A new study shows that more new mothers are being prescribed glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP‑1) drugs in the months after giving birth. These medications, usually used to treat type 2 diabetes, are also now being widely used to help with weight loss.
The study found that in 2018, fewer than 5 out of 10,000 new mothers received a GLP‑1 prescription in the first six months after childbirth. By 2022, this number had increased to 34 per 10,000. In 2024, it rose sharply to 173 per 10,000. This means nearly 2 percent of new mothers were taking these drugs after delivery.
Most of the women in the study were over 30 and had already had children. Many were prescribed GLP‑1 drugs not for diabetes, but to help manage weight after pregnancy. Experts say the trend reflects the growing popularity of these medications for weight management.
However, health professionals warn that there is limited information about the safety of these drugs for women after childbirth. The postpartum period is a time of many hormonal changes and natural weight loss. There is also little evidence about how these drugs affect breastfeeding and infants.
Doctors emphasize the need for more research to understand the long-term effects of GLP‑1 use after birth. While these medications may help with weight loss, their impact on both mother and child is not yet clear.
Health experts advise women considering GLP‑1 drugs after pregnancy to talk carefully with their doctors. They should weigh the potential benefits for weight loss against the possible risks for themselves and their babies.
The study highlights how quickly GLP‑1 drugs are becoming part of postpartum care. As more women use these medications, doctors say it is important to provide proper guidance and monitor their effects on new mothers and infants.
