Prescription for Weight Loss on the Rise Among Postpartum Women, Despite Safety Concerns
A new Danish study has found a significant increase in prescriptions for GLP-1 weight loss medications among postpartum women since the medications came to market. The study, published in JAMA Network, reveals that between 2018 and 2024, prescriptions for these medications rose from fewer than five per 10,000 women to nearly 173 per 10,000 - a staggering 2% of all new mothers.
While GLP-1 medications have been used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity in the general population, their use among postpartum women is a relatively new development. Researchers are concerned about the potential impact on breastfeeding, as little data exists on how these medications interact with natural hormonal changes that occur during this period.
According to Dr. Jonathan Zipursky, a clinical pharmacologist at the University of Toronto, "We simply do not know how weight-loss medication interacts with those processes or whether it could affect normal physiological recovery." Additionally, there is limited research on whether these drugs can transfer to breastmilk and whether exposure to them is safe for nursing babies.
While some studies suggest that GLP-1 medications may not enter breast milk at high levels of concentration and break down in babies' stomachs, experts advise caution. Dr. Zipursky recommends that breastfeeding women refrain from taking weight loss medications after giving birth "out of an abundance of caution." The lack of data on the subject means that women who breastfeed should be aware of the potential risks and consider alternative treatment options.
The increased use of GLP-1 medications among postpartum women highlights the need for more research into their safety and efficacy during this critical period. As Dr. Mette Bliddal, one of the researchers behind the study, notes, "In just a few years, GLP-1 medications have become a real part of postpartum care for many women... but we are still in the dark about how they interact with natural physiological changes during this time."
A new Danish study has found a significant increase in prescriptions for GLP-1 weight loss medications among postpartum women since the medications came to market. The study, published in JAMA Network, reveals that between 2018 and 2024, prescriptions for these medications rose from fewer than five per 10,000 women to nearly 173 per 10,000 - a staggering 2% of all new mothers.
While GLP-1 medications have been used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity in the general population, their use among postpartum women is a relatively new development. Researchers are concerned about the potential impact on breastfeeding, as little data exists on how these medications interact with natural hormonal changes that occur during this period.
According to Dr. Jonathan Zipursky, a clinical pharmacologist at the University of Toronto, "We simply do not know how weight-loss medication interacts with those processes or whether it could affect normal physiological recovery." Additionally, there is limited research on whether these drugs can transfer to breastmilk and whether exposure to them is safe for nursing babies.
While some studies suggest that GLP-1 medications may not enter breast milk at high levels of concentration and break down in babies' stomachs, experts advise caution. Dr. Zipursky recommends that breastfeeding women refrain from taking weight loss medications after giving birth "out of an abundance of caution." The lack of data on the subject means that women who breastfeed should be aware of the potential risks and consider alternative treatment options.
The increased use of GLP-1 medications among postpartum women highlights the need for more research into their safety and efficacy during this critical period. As Dr. Mette Bliddal, one of the researchers behind the study, notes, "In just a few years, GLP-1 medications have become a real part of postpartum care for many women... but we are still in the dark about how they interact with natural physiological changes during this time."
i mean whats worse bc we dont know if they affect breastfeeding or not 
my sister just had a baby last month & im thinkin of tellin her 2 be cautious lol 
I'm like so worried bout these new meds 4 postpartum moms! 
GLP-1 weight loss meds r supposed 2 be safe 4 general ppl but idk if its safe 4 babies yet?! 
I mean, we need more research on how they interact w/ breastfeeding & natural hormonal changes. Dr Zipursky is like "we dont no squat" 
about how these meds affect new moms & their babies. Can u blame them 4 wanting 2 exercise & get fit after havin a baba? 
I mean, we need more research on how these meds affect breastfeeding and whether they're safe for babies 
. What if these meds mess up their milk supply or affect their baby's appetite? 
It's just too much risk, you know? 
. I mean, we're talking about a population that's already under so much stress and hormonal chaos after giving birth. We need to make sure we're not putting them at risk with some unknown interactions between these meds and breastfeeding or whatever natural processes are happening in their bodies 
. And honestly, shouldn't we be focusing on holistic health approaches that don't involve medication? I know it sounds idealistic, but wouldn't it be awesome if there were more safe and natural options out there for new moms? 
I mean, I get it, losing weight after having a baby can be tough, but we need to prioritize our health and our babies' health too 
I'm no doctor, but it sounds like we're just winging it here and that's not okay 
. Can't we get more research on how these meds interact with breastfeeding and babies' bodies? 
It's like, let's be cautious, fam! 
like aren't there already enough risks associated w/ breastfeeding? shouldn't we be focusing on overall health & wellness rather than just the number on the scale? 
we need more research ASAP on these meds & how they interact w/ our bodies during this vulnerable time 
i feel like some women are just going to take them anyway though, you know? the shame around being overweight or having babies that are underweight can be super tough 
This is some scary stuff, and I think more research needs to be done ASAP. Can't have women and babies at risk just because it's convenient for the docs 
. And honestly, I think it's also kinda worrying that women might feel pressured into taking these meds just because "they're a new thing" and not fully tested for safety 
. We should prioritize moms' health and well-being over quick fixes 
.
these new meds 4 weight loss r literally being prescribed left & right to postpartum moms w/o hardly any research on effects 2 breastfeeding?! 
what if the meds affect milk supply or baby's gut health??! 
. We need more studies, not more meds 
.
We need more context on why these numbers are skyrocketing. Is it just a coincidence or is there some bigger issue at play? 
... but at the same time, I'm like super worried about the safety concerns and lack of data 
... but at the same time, I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing? 
Ugh, my brain is all over the place today 
...but at least they were eating healthy or something, right? 
I'm all for helping new moms get back on track after having a baby, but this is like, totally crazy!