More new mothers turn to weight loss medication after giving birth

The use of weight loss medication such as Wegovy has risen sharply among Danish women shortly after childbirth. These are the findings of a new study published in the respected journal JAMA, where researchers analysed the use of so-called GLP-1RA medication in the months following birth.

The study was led by Mette Bliddal, Associate Professor at the Research Unit for Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the Department of Clinical Research.

Together with colleagues, she examined Danish health registers to identify all women who redeemed a prescription for weight loss medication within six months of giving birth.

- We see a clear increase in the use of weight loss medication among new mothers. The rise is particularly marked after Wegovy became available on the market, says Mette Bliddal.

First study to map postpartum medication use

Weight loss medication has gained increasing attention as a treatment for obesity, but until now, no one had examined how common it is among women who have just given birth. This new study from the University of Southern Denmark is the first to document the use of these drugs in the postpartum period.

The researchers found that 1.1% of Danish women who had given birth in recent years redeemed a prescription for Wegovy within the first six months after giving birth. Wegovy accounted for 89% of all weight loss medication prescribed to this group.

In total, 1.3% of the Danish women included in the study received a prescription for weight loss medication. By comparison, 2.4% of the adult Danish population redeemed such a prescription in 2023.

The number of women prescribed weight loss medication after giving birth increased significantly throughout the study period from 2018 to 2024 – particularly from 2023 onwards.

We know that women want to lose weight after childbirth. The fact that so many are turning to weight loss medication represents a major shift over a short period – and one that has occurred without a clear understanding of its implications, says Mette Bliddal.

The study raises new questions

The postpartum period is marked by significant hormonal shifts and natural weight loss, as the body works to restore its balance. It is also a time when many women breastfeed - a physiological process that relies on finely tuned hormonal and metabolic regulation.

How weight loss medication such as Wegovy affects the body in this unique state is still not fully understood. This applies to the woman’s recovery, the breastfeeding process, and, not least, the composition of breast milk.

Semaglutide - the active ingredient in Wegovy - does not appear to be excreted into breast milk in measurable amounts, and small studies have not reported adverse effects in breastfed infants of mothers treated with semaglutide.

- But what we do not know is whether the medication affects milk production, or how it might alter the milk’s content of fat and other nutrients. Even small changes to the composition of breast milk could affect infant development during this particularly vulnerable period.

For these reasons, the researchers emphasise the need for robust research into side effects and potential risks. This would support the development of clear clinical guidelines and provide a solid basis for shared decision-making between healthcare professionals and new mothers.