GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss May Be Linked to Unplanned Pregnancies in Young Women: Study Finds - Video

A new study from Flinders University, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, has raised alarms over the widespread use of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic among women of reproductive age, many of whom are not using effective contraception despite known pregnancy-related risks. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.6 million Australian women aged 18 to 49 between 2011 and 2022, found that only 21% of the 18,010 women who were first prescribed these medications had recorded contraceptive use.

Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists have become increasingly popular for weight management due to their appetite-suppressing effects. The study found that most women receiving prescriptions did not have diabetes, with more than 6,000 women initiating treatment in 2022 alone and over 90% of them lacking a diabetes diagnosis.

The data also revealed that 2.2% of women became pregnant within six months of starting treatment, with higher pregnancy rates seen in women with diabetes and those in their early thirties without diabetes. Notably, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were twice as likely to conceive, likely due to improved fertility resulting from weight loss.

A previous animal study from the University of Amsterdam linked GLP-1 use during pregnancy to fetal growth issues and skeletal abnormalities, adding urgency to the current findings. While human data is still limited, the potential risks are enough to prompt stronger clinical guidelines.

Lead author Associate Professor Luke Grzeskowiak, from Flinders University’s College of Medicine and Public Health, emphasized the concerning trend: “We're seeing widespread use of these medications among women of childbearing age, but very little evidence that contraception is being considered as part of routine care. These medications can be incredibly helpful, but they're not risk-free, especially during pregnancy." “We need to ensure that reproductive health is part of every conversation when these drugs are prescribed to any women of childbearing age.”

Researchers are calling for clearer prescribing guidelines and further investigation into GLP-1 safety during pregnancy.

Reference: Kailash Thapaliya, Arianne Sweeting, Black I Kirsten, Amanda Poprzeczny, Danielle Mazza, Luke E Grzeskowiak. Incidence of GLP‐1 receptor agonist use by women of reproductive age attending general practices in Australia, 2011–2022: a retrospective open cohort study. Medical Journal of Australia, 2025; DOI: 10.5694/mja2.70026