Popular Weight-Loss Drugs Linked to Low Contraceptive Use, Raising pregnancy concerns in Australian Women
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – A new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia reveals a concerning trend: low rates of contraceptive use among women prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists – a class of drugs increasingly popular for weight loss. The research, analyzing data from over 1.6 million women aged 18 to 49 attending Australian general practices between 2011 and 2022,found that only 21% of the 18,010 women newly prescribed these medications during that period reported using contraception.
Originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes,GLP-1 receptor agonists have seen a surge in prescriptions for their appetite-suppressing and weight-loss effects. The study confirms this shift, finding that the majority of recent prescriptions are now issued to women without diabetes. In 2022 alone, over 6,000 women began GLP-1 treatment, with more than 90% lacking a diabetes diagnosis.
“We’re seeing widespread use of these medications among women of childbearing age, but very little evidence that contraception is being considered as part of routine care,” stated lead author associate Professor Luke Grzeskowiak, a pharmacist at Flinders University’s College of Medicine and Public Health. “These medications can be incredibly helpful, but they’re not risk-free, especially during pregnancy.”
The research indicated a pregnancy rate of 2.2% within six months of starting GLP-1 treatment. This risk was particularly elevated among younger women with diabetes and women without diabetes in their early thirties. Notably, women with polycystic ovary syndrome were twice as likely to conceive, suggesting weight loss induced by the drugs may improve fertility, even unintentionally. However, the study emphasized that women using contraception at the time of prescription had a considerably lower risk of pregnancy.
Concerns extend beyond unintended pregnancy. Previous animal studies conducted by the University of Amsterdam have linked GLP-1 exposure during pregnancy to reduced fetal growth and skeletal abnormalities. While human data remains limited, researchers are urging caution.
“whilst the UK advises that women using GLP-1 receptor agonists shoudl avoid pregnancy and use effective contraception, this advice is not being followed consistently in Australian clinical practice,” Associate Professor Grzeskowiak explained. “We need to ensure that reproductive health is part of every conversation when these drugs are prescribed to any women of childbearing age.”
He further stressed the need for ”clearer practice recommendations and guidelines” for prescribers to ensure the safe and effective use of GLP-1s. The authors recommend patients “speak to your GP about the risks and benefits of GLP-1 medicines before taking them, and only take those prescribed by a healthcare professional.”
The study authors conclude that further research is crucial to fully evaluate the impact of these medications on pregnancy and fetal development.
The research was published under the title “Incidence of GLP‐1 receptor agonist use by women of reproductive age attending general practices in Australia, 2011-2022: a retrospective open cohort study” (DOI: 10.5694/mja2.70026).
