USA Today

How weight loss drugs are boosting fertility

March 25, 2024

Reproductive and obesity medicine experts told USA Today that one possible reason for women's increased fertility while taking popular weight loss medications has to do with the effects of weight loss itself vs. anything intrinsic in the medications.

Weight loss alone can correct hormonal imbalances caused by obesity and metabolic disorders, and thus boost fertility. In some cases, women have reported significant weight loss of up to 20% of body weight with these medications.

• A robust body of evidence exists demonstrating strong connections between obesity, metabolic disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and fertility issues. Losing weight can help regulate a menstrual cycle previously thrown off by these disorders and increase the possibility of pregnancy.
• Excess estrogen. Since fat cells release estrogen, losing weight means that individuals will have less estrogen. Excess estrogen can prevent regular menstruation and ovulation, which can make it more difficult to get pregnant.
• Insulin resistance. Obesity can also cause insulin resistance, which can lead to high levels of male sex hormones like testosterone that don't support pregnancy and can affect egg quality.

It's also possible that certain drugs may be reducing the efficacy of birth control pills, increasing the chances of pregnancy. For example, tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, delays gastric emptying which might reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives. As noted in the drugs' labels, this can affect how oral medications, including OCPs, are absorbed in the body.

Experts caution that under no circumstances should women use weight loss drugs to get pregnant. Drug manufacturers recommend women stop taking weight loss drugs at least two months before a planned pregnancy.

Source:

Camero, Katie. (2024, March 21). USA Today. 'Ozempic babies' are surprising women taking weight loss drugs. Doctors think they know why. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2024/03/21/ozempic-pregnancy-weight-loss-drugs-fertility/73032645007/