A large-scale study examining more than 750,000 pregnancies has found that early exposure to Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar GLP-1 receptor agonists was not linked to increased pregnancy complications when the drugs were used for weight loss. However, the research revealed a notable divergence: when these medications were prescribed to treat diabetes, they were associated with a higher risk of premature birth. The findings, drawn from a vast dataset of pregnancy outcomes, offer new insight into a class of drugs whose use has surged globally in recent years.
Researchers say the contrasting results suggest that diabetes itself, rather than the medication, may be driving the elevated risk of premature delivery, though they stress that the safety profile of these drugs during pregnancy remains uncertain. The study’s authors caution against drawing firm clinical conclusions and call for further investigation, noting that current guidance already advises against the use of GLP-1 agonists during pregnancy. The findings add a layer of nuance to an ongoing debate over the risks and benefits of these widely prescribed treatments.
Independent reporting synthesized from primary wires and global correspondents.