What's Happening?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released its first guidelines on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, generically known as semaglutide. These guidelines advise against prescribing GLP-1s to pregnant women but do not address
their use by postpartum women, including those who are breastfeeding. This omission has left new mothers, like Sara, who are dealing with postpartum weight gain, without clear guidance on the safety of using Ozempic. The lack of data on the long-term effects and safety of Ozempic in postpartum women is a significant concern, as highlighted by clinical psychologist Nicole Amoyal Pensak. The popularity of GLP-1s for weight loss among new mothers is rising, despite the unknowns regarding their impact on maternal brain rewiring and infant health.
Why It's Important?
The absence of specific guidelines for postpartum women using Ozempic underscores a critical gap in healthcare information, potentially affecting the health decisions of new mothers. The increasing use of GLP-1s for postpartum weight loss reflects societal pressures on women to quickly return to pre-pregnancy body shapes, which can have mental health implications. The lack of data on the effects of GLP-1s on maternal brain function and infant development raises ethical and safety concerns. This situation highlights the need for comprehensive research to inform medical guidelines and ensure the well-being of both mothers and their children.
