News | Ozempic use surges among young women, but contraceptive management lags
Flinders University researchers warn that increasing numbers of women of reproductive age are using GLP-1 receptor agonists, including the widely known weight-loss drug Ozempic, without contraception. This may lead to unintended pregnancy and potential fetal health risks. The researchers are calling for clearer clinical guidance and health education.
The Medical Journal of Australia study analyzed general-practice data from more than 1.6 million Australian women aged 18–49 between 2011 and 2022. Of 18,010 women receiving a first GLP-1 prescription, only 21% used effective contraception, suggesting that most received inadequate reproductive-health management while taking medication that may affect pregnancy safety.
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are rapidly gaining use among young women, but contraceptive awareness remains low
GLP-1 medicines were originally used for type 2 diabetes but became popular worldwide because they suppress appetite and promote weight loss. Most current prescriptions are for women without diabetes. In 2022 alone, more than 6000 women started these medicines, and over 90% had no diabetes diagnosis.
Corresponding author and pharmacy expert Associate Professor Luke Grzeskowiak said:
"These medicines are very effective for weight management, but they are not risk-free, especially for women of reproductive age. Clinically, contraception is almost never included in the required risk-management process."
Within six months of starting GLP-1 treatment, 2.2% of women became pregnant. Pregnancy risk was higher among:
Younger women with diabetes
Women in their early 30s without diabetes
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), who were twice as likely to become pregnant as other women
The team believes one key factor is that weight loss can improve ovulation and fertility, making some women more likely to become pregnant without realizing it.
Pregnancy risk was notably lower among women using contraception, underscoring the importance of contraceptive counseling in GLP-1 medication management.
Animal studies indicate possible fetal effects; human data are limited but warrant attention
Animal studies from the University of Amsterdam found that GLP-1 exposure during pregnancy may cause fetal growth restriction and abnormal skeletal development. Human data remain limited, but the potential risk has raised medical concern.
UK guidance clearly recommends:
Women of reproductive age using GLP-1 medicines should avoid pregnancy and use effective contraception.
The study found that this advice has not been implemented effectively in Australian clinical practice.
Associate Professor Grzeskowiak added:
"Any clinician prescribing GLP-1 medicines to women of reproductive age should proactively discuss reproductive health. We urgently need clearer clinical guidelines to ensure these medicines are used safely and appropriately."
He urged women to discuss risks with their general practitioner before use and to take only medicines prescribed by qualified medical professionals.
The researchers also called for further study of the effects of these medicines on pregnancy and fetal health.
Acknowledgements
Luke Grzeskowiak received salary support from the Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation (CRF-210323).
The study was supported by contributions from members of the SPHERE 2.0 Centre of Research Excellence in Sexual and Reproductive Health for Women in Primary Care (NHMRC APP2024717).
News | Ozempic use surges among young women, but contraceptive management lags
News | Ozempic use surges among young women, but contraceptive management lags
Flinders University researchers warn that increasing numbers of women of reproductive age are using GLP-1 receptor agonists, including the widely known weight-loss drug Ozempic, without contraception. This may lead to unintended pregnancy and potential fetal health risks. The researchers are calling for clearer clinical guidance and health education.
The Medical Journal of Australia study analyzed general-practice data from more than 1.6 million Australian women aged 18–49 between 2011 and 2022. Of 18,010 women receiving a first GLP-1 prescription, only 21% used effective contraception, suggesting that most received inadequate reproductive-health management while taking medication that may affect pregnancy safety.
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are rapidly gaining use among young women, but contraceptive awareness remains low
GLP-1 medicines were originally used for type 2 diabetes but became popular worldwide because they suppress appetite and promote weight loss. Most current prescriptions are for women without diabetes. In 2022 alone, more than 6000 women started these medicines, and over 90% had no diabetes diagnosis.
Corresponding author and pharmacy expert Associate Professor Luke Grzeskowiak said:
"These medicines are very effective for weight management, but they are not risk-free, especially for women of reproductive age. Clinically, contraception is almost never included in the required risk-management process."
Within six months of starting GLP-1 treatment, 2.2% of women became pregnant. Pregnancy risk was higher among:
Younger women with diabetes
Women in their early 30s without diabetes
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), who were twice as likely to become pregnant as other women
The team believes one key factor is that weight loss can improve ovulation and fertility, making some women more likely to become pregnant without realizing it.
Pregnancy risk was notably lower among women using contraception, underscoring the importance of contraceptive counseling in GLP-1 medication management.
Animal studies indicate possible fetal effects; human data are limited but warrant attention
Animal studies from the University of Amsterdam found that GLP-1 exposure during pregnancy may cause fetal growth restriction and abnormal skeletal development. Human data remain limited, but the potential risk has raised medical concern.
UK guidance clearly recommends:
Women of reproductive age using GLP-1 medicines should avoid pregnancy and use effective contraception.
The study found that this advice has not been implemented effectively in Australian clinical practice.
Associate Professor Grzeskowiak added:
"Any clinician prescribing GLP-1 medicines to women of reproductive age should proactively discuss reproductive health. We urgently need clearer clinical guidelines to ensure these medicines are used safely and appropriately."
He urged women to discuss risks with their general practitioner before use and to take only medicines prescribed by qualified medical professionals.
The researchers also called for further study of the effects of these medicines on pregnancy and fetal health.
Acknowledgements
Luke Grzeskowiak received salary support from the Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation (CRF-210323).
The study was supported by contributions from members of the SPHERE 2.0 Centre of Research Excellence in Sexual and Reproductive Health for Women in Primary Care (NHMRC APP2024717).
Story source:
Collected online