Are you trying to get pregnant, but struggling? There’s no doubt that weight is a sensitive subject, but you may have heard a lot of talk recently about ‘Ozempic babies’ – individuals are claiming there is a correlation between weight loss drugs and fertility, which we will further discuss below.
In 2022 43% of adults are overweight, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As obesity rates steadily increase, the medical industry continues to try to tackle this epidemic.
Weight loss medications and fertility outcomes may trigger some reproductive-related health concerns. Are weight loss drugs improving fertility? If so, how? And should women be using weight-loss drugs to boost their fertility? If you want to know more on this topic, here are your answers.
Ozempic babies
Ozempic is a medication used for treating diabetes type 2, however, it has recently been utilised as a weight loss drug. Ozempic is administered as a weekly injection that helps lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas make more insulin.
Not too long ago, ‘Ozempic babies’ became a commonly searched term on Google. Many women have described instances of unexpectedly becoming pregnant after using this weight loss drug and suggest that this weight loss drug is helping with fertility issues.
It’s not entirely surprising to observe weight loss medication such as Ozempic having an impact on conception as it can help you lose up to 20% of your body weight, and we know that being overweight is a considerable factor that inhibits fertility. However, it’s essential to understand that ‘Ozempic babies’ are unlikely to be a direct result of the medication, but rather a result of the weight loss. Ozempic and other weight loss medications such as Mounjaro act as facilitators in weight reduction, thereby addressing the underlying metabolic imbalances and ultimately playing a small part in indirectly enhancing reproductive health.
Obesity is at its peak
The House of Commons Library obesity statistics report published in 2023 suggests that approximately three quarters of individuals aged 45-74 are overweight or obese in the UK according to the Body Mass Index (BMI).
Obesity, characterised by an excess accumulation of body fat, is intricately linked to various reproductive challenges, including irregular menstruation, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovary syndrome – also commonly referred to as PCOS.
The impact of weight on a woman’s body
Weight has a profound impact on fertility, with both underweight and overweight individuals facing challenges in conceiving. Being underweight can severely disrupt hormonal balance and ovulatory function in women, meaning periods (and ovulation) can stop. When it comes to men, being overweight in particular can cause sperm fragmentation, which reduces sperm quality, and can even lead to lower sperm count. By restoring hormonal balance, normalising menstrual cycles, and enhancing sperm quality, weight loss can increase the likelihood of successful conception.
Achieving a healthy weight through lifestyle changes or weight loss interventions can significantly improve fertility outcomes for both underweight and overweight individuals of both genders. The best way to achieve a healthy weight? Combine a varied diet that is high in whole foods and few processed foods with moderate exercise and drinking plenty of water. A good place to start is by researching the Mediterranean diet.
Balance is crucial
While a side-effect of weight loss drugs is potential fertility enhancement, it’s essential to acknowledge the associated risks and limitations. It’s key to get yourself regularly checked out and to keep your body in its best state.
You could experience disturbances to more severe complications like pancreatitis and cardiovascular events underscoring the importance of cautious use and diligent monitoring, which can be a lot harder to treat than the fertility itself. Balance is crucial when it comes to using these types of drugs, but also when taking care of your body on your own. Sustainable weight management strategies along with physical activity will lead to better and healthier outcomes, as long as they’re kept at a mild, steady rate.
Addressing other areas of concern
There’s a close connection when it comes to obesity and fertility, but it’s vital to educate yourself on everything your body is going through. Longitudinal studies assessing the impact of these medications on pregnancy rates, maternal-foetal health, and long-term reproductive health will inform evidence-based clinical practice and guide treatment decisions.
It’s best practice to keep your body healthy and address any other health concerns early on and work your way from there. In addition, seeking a healthcare professional that can give you a personalised approach to your fertility is crucial if you wish to minimise any potential risks. With the right guidance, you can easily navigate obesity-related reproductive challenges.
A clinic with all the answers
If you are having a difficult time conceiving and you think you’re underweight or overweight, check out this fertility clinic in London. With years of experience, you will know you’re in safe hands. Finding a fertility clinic that you trust is the first step on your journey to parenthood. If you have been trying to get pregnant naturally for more than 12 months without success (whether you are underweight, overweight or an average weight), then it could be time to seek advice from a specialist. A fertility clinic will be able to carry out tests to uncover any physiological conditions that may be preventing you from conceiving.
In conclusion
Although weight loss drugs should never be used solely to increase your fertility, they may be utilised by your healthcare professional as part of a wider treatment plan to address your weight and help to improve your fertility outcomes. However, it is also vital to understand the risks associated with any medical procedure or treatment, and to seek professional advice before beginning any treatment.
The change starts with you, and your very own lifestyle changes. Invest time and energy in your lifestyle, eating habits, workouts, and water intake. As time goes by, your fertility journey will become a lot easier, especially if and when you have a skilled team supporting you!
