Hormonal
GLP-1 receptor agonists facilitate significant weight loss and metabolic improvement in non-pregnant women, but current evidence does not demonstrate that pre-pregnancy use improves pregnancy outcomes and may be associated with increased gestational weight gain.
GLP-1 drugs like Semaglutide cause significant weight loss in women with obesity. However, because there is no proof they improve pregnancy outcomes and animal studies suggest potential fetal growth restriction (likely due to maternal weight loss/nutrition), they are not currently recommended for improving pregnancy success. Women using these drugs should use effective contraception and stop the medication at least 6 weeks before trying to conceive, as advised by current guidelines.
GLP-1 RAs may have a role in facilitating weight loss and improving the metabolic health of women prior to pregnancy. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the use of this class of drugs prior to pregnancy improves pregnancy outcomes.
Why this rating
Based on a narrative review of observational studies, animal models, and large non-pregnant trials, lacking specific RCTs in pregnant women.
Source
Considering the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in women with obesity prior to pregnancy: a narrative review
Sarah Price et al. · Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics · 2025
DOI 10.1007/s00404-024-07849-9
Related findings · Hormonal
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- Continued weekly administration of 2.4 mg subcutaneous semaglutide prevents weight regain and promotes further weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity, whereas switching to placebo results in significant weight regain.Strong
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