Ozempic Babies: Weight Loss Drug Sparks Pregnancy Boom

Women using the weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, are experiencing unexpected pregnancies despite using birth control or facing infertility challenges, according to people.com. This highlights the complex relationship between weight loss, hormonal changes, and medication interactions. 

Currently, medical experts are attributing this phenomenon to the drugs' impact on metabolism and insulin resistance. Ongoing studies aim to evaluate the drugs' safety during pregnancy. Given the uncertainty of the exact cause, users and healthcare professionals are being advised to exercise caution and consider potential implications for those with diabetes.

Ozempic, primarily prescribed for diabetes management and weight loss, has been linked to unexpected pregnancies among some users.  Iman Saleh, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Northwell's Bariatrics Department, confirms the correlation between weight loss induced by semaglutide—the medication's active ingredient—and heightened fertility. 

She explains that weight loss can boost fertility due to its impact on estrogen production and absorption changes affecting birth control efficacy. Saleh notes, "I [ha]ve actually seen a few patients of mine...have these surprise babies or surprise pregnancies," said Saleh. In response, Novo Nordisk established a pregnancy registry to systematically monitor and evaluate the potential risks associated with the use of Ozempic during pregnancy.

Allison Rodgers, OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist, Fertility Centers of Illinois, warns against using drugs like Ozempic to intentionally boost fertility, citing potential risks during pregnancy. So far, animal studies have indicated the possible correlation of miscarriage and birth defects when Ozempic is used during gestation, underscoring the need for caution.

Despite medical warnings, some mothers have celebrated their "Ozempic babies" on social media, highlighting the medication's potential fertility-enhancing effects. This has led, in part, to the depletion of Ozempic stocks, raising significant concerns among individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.

In Mexico, reports from major pharmacy chains like Farmacias San Pablo indicate a prolonged absence of Ozempic, while Farmacias Benavides acknowledge dwindling supplies. Such scarcity compounds challenges for those reliant on semaglutide-based GLP-1 drugs and magnifies the risk of exacerbating shortages due to heightened demand. With diabetes ranking as Mexico's second-leading cause of death, the potential impact on public health is profound.

According to data from Statista in 2022, there were 115,030 deaths attributed to diabetes in Mexico. María Jesús Salido Rojo, CEO, Social Diabetes, emphasizes the severity of the issue, stating, "Diabetes, which already afflicts 537 million people, is predicted to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045, [constituting] at least US$966 billion in health expenditure – a 316% increase over the last 15 years."