Critical pregnancy warning on weight loss drugs: It reduces the oxygen of the baby in the womb

New generation GLP-1 based weight loss drugs, which have been used by millions of people for weight loss as well as for the treatment of Type-2 diabetes in recent years, are on the agenda of the medical world. A new study conducted by experts at the University of Adelaide in Australia and whose results were shared in the journal Heart, Lung and Circulation, drew attention to the potential dangers of these drugs during pregnancy.

Scientists examining the effects of the "semaglutide" molecule, the active ingredient of world-famous brands such as Ozempic and Wegovy, during pregnancy found that the drug significantly reduces the blood and oxygen supply to the baby in the womb.

TWO HOURS AFTER THE APPLICATION, UTERINARY BLOOD FLOW DECREASED

In experiments using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies and cardiovascular monitoring methods, semaglutide was injected into living beings in the advanced stages of pregnancy. In the measurements, it was determined that within two hours following the application of the drug, the amount of blood pumped by the mother's heart decreased and, accordingly, the blood flow to the uterus decreased.

Analyzes documented that as blood circulation in the womb slows down, the oxygen level in the developing fetus's blood drops critically.

"LACK OF OXYGEN CAN DIRECTLY THREAT FETAL DEVELOPMENT"

Dr. from the research team. Mitchell Lock emphasized that babies need uninterrupted oxygen support for healthy organ and tissue development. Dr. "Weight-loss drugs have gained tremendous popularity around the world, but there is a great lack of information about the effects of these molecules on the unborn baby. Our study showed that even with short-term exposure, the fetus carries the risk of oxygen deprivation," Lock said.

It is stated that disruptions in the organ formation of the developing baby may lead to more serious complications if the drug is used throughout pregnancy.

UNPLANNED PREGNANCIES CARRY GREAT RISK

It is known that weight loss drugs increase fertility in many women due to their effects on reproductive health and can lead to unexpected pregnancies. Experts remind that women who have not yet realized that they are pregnant or who continue to use the drug for fear of gaining weight are at risk.

Senior researcher Janna Morrison stated that women planning pregnancy should stop treatment before becoming pregnant. While Morrison emphasized that the findings still need to be confirmed by human clinical trials, he underlined that physicians and expectant mothers should be much more cautious about drug use.

THE USE OF SLIMMING VACCINES IS INCREASING IN Türkiye AND THE WORLD

GLP-1 derived drugs, which a significant portion of the adult population worldwide uses for weight control, are frequently prescribed for the treatment of diabetes and obesity in Türkiye. Medical experts state that women who use these drugs for weight loss should consult their doctor immediately in case of suspicion of pregnancy.