GLP-1 Drug Use Explodes Among New Mothers in the US
Prescription rates for weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have surged nearly 24-fold among women within six months of giving birth since 2018.
The use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications for weight loss has seen a dramatic increase among American adults, with one specific demographic experiencing a particularly sharp rise: new mothers. Research indicates that the number of women using these drugs within six months of giving birth has surged from 0.8% in 2018 to 1.9% in 2025, representing a 24-fold increase.
Overall, GLP-1 medications have become increasingly prevalent, with approximately 11% of U.S. adults now using some form of these drugs for weight management. While these medications have been available for over two decades, their widespread adoption for weight loss has accelerated rapidly in the past five years. Patients typically achieve a weight loss of 7% to 11% of their starting weight, and the drugs have been associated with additional health benefits, including reduced risks of depression, dementia, cancer, heart attack, and substance abuse.
New research analyzing over one million births highlights significant demographic trends in GLP-1 use. Women comprise a larger proportion of users, making up as much as 70% of patients on these medications. The surge among new mothers is particularly noteworthy.
Trends in Postpartum GLP-1 Use
Within the group of new mothers who started GLP-1s within six months of delivery, those with pre-existing type 2 diabetes saw the highest prescription rates, increasing from 2.3% in 2018 to 16.9% by 2025. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy also showed a substantial increase in GLP-1 prescriptions, rising from 0.4% in 2021 to 2.7% in 2025. Gestational diabetes affects 5% to 9% of U.S. pregnancies and is a strong predictor of future type 2 diabetes development.
The most rapid increase, however, was observed among women who were classified as obese or overweight before pregnancy. Their GLP-1 prescriptions jumped nearly tenfold, from 0.4% in 2021 to 3.9% in 2025.
Addressing Post-Pregnancy Weight Gain and Diabetes Risk
The substantial weight gain during pregnancy can be challenging to lose postpartum, with up to 75% of women weighing more than their pre-pregnancy weight one year after birth. This retained weight is linked to increased risks of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance, and can be an indicator of long-term weight challenges.
GLP-1 medications are typically avoided during pregnancy, which helps explain the rapid increase in their use shortly after delivery. Researchers note that these drugs can be crucial for managing long-term health risks associated with weight retention and diabetes in new mothers.
However, the study authors also call for further research into the effects of GLP-1s on breastfeeding. While some studies suggest the medications are not detectable in breast milk, many healthcare providers advise caution and do not recommend their use while breastfeeding.