Medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, originally created to treat type 2 diabetes, have become widely used for weight loss.
As their popularity has grown, so have stories of unexpected pregnancies, the so-called “Ozempic babies”.
Unplanned pregnancies
According to National Geographic, there’s currently no solid evidence that GLP-1 receptor agonists, the class of drugs that includes Ozempic and Mounjaro, directly boost fertility.
These medications mimic a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar, helping people lose weight and improve insulin sensitivity.
Also read: 10 dietitians agree: Protein is the secret to a better lunch
While those changes might indirectly support reproductive health, scientists say it’s too soon to tell whether the drugs themselves play a role.
Experts note that lifestyle changes often accompany weight loss medication, such as healthier eating and more exercise, which could also explain some of the reported pregnancies.
Do GLP-1 drugs interfere with birth control?
One area of concern is whether these drugs might reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Because GLP-1 medications slow how quickly food leaves the stomach, they can delay how fast oral drugs are absorbed.
Also read: New research shows common medications can alter gut bacteria for years
Research has found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, does not significantly alter hormone levels from birth control pills.
However, other GLP-1 drugs, such as exenatide and liraglutide, can lower hormone levels in the blood by up to 45 percent.
Tirzepatide, found in Mounjaro and Zepbound, appears to have a stronger impact, potentially reducing those levels by about two-thirds.
For that reason, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises anyone using tirzepatide to use a backup contraceptive method when starting the drug or increasing their dose.
Also read: The Japanese eating habit that keeps you fit without dieting
Use during pregnancy carries risks
While GLP-1 drugs might help some people become pregnant, doctors caution against taking them during pregnancy.
Animal studies conducted by Yale School of Medicine have shown that high doses can cause lower fetal weight and developmental issues, possibly because they suppress appetite too strongly.
Manufacturers like Novo Nordisk advise patients to stop using the medication once pregnancy is confirmed.
Sources: National Geographic, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Yale School of Medicine.
Also read: New compound offers breakthrough in tuberculosis treatment