Ozempic is widely known drug for its role in weight loss, but could it also impact fertility? That’s the question many are asking after a wave of TikTok and Instagram videos where women claim to have experienced unexpected pregnancies while using the drug, which is primarily prescribed for Type 2 diabetes and weight management. So, why is this making headlines? Let’s take a closer look.
Last month, Demi Walker shared her personal story on Instagram about her journey with Ozempic. She had come across a TikTok trend called “Ozempic babies,” which featured women who had struggled with infertility, IVF, PCOS, and endometriosis but unexpectedly became pregnant while using the drug. Intrigued, Demi decided to do some research of her own.
After years of unsuccessful attempts using various methods, she decided to privately purchase Ozempic as a last resort, fully aware of the importance of careful and informed choices. Four months into using the medication, she took her final injection. Within four weeks, she found out she was pregnant.
What does the term ‘Ozempic baby’ mean?
The term “Ozempic baby” isn’t recognized in the medical field, but it’s used by some to describe unplanned pregnancies that happen after using Ozempic, a medication that is primarily prescribed for managing Type 2 diabetes and sometimes for weight control.
Dr Sowmya K N, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Gleneagles BGS Hospital in Bengaluru, clarifies, “Ozempic works by improving metabolic health, regulating sugar levels, and aiding weight management, particularly in women with conditions like obesity or PCOS. Weight loss can lead to more regular menstrual cycles, which may boost fertility. Therefore, some women may experience improved fertility after using Ozempic for weight management.”
Is there credible evidence?
There is no solid scientific evidence that directly links Ozempic to increased fertility, but there are some possible explanations.
Dr Sowmya K N, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, explains, “Weight loss through Ozempic can improve ovarian health and hormonal balance, which can positively impact fertility, particularly in women with conditions like PCOS. Research shows that even a modest weight loss of 4-5 kg can boost conception rates by 40-50%. So while Ozempic may not directly cause fertility improvements, the weight loss it triggers can help with fertility, but there’s no concrete research to back this up.”
Have doctors seen this happen?
Yes, some doctors have noticed that women’s fertility improved after using Ozempic for weight loss.
Dr. Manjula Anagani, a gynaecologist, says she’s seen cases where weight loss and improved metabolism from medications like Ozempic helped women who struggled with infertility. However, she adds that while this might help, the pregnancies should be seen as a result of treating the underlying health issues, not just the medication itself.
Are there studies to support this?
Currently, there is limited research specifically on Ozempic’s effect on pregnancy. Most of the evidence comes from personal stories, not scientific studies.
However, many experts agree that losing weight can improve fertility. According to a University Health blog, as women lose weight, the number of fat cells producing estrogen decreases, which may help the body prepare for pregnancy. For women with irregular periods due to conditions like PCOS, weight loss can even trigger ovulation before their periods return.