Women who found themselves pregnant while taking weight loss medications like Ozempic are now facing unexpected challenges. Many of them have reported intense symptoms, such as extreme hunger and rapid weight gain, after abruptly stopping these drugs to prioritize their baby’s health.
Despite being on birth control or having fertility issues, these women experienced surprise pregnancies while on weight loss medications. Now, as they navigate pregnancy, some are encountering symptoms that are far more intense than those of their previous pregnancies.
Experts suggest that the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy could exacerbate the withdrawal symptoms experienced after quitting weight loss medications. While stopping these drugs during pregnancy is essential to protect the baby, the abrupt cessation can lead to heightened hunger pangs and weight gain.
For Amanda Brierley, who stopped taking semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) upon discovering her pregnancy, the experience was marked by insatiable hunger and a significant weight gain of 65 pounds by the time she gave birth. This rapid weight gain, far beyond the typical range, is concerning and underscores the need for further research into the interaction between weight loss medication withdrawal and pregnancy symptoms.
While it’s challenging to determine whether pregnancy exacerbates withdrawal symptoms or vice versa, experts emphasize the importance of gradual tapering off weight loss medications whenever possible. Dr. Sahar Takkouche notes that quitting these drugs disrupts the body’s systems responsible for blood glucose and appetite control, potentially intensifying symptoms during pregnancy.
Deb Oliviara, another woman who stopped Ozempic upon learning of her pregnancy, echoed Brierley’s experience of extreme hunger and rapid weight gain. Such symptoms, if left unchecked, can pose risks to both mother and baby, including gestational diabetes and related complications.
For women with existing diabetes, it’s crucial to monitor blood sugar levels closely and switch to safer medications like metformin or insulin upon discovering pregnancy. Proper nutrition and weight management are essential during pregnancy to mitigate risks and ensure the health of both mother and baby.
As more women find themselves facing unexpected pregnancies while on weight loss medications, it’s vital to raise awareness about the potential challenges and provide support and guidance to navigate this complex situation.
