India is witnessing an unexpected reproductive shift as GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic gain popularity across the country. Doctors in major cities are reporting a rise in unexpected pregnancies among women who had previously struggled with infertility. These surprise pregnancies, often referred to as "Ozempic babies" globally, are now being observed in India, just months after GLP-1 injectables entered the market. Originally designed for managing type 2 diabetes, these drugs are showing a remarkable impact on weight loss and metabolic health, which appear to be restoring fertility in ways many patients did not anticipate
How GLP-1 Drugs Are Improving Fertility
Medical experts explain that GLP-1 drugs don’t directly cause pregnancy. Instead, they improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and help regulate hormonal imbalances. Conditions such as PCOS, PCOD, irregular periods, and anovulation, which affect millions of Indian women, are often linked to obesity and metabolic dysfunction. As weight decreases and hormonal pathways stabilize, ovulation can return naturally, sometimes without obvious symptoms. Doctors, including Dr. Anoop Misra and Dr. Rujul Jhaveri, have seen several instances of unexpected pregnancies, even after counselling patients about contraceptive precautions. Many women, who had previously believed they were infertile, have been caught off guard by positive pregnancy tests.
Safety Concerns and Contraceptive Guidance
While the fertility benefits of GLP-1 drugs are becoming evident, doctors strongly emphasize that these drugs are not safe during pregnancy. If pregnancy is planned or detected, the treatment is usually stopped immediately. Recent studies show that women who discontinue GLP-1 therapy during pregnancy may experience rapid weight gain and higher risks of complications. Pharmaceutical sales data from December 2025 reveal massive sales of Mounjaro and Wegovy, underscoring the growing adoption of these treatments. Experts stress the importance of proper counselling for women of reproductive age using these injections. Oral contraceptives may be less effective when combined with GLP-1 drugs, due to delayed gastric emptying.
With proper awareness and medical guidance, doctors believe that the restored fertility resulting from these treatments can become a positive life change for Indian women, rather than an unexpected shock. As the trend continues to grow, it is essential that women using GLP-1 drugs receive clear information and guidance about contraception and pregnancy risks.
