Women using ozempic face risks of unplanned pregnancy: study
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Health experts are concerned about the growing use of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic among young women.
A recent study highlights that women of reproductive age using these drugs without contraception may face pregnancy-related risks.
Researchers from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, studied more than 18,000 women aged 18 to 49 who were first prescribed GLP-1 drugs between 2011 and 2022. The study, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, analysed data from over 1.6 million general practice patients.
The findings revealed that only 21% of these women reported using contraception. This raises concerns as many women may not be aware of the dangers these drugs could pose to unborn babies.
Associate Professor Luke Grzeskowiak from the College of Medicine and Public Health stated that while these medications are being widely used by women of childbearing age, there is very little evidence that contraception is being incorporated into routine care.
In 2022 alone, over 6,000 women started GLP-1 treatment, with more than 90% not having diabetes. This shows that these drugs are increasingly used for weight loss rather than managing diabetes.
The study also found that 2.2% of women became pregnant within six months of starting GLP-1 treatment. The highest rates were among younger women with diabetes and women without diabetes in their early thirties.
The research pointed out that women with polycystic ovary syndrome were twice as likely to conceive, suggesting that weight loss may boost fertility, even unintentionally. However, women using contraception while on GLP-1 treatment had a much lower chance of becoming pregnant.
This is particularly worrying because a previous study reviewed by the University of Amsterdam linked GLP-1 use during pregnancy to fetal growth problems and skeletal issues. Although data on human effects is limited, these findings raise serious concerns.
The study recommended that GLP-1 drugs should only be used when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional and under proper medical supervision.
