As GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy, and Ozempic gain popularity in India, doctors are noticing an unexpected trend: women who previously struggled with infertility are reporting surprise pregnancies. These so-called ‘Ozempic babies,’ already observed in several countries, are now emerging in India just months after these medications entered the market. Obstetricians and gynaecologists in major cities are seeing women who believed they had little or no chance of conceiving arrive at clinics with positive pregnancy tests, often catching both patients and doctors off guard.
Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs mimic gut hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar. Their effectiveness in promoting rapid weight loss has made them highly sought after, with sales in December reaching Rs 104 crore for Mounjaro and over Rs 11 crore for Wegovy, according to Pharmarack data. However, while these medications do not directly cause pregnancy, they can subtly improve metabolic health, restore hormonal balance, and increase fertility—sometimes immediately after significant weight loss.
Internal medicine specialist and obesity researcher Dr Anoop Misra reports seeing multiple cases of unexpected conception despite patients being warned to take precautions. Mumbai-based obstetrician Dr Rujul Jhaveri explains, ‘These drugs restore metabolic balance, which significantly increases the likelihood of conception.’ Clinical observations are reinforced by a recent study showing that women who discontinue GLP-1 therapy upon becoming pregnant face higher weight gain and elevated risk of pregnancy complications.
Excess weight, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation have long affected reproductive health in women. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), irregular menstrual cycles, and anovulation—often linked to weight gain—can make natural conception challenging or impossible. GLP-1 drugs improve insulin sensitivity, reduce body weight, and recalibrate hormonal pathways, allowing ovulation to return and menstrual cycles to normalize, sometimes after years of infertility.
While approved for obesity and type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs are also being studied for cardiovascular health, kidney disease, PCOS, PCOD, and even neurodegenerative disorders. However, their safety during pregnancy remains unproven. Medical experts caution that these medications—whether injectable or oral forms such as Rybelsus—should be discontinued once pregnancy is planned or confirmed. Early pregnancy exposure requires immediate medical supervision, as it can pose serious risks.
Healthcare professionals emphasise the importance of proactive counselling for women of reproductive age using GLP-1 therapy. Discussions should cover not only weight-loss goals but also contraception, as improved metabolic health can restore fertility even in women with a history of irregular or absent periods. Dr Anjali Kumarr of CK Birla Hospital warns that GLP-1 drugs can also slow gastric emptying, potentially reducing the effectiveness of oral contraceptives during the initial dose-escalation phase.
With awareness, timely counselling, and informed decision-making, renewed fertility can become a positive and planned outcome rather than an unexpected shock. As these medications continue to reshape India’s weight-loss landscape, doctors urge women to stay informed about the potential reproductive implications of GLP-1 therapy.
