Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41(03/04): 108-118
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776795
Review Article

Navigating the Role of Anti-Obesity Agents Prior to Pregnancy: A Narrative Review

Alyse S. Goldberg
1   Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
,
Samin Dolatabadi
2   Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
,
Heidi Dutton
3   Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
,
Jamie L. Benham
4   Department of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
› Author Affiliations
Preview

Abstract

Utilization of anti-obesity agents is rising in reproductive-age females with some planning for future pregnancy. Lifestyle-induced weight loss has been shown to increase spontaneous conception rate, improve rates of fertility intervention complications, and decrease pregnancy comorbidities. However, the definitive role of assisting weight loss with medication prior to pregnancy remains to be established. The implications of anti-obesity agent used prior to pregnancy are explored in this narrative review, considering benefits of weight loss as well as available evidence for use and risks of anti-obesity agents prior to pregnancy.



Publication History

Article published online:
16 November 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA