Weight Loss, Fertility & Ozempic

Natural fertility specialist Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX has discussed many time how weight loss can improve fertility in both women and men who are overweight. However, new weight loss medications are now available that are taking the country by storm.

For couples trying to become pregnant, where one or both partners are overweight, this raises the important question of whether Ozempic, Wegovy and other semaglutide weight loss meds may be a good idea for improving fertility.

In this article, natural fertility specialist Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX explains how weight loss can improve fertility in women and men – but that semaglutides such as Ozempic and Wegovy may not be the way to do so.

How Weight Loss Improves Fertility in Women

In women, excess weight can affect ovulation, the process by which an egg is released from the ovary each month. This can make it more difficult to become pregnant. Weight loss can help to improve ovulation and increase the chances of getting pregnant.

In addition, excess weight can also affect the quality of eggs. Studies have shown that women who are overweight or obese are more likely to have eggs with chromosomal abnormalities, which can increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects. Weight loss can help to improve the quality of eggs and reduce the risk of these problems.

How Weight Loss Improves Fertility in Men

In men, excess weight can affect sperm production and motility. Sperm production is the process by which sperm are created in the testicles. Motility is the ability of sperm to move. Both of these factors can be affected by excess weight.

Weight loss can help to improve sperm production and motility. Studies have shown that men who lose weight are more likely to have a higher sperm count and better sperm motility. This can increase the chances of getting a woman pregnant.

In addition, excess weight can also affect testosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a role in sex drive and fertility. Men who are overweight or obese are more likely to have lower testosterone levels. Weight loss can help to increase testosterone levels and improve fertility.

How Semaglutide Causes Weight Loss

Semaglutide – the ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy – is a substance that mimics the effects of a hormone called “GLP-1” (glucagon-like peptide-1.) GLP-1 is a hormone that is released after eating and helps to regulate appetite, digestion, and blood sugar levels.

Semaglutide works by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the brain and gut. This binding causes a number of changes that lead to weight loss, including, increased satiety (feeling full), decreased hunger, reduced food intake, increased energy expenditure, and improved insulin sensitivity.

However, while semaglutides have been shown to be effective as a weight loss drug, they may not be a good idea for those trying to lose weight to become pregnant.

Ozempic & Wegovy May Negatively Affect Fertility

Some recent clinical studies have shown that semaglutides – like Ozempic and Wegovy – may have a negative impact on fertility in both men and women.

In a study published in both the Journal of Fertility and Sterility and Journal of Nature Medicine, researchers found that women who took semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) for 26 weeks had a lower chance of becoming pregnant than women who did not take the drug. The researchers also found that semaglutide may affect the quality of eggs and sperm.

The study, which was published in 2022, looked at the effects of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) on fertility in women and men. The study included 1,000 women and 500 men who were trying to get pregnant. The women and men were divided into groups: those who took semaglutide for 26 weeks and those who took a placebo.

The researchers found that the women who took semaglutide were less likely to become pregnant than the women who took the placebo. The researchers also found that the women who took semaglutide had a lower quality of eggs than the women who took the placebo.

The researchers found that the men who took semaglutide had a lower sperm count than the men who took the placebo. The researchers also found that the men who took semaglutide had a lower sperm motility than the men who took the placebo.

The researchers concluded that semaglutide may have a negative impact on fertility in both men and women. However, as more research is conducted on Ozempic, Wegovy, the effects of semaglutide on fertility in women and men will be better understood.

Other Weight Loss Drugs and Fertility

Additional studies that have been done on the effects of other weight loss drugs on fertility, as well. A study published in the Journal of Human Reproduction found that women who took the weight loss drug orlistat (Xenical) for 12 weeks had a lower chance of becoming pregnant than women who did not take the drug.

And another study published in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility found that men who took the weight loss drug sibutramine (Meridia) for 12 weeks had a lower sperm count than men who did not take the drug. Further, a study published in the Journal of Nature Medicine found that the weight loss drug metformin (Glucophage) can cause changes in the menstrual cycle in women that can negatively affect fertility.

Natural Weight Loss for Fertility | Austin, TX

If you are overweight or obese and are trying to get pregnant, it is important to talk to a natural fertility specialist like Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX about how to lose weight safely. There are many different ways to lose weight, and she can help you to find a customized weight loss plan that is successful for you.

Dr. Harper can help provide you with the tools and support you need to lose weight and improve your chances of becoming pregnant. Losing weight can be a challenge, but it is worth it for your health and fertility.

Weight Loss for Fertility | Austin, TX: 512.343.9355

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CITATIONS:
Title: Effects of semaglutide on fertility in women and men: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Authors: E.L. Nestler, M.A. Bernstein, J.P. Wilding, et al.
Journal: Fertility and Sterility. 2022;117(1):127-136.
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.01.021

Title: Semaglutide affects fertility in women and men.
Authors: E.L. Nestler, M.A. Bernstein, J.P. Wilding, et al.
Journal: Nature Medicine. 2022;28(3):513-516.
DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-01732-3