Ozempic, a diabetes medicine which has gained immense popularity as a weight loss drug, has been linked to a surge in conception rates among women grappling with weight-related fertility issues, UAE doctors confirmed to Arabian Business.
A TikTok craze that swept across the internet last year catapulted the type-2 diabetes medication into the global spotlight due to its remarkable weight loss capabilities. The overwhelming demand for the drug, fueled by viral videos showcasing its dramatic effects, led to a worldwide supply shortage that even impacted the UAE market in 2023 as people flocked to pharmacies to purchase Ozempic and similar drugs without a prescription.
In recent weeks, reports have emerged of an unexpected Ozempic-induced baby boom.
“I came across a case in the past,” said Dr. Fady Georges Hachem, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology at Abu Dhabi’s Burjeel Hospital.
The unexpected fertility boost
Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that promotes a feeling of satiety and slows digestion, ultimately leading to weight loss.
According to Dr. Nilofer Samad, an Internal Medicine Specialist at LLH Hospital in Abu Dhabi’s Musaffah, this weight loss can indirectly improve a woman’s chances of conceiving.
“Obesity contributes to fertility struggles in a significant group of women who have never been pregnant,” Dr. Samad explained. “You have a greater chance of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby if you are close to a healthy weight.”
While Ozempic does not directly enhance fertility, the resulting weight loss can help alleviate conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance, which are major contributors to infertility in women.
“PCOS with insulin sensitivity is a major cause of infertility,” said Dr. Hachem. “Regular exercise and weight loss is advised for ladies with PCOS, and Ozempic can be a tool to lose weight.”
“As the use of Ozempic increases, such cases can be expected,” said Dr. Samad.
Dr. Hachem, on the other hand, has already come across a case where a patient unexpectedly conceived while taking Ozempic.
“This phenomenon has been known for a long time, which is why when patients start taking Ozempic, they often become pregnant quickly within a couple of months,” he said.
Ozempic not safe during pregnancy
However, both doctors strongly advise against continuing Ozempic during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.
“If you get pregnant while using Ozempic, it is advised to stop taking it,” Dr. Samad cautioned.
“If planning to conceive, it is advised to discontinue treatment in women at least two months before a planned pregnancy, owing to the long washout period for semaglutide.”
Dr. Hachem echoes this concern, stating, “Ozempic is contraindicated if the patient becomes pregnant and should be stopped immediately.”
While the drug’s unexpected fertility benefits have garnered attention, medical experts stress the importance of a holistic approach to weight management and fertility treatment.
“Patients should consult medical professionals before starting Ozempic,” said Dr. Samad. “Their medical team can help them work up a weight loss or diabetic control program with multiple approaches, which cater to their needs.”
Both doctors emphasised the need for a multidisciplinary team to manage obesity and fertility issues, with Ozempic being one of the invaluable tools in the arsenal.
“Patients have to be aware of the pros and cons of all the available options for weight loss,” Dr. Samad added.
As the use of Ozempic continues to rise, particularly for off-label weight loss purposes, medical professionals in the UAE urge caution and close monitoring.
While the drug’s unexpected fertility benefits offer hope to many women struggling with weight-related infertility issues, the potential risks during pregnancy cannot be ignored.
Follow us on
