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The term “Ozempic babies” is popping up in news headlines and across social media. People
taking certain weight-loss injectables are reporting that they became unexpectedly pregnant.
While oral and injectable weight-loss medications can be an effective short-term strategy, the
long-term success and safety are still being researched and are unknown.
There are two possible reasons why this “baby boom” may be happening.
Injectables Delay Gastric Emptying
Semaglutide, found in Wegovy and Ozempic, and tirzepatide, found in Zepbound, cause a delay in stomach emptying, which helps a user feel fuller for longer. However, it may interfere with the absorption of any medication taken orally, such as birth control pills. Contraceptive pills rely on consistent absorption to maintain hormonal balance and prevent pregnancy.
Losing Weight Affects Fertility
Another reason why individuals may be getting pregnant unexpectedly on weight-loss medications is simply, weight loss. Whether achieved through medication, bariatric surgery, or other lifestyle changes, losing weight can significantly improve fertility by addressing underlying hormonal imbalances and metabolic dysfunction associated with obesity. Excess weight can disrupt the delicate balance of reproductive hormones, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, ovulatory dysfunction, and reduced fertility. Additionally, weight loss can decrease insulin resistance and improve glucose metabolism, which are crucial factors in regulating reproductive hormone levels and supporting healthy ovulation.
"It is important to educate women of childbearing age that these injectable weight-loss medications have not been tested on pregnant women, and we do not know if they can cause birth defects” says Dr. Glasnapp, Medical Weight Loss Director at New York Bariatric Group. “A pregnancy test should be performed before weight-loss medication is prescribed and patients should be encouraged to take monthly pregnancy tests at home. The current recommendations are for women to stop their GLP-1 injectable weight-loss medication for two months before trying to become pregnant to reduce the risk of birth defects."
Those using oral or injectable weight-loss medications who do not wish to become pregnant are advised to use a second form of contraception. “Patients should be educated on the use of barrier contraception, such as condoms, to reduce the risk of becoming pregnant” says Dr. Glasnapp.
If you become pregnant, you should stop taking weight-loss medications and consult with your doctor. If you are interested in starting your weight-loss journey, New York Bariatric Group is the team to turn to if you are looking for a medical weight-loss program or bariatric surgery.
New York Bariatric Group: Weight-Loss Leader
NYBG is the leader in comprehensive weight-loss solutions. We are a one-stop shop, offering long-term weight-loss surgery as well as medically-supervised weight loss such as oral and injectable medications. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to losing weight. At NYBG, we work with you to customize a weight-loss program that will work best for you.
Oral and injectable weight-loss medications have been shown to be an effective short-term strategy, but the long-term effects and safety is still unknown. With our Medical Weight Loss Program the ongoing supervision allows doctors to make necessary adjustments to a patient’s treatment plan based on their progress and changes to their health.
Weight-loss surgery is the only proven long-term weight-loss solution. With decades of research, patients have seen sustainable weight loss. We offer multiple weight-loss surgery procedures and our doctors will work with you to find the right option.
Our practice is the best around:
- Over 30 surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics, plastic surgery, and medical weight loss.
- 42,000 successful procedures performed with more being performed every day
- The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
- Access to online seminars, support groups, cooking demos, and Q-and-A sessions
- 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and showcasing previous patients
- Multiple offices located in three states; NY, NJ, CT
- Offering in-person and virtual consultations
- Since 2000, we boast over 23 years of success!
All of our hospitals are Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accredited facilities, which is a prestigious designation bestowed upon only the top-quality bariatric programs.
Stop waiting; start achieving better health today. Together, we’ve got this!
