Weight-Loss injections unintentionally boost fertility, German doctors say

The German Diabetes Society (DDG) issued a warning concerning a rise in pregnancies among women using injectable medications for weight loss and Type 2 diabetes treatment. These medications, which include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are prescription drugs containing active ingredients known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. They are designed to curb appetite and increase the feeling of fullness, aiding in weight reduction.

According to the DDG, weight reduction from these injections improves fertility. "Many severely overweight women underestimate the effects of therapy with GLP-1 analogs on their cycle: Even a weight reduction of five to ten percent can normalize ovulation," Ute Schäfer-Graf stated, as reported by Die Welt. This improvement in fertility is attributed not only to weight loss but also to enhancements in insulin sensitivity and stabilization of hormone balance.

This phenomenon has led to what is being referred toas "Ozempic Babies," as reported by Die Zeit. Women who are severely overweight often have difficulty becoming pregnant, and the higher the body mass index, the greater the chances of pregnancy failure, according to Focus Online. Weight loss injections can help severely overweight women become pregnant by improving fertility resulting from weight reduction, as well as improvements in insulin sensitivity and stabilization of hormone levels.

However, the DDG emphasizes that women who do not wish to become pregnant and are using these pre-filled syringes should follow safe contraceptive methods. The German Diabetes Association noted that weight loss injections can weaken the effectiveness of contraceptive pills. This impairment can occur due to side effects like vomiting and diarrhea or because the stomach empties more slowly, as reported by Die Zeit. The injectable medications can impair the effectiveness of birth control pills, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) advises that the medications should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Those wishing to conceive should discontinue the medications at least two months in advance, according to Focus Online. In animal studies, these injections have shown effects on embryo development and fetal growth, highlighting the necessity for caution and medical supervision.

"These medications have great potential, but their use requires close medical supervision and individual counseling to effectively utilize opportunities and minimize risks," Ute Schäfer-Graf stated, as reported by Stern. The medications are prescription drugs that require careful oversight to manage potential side effects and ensure patient safety.

The active ingredients in these injections, GLP-1 receptor agonists, bind to the GLP-1 receptor and partially to other receptors in the body. They are intended not only to assist with weight loss but also to help women with diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder, as mentioned by the Kurier.

To prevent excessive weight gain without the injectables, pregnant women should receive comprehensive counseling to avoid complications, suggested Ute Schäfer-Graf. The medications may help women with diabetes and PCOS, offering a promising option for patients who often suffer from unfulfilled child wishes.

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq