The Use of Weight Loss Injections is Soaring But Are They Good or Bad for Women’s Fertility?

0
348

Several studies, examining both natural and assisted conceptions, have explored the link between obesity and fertility. These investigations revealed that overweight women have less likelihood to get pregnant even with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and face a significantly elevated risk of miscarriages. Excess weight is often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalances, and irregular menstrual cycles, which can complicate conception. 

This disparity points to the critical impact of obesity on pregnancy outcomes. Dr. Zaher Merhi, founder and medical director of the Rejuvenating Fertility Center (RFC), says that using weight loss injections like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy (all belong to GLP-1 agonists family) before in vitro fertilization (IVF) represents a significant advancement in fertility treatment, particularly for overweight patients with PCOS. These anti-diabetic medications make total sense for women with PCOS who have high risk for insulin resistance and diabetes. However, for overweight women without PCOS who are not at risk of diabetes, these medications have not been studied yet.

“We have to be cautious by informing women of reproductive age who take these medications that we do not know their impact on egg quality and on uterine lining,” says Dr. Merhi, “they could be good but also could be bad for the eggs and for implantation, until proven by research.”

Safety of The Weight Loss Injections

Ozempic, for example, acts by enhancing the secretion of insulin (which lowers blood glucose levels) and suppressing the release of glucagon (which raises blood glucose levels) in a glucose-dependent manner. This dual action assists in managing blood sugar levels and aids in weight loss. Because it slows gastric emptying, Ozempic promotes a prolonged sense of satiety, which reduces overall calorie intake.

“These new drugs offer hope for those who’ve been turned away from fertility treatment – but the risks aren’t clear yet,” says Dr. Merhi. “Ozempic, Mounjaro, and other similar medications have been prescribed at an alarming rate in the U.S. These FDA-approved antihyperglycemic medications are being used, not only for diabetes treatment, but also for weight loss.”

He points out that there are still a lot of questions around these medications that are still unknown: 

  • Are they safe when trying to get pregnant? 
  • Do they affect fertility in a good or bad way? 
  • Are they safe for IVF patients? 
  • Are they safe for already pregnant women? 
  • Are they safe while breastfeeding?

The Truth about IVF and Weight

“We promote holistic, natural, organic solutions first,” says Dr. Merhi. “However, we combine those strategies with the latest in medical innovations. I’ve spoken to patients who have been told by their doctors that they can’t do IVF because general anesthesia for egg collection would be too dangerous for them, due to their weight. One of these patients was denied IVF for years because she was overweight.”

“Except it’s not true”, he says. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), obesity shouldn’t be the sole criteria for denying a patient or couple access to infertility treatments. Also, local anesthesia to prevent pain is easily performed for egg collection – which avoids the risks presented by general anesthesia.

How Weight Loss Improves IVF Outcome?

Improved Hormonal Profile:

  • Weight loss can lead to a more balanced hormonal environment, particularly in women with PCOS, enhancing the chances of ovulation and successful conception.

Enhanced Response to IVF Medications:

  • Overweight patients often require higher doses of fertility medications. Weight loss can improve the body’s response to these drugs, potentially reducing the required dosages and associated side effects.

Increased IVF Success Rates:

  • Studies have indicated that weight loss in overweight patients can lead to higher IVF success rates, including better quality embryos and improved implantation rates.

Dr Merhi’s Summary of Facts

“We are still researching the many risks and benefits that could arise from the use of medications like Ozempic on fertility,” says Dr. Merhi. He shares that at RFC, the team maintains a constant dedication to addressing all the multifaceted challenges of fertility. Improving patients’ health and optimizing their body weight is one way to enhance the chances of successful IVF outcomes – and healthy babies. “Until proven safe for fertility, women using these weight loss medications should be aware that we still do not know what these injections do to their fertility.”

Rejuvenating Fertility Clinic is New York and Connecticut’s first IVF Center to offer non-conventional, holistic, and organic fertility methods. The clinic is currently accepting patients and offers a variety of IVF options, egg donation and surrogacy, and other fertility treatments such as PRP ovarian rejuvenation. 

Website: https://www.rejuvenatingfertility.com/ 

Email: info@rejuvenatingfertility.com 

Phone: (203) 557-9696 

Rejuvenating Fertility Center on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rejuvenatingfertilitycenter/