Work

Perspectives of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on the Use of Weight Loss Medications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate perspectives of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on the use of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RA) for weight loss in women living with obesity and subfertility. Methods Qualified Obstetricians and Gynaecologists were invited via hospital networks, colleague groups, and clinical training bodies to complete an anonymous, online cross‐sectional survey (May to September 2024). Results Overall, 62 clinicians responded. Although 82.3% ( n = 51) were familiar with GLP‐1RAs, only 12.9% ( n = 8) had prescribed them before. Most agreed that GLP‐1RAs should be offered to patients with obesity‐related comorbidities or subfertility, with 62.9% ( n = 39) endorsing their use in women with subfertility and 71% ( n = 44) supporting their use to meet body mass index (BMI) criteria for state‐funded assisted reproduction technologies (ART). However, there was hesitation due to concerns about prescribing responsibilities and long‐term follow‐up. Most (79%; n = 49) felt that prescribing responsibility should lie with either a bariatric team or endocrinologist; no respondents felt that gynaecologists or fertility specialists should be primarily responsible for prescribing. Only 29% ( n = 18) were aware that GLP‐1RAs should be discontinued before conception, and 75.8% ( n = 47) were not confident discussing potential teratogenic risks. Additionally, 96.7% ( n = 60) expressed the need for more education and guidance on safety data. Conclusion The study finds that targeted education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clear guidelines are essential to bridge knowledge gaps and safely integrate GLP‐1RAs into reproductive health care. This could offer significant benefits for managing obesity and improving fertility outcomes in women of reproductive age.

Source: Reproductive Female and Child Health

DOI: 10.1002/rfc2.70034

Authors: Ciara Nolan, Sarah Petch, Niamh Joyce, Louise E. Glover, David Crosby

Institutions: University College Dublin, Merrion Fertility Clinic, National Maternity Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Pharmacology and Obesity Treatment

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,650