Treating obesity and fertility in the era of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists

Fertil Steril. 2024 Aug;122(2):211-218. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.05.154. Epub 2024 May 27.

Abstract

The objective of this narrative review is to advocate for improved comprehensive care of patients with obesity and infertility. Persons with an increased body mass index have less successful reproductive outcomes, and recently, new medications to treat neuroendocrine hormone imbalances are producing meaningful weight loss akin to surgical interventions. For the first time, obesity is publicly being recognized as a disease. These medications contain the newest generation of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and deserve our attention for several reasons: regardless of body mass index, many patients will be using them; it is necessary to understand the mode of action, side effects, and implications for anesthetic procedures and pregnancy; and it is important to evaluate when they could be used to improve health outcomes and/or access to fertility care.

Keywords: Fertility; glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist; obesity; weight loss.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Obesity Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Obesity Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Fertility* / drug effects
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor* / agonists
  • Humans
  • Infertility / diagnosis
  • Infertility / physiopathology
  • Infertility / therapy
  • Male
  • Obesity* / drug therapy
  • Obesity* / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
  • Anti-Obesity Agents