HOUSTON — On social media, some women are reporting an unusual side effect of taking the new class of weight loss drugs that include Ozempic and Mounjaro … babies.
Often, these new mothers-to-be have suffered fertility issues in the past, including polycystic ovary syndrome. After losing weight, sometimes up to 15 to 20 percent of their body weight, they can get pregnant.
Doctors are not sure why this is happening and even if the trend is anything more than anecdotal reports but there are some theories.
Weight loss helps fertility
According to CNN, weight loss is associated with increased fertility thanks to the fact that it helps restore normal ovulation. So women who suffer from irregular cycles while overweight can see those cycles normalize with weight loss.
Slows absorption of birth control
The other theory has to do with how these drugs work by basically slowing the absorption of food and making people feel full longer. That could also affect how birth control is absorbed by the body.
While women who have struggled with infertility may be overjoyed by these “Ozempic babies,” there are still some concerns.
An assistant professor at Harvard Medical School told CNN, researchers still don’t know how exposure to these drugs could affect a fetus.
Right now, doctors recommend stopping the drug two months before trying to get pregnant.
