a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic, it’s crucial to take certain precautions due to potential risks associated with the medication during pregnancy. Dr. Jamie Grifo emphasizes the importance of careful monitoring. He advises that if you are trying to conceive or discover you’re pregnant while on these drugs, it’s best to be overseen by a medical endocrinologist. These specialists handle weight loss, diabetes, and hormonal issues and can provide the tailored care you need during this time.

Additionally, Novo Nordisk, the company behind Ozempic and Wegovy, has issued a statement via Healthline. They noted that the safety of these medications for pregnant individuals is not yet established. This highlights the need for caution and close medical supervision if you’re using these drugs and become pregnant. It’s always wise to have a thorough conversation with your doctor. They may tell you about any potential risks and will adjust your treatment plan accordingly and appropriately.

Is It Safe to Use GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic During Pregnancy?

When it comes to understanding the safety of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic during pregnancy, we’re still in the learning phase. People who were pregnant or planning to become pregnant were not included in the initial trials for semaglutide, which means we don’t have enough data to know if there are risks like birth defects, miscarriage, or other negative outcomes for mother and baby. However, studies on animals using Wegovy, another brand of semaglutide, suggest there could be risks. An ongoing study aiming to determine the safety of Wegovy in human pregnancies is set to be completed in August 2027.

For now, the official advice on drugs like Ozempic is to stop using them at least two months before trying to conceive. This allows enough time for the drug to clear from your system. Wegovy carries a similar caution, with added emphasis on the potential harm to a fetus, recommending discontinuation if pregnancy is confirmed. 

Deciding whether to use these medications when planning a family should be a carefully considered choice made with your healthcare provider. This ensures that any decision is based on a thorough understanding of the possible risks & benefits customized to your health circumstances. For those looking to manage their weight with these medications, it might be a good idea to buy Ozempic from Canada, where it might be more accessible. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before you start taking any new medication, especially if planning a family.

Conclusion

Many individuals are sharing their experiences on social media about becoming pregnant while using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, sometimes unexpectedly after struggles with infertility or while using birth control. Doctors highlight that these drugs can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives by affecting their absorption. 

Additionally, the weight loss associated with these medications may improve metabolic health, potentially restoring ovulation for some women and thereby enhancing fertility. Currently, it is unclear if weight loss drugs are safe to use during pregnancy, & animal studies suggest possible risks to the fetus. Medical advice strongly suggests discontinuing these medications at least two months before attempting pregnancy; if pregnancy occurs while on these drugs, stop their use immediately and seek medical advice.