Doctors warn about ‘Ozempic babies’ about risk of weight loss shots used by women hoping to conceive could cause birth defects
Slimming shots can cause birth defects if used by women trying to become pregnant, doctors have warned.
A wave of women reported unexpectedly becoming pregnant after being prescribed medications containing semaglutide, the main ingredient in the drugs Wegovy and Ozempic.
This has led some doctors in the US to prescribe the injections to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the leading causes of infertility in women.
But British scientists have warned that the drugs can cause abnormalities and have advised those taking them to use contraception and stop taking them for at least two months before trying to become pregnant.
A wave of women reported unexpectedly becoming pregnant after being prescribed medications containing semaglutide, the main ingredient in the drugs Wegovy and Ozempic
British scientists have warned that the drugs can cause abnormalities and have advised those taking them to use contraception and stop taking them for at least two months before trying to become pregnant (stock image)
The shots work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which suppresses appetite and helps people feel full faster.
Experts believe that the ‘Ozempic’ or ‘Oops’ baby phenomenon may be due to a number of factors, with weight loss known to boost fertility by helping to regulate ovulation and menstruation.
The drug may also increase the chance of pregnancy, as side effects such as nausea and vomiting can prevent birth control pills from being absorbed effectively.
Experts warned against using the jab to boost fertility after animal testing showed it was potentially harmful.
Specialist Professor Tricia Tan from Imperial College London said: ‘Women should know that these medicines should not be used during pregnancy.
‘Animal studies have shown that the animal babies of animals given these drugs had problems.’
Nerys Astbury, a senior researcher in nutrition and obesity at the University of Oxford, said non-pharmaceutical routes to losing weight before pregnancy would be advised.
She said: ‘It is important to note that although some doctors prescribe semaglutide off-label to women with PCOS, it is not clear whether it is safe to use in women during pregnancy and should not be used as a method of treating infertility to be treated until research has been completed. demonstrating safety and effectiveness is available.”