Health experts are issuing a new warning for women taking
popular weight loss medications.
The warning originated from a health care agency in the UK
and was aimed at women taking popular GLP-1s: including Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro.
Experts say these medicines can cause unintended
pregnancies, as well as potential complications during pregnancy.
The UK health agency said birth control pills may
not be as effective for women using these weight loss drugs, specifically those
taking Mounjaro.
This is likely due to a few reasons:
- Being overweight can impact ovulation and reduce effectiveness of fertility treatments.
- When GLP-1s help someone lose weight, it can impact a woman’s menstrual cycle and increase their likelihood of getting pregnant.
- GLP-1s can also affect your gut health, which can reduce the body’s ability to absorb birth control pills.
The UK health agency suggests women use other non-oral forms
of birth control methods while on GLP-1s. The report also said weight loss
drugs should not be used by women who are pregnant or while they’re
breastfeeding.
For those trying to conceive, the agency advises women
to stop doses up to 3 months before trying to get pregnant.