The rise and proliferation of medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro for weight loss in recent years is a polarizing topic, both within and outside the medical sphere. Some believe the side effects and larger cultural impact of the use and misuse of these medications are a net negative, while others consider them life changing in a positive way.
Within the more specific context of women’s healthcare, the use of GLP-1s is an equally complex issue. Studies show these medications may have direct and indirect impacts on things like PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, formerly known as PCOS), fertility, and eating disorder recovery. But do the pros outweigh the cons?
PMOS/PCOS
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome is the most prevalent endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age. Some symptoms of the condition include obesity, insulin resistance, impaired glucose metabolism, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and an increased risk of diabetes. GLP-1 meds release insulin in a glucose-dependent manner (i.e. it activates only when blood sugar levels are elevated), which can reduce appetite and help people make dietary adjustments that may aid in PMOS treatment.
In a 2025 article for Women’s Health, OB-GYN Karen Tang says that when overweight people with PMOS lose a certain percentage of body weight, they can regulate some of the hormone imbalances they experience. This may also lead to a lowered risk for diabetes and high cholesterol.
Additionally, 75 to 85% of people with PMOS have irregular periods, and GLP-1s, while helping with weight loss, may in turn get hormone levels back to baseline and regulate one’s period.
Fertility
Over the past few years, medical professionals have noted something called the “Ozempic baby” phenomenon, which is also tied to GLP-1s and weight loss. According to the Cleveland clinic, these medications may also decrease inflammation, regulate testosterone levels, and encourage ovulation.
An important caveat: not enough research has been done on GLP-1s and pregnancy, so the general recommendation is to not use these meds if you are pregnant or actively trying to become pregnant. In short, they may help one reach a weight more conducive to someday getting pregnant and managing chronic conditions, but they are not a fertility treatment.
Eating Disorder Recovery
80 to 90% of eating disorders in Canada are experienced by girls and women. In a 2026 article for the Journal of Psychiatric Research, GLP-1 medications are reported to reduce binge-eating episodes in some trials. Still, the evidence is limited, and off-label use may in fact trigger and worsen eating disorders in at-risk people. While GLP-1s improve glycemic control, support weight loss, and may modulate reward pathways in conditions like BED and bulimia nervosa, these meds are not approved for ED treatment.
With the rise of appropriate, ethical use of Ozempic and similar drugs, there has been misuse as well. Women (and people in general) should always have control over their choices concerning weight loss and their bodies, and it is encouraging that GLP-1s may improve health and wellness in a variety of ways. But it’s equally important that we understand these decisions don’t exist in a vacuum, and to acknowledge the cultural impact of GLP-1 use among public figures, especially those who are not overweight to begin with. The renewed societal push towards thinness at any cost may have startlingly negative effects on girls and women and their overall health.
Additionally, these medications come with potential side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and, rarely, gallstones, pancreatitis, and stomach paralysis. Researchers still lack strong long-term evidence on GLP-1s and bone density, muscle loss, hormonal interactions, effects alongside HRT, and long-term maintenance strategies.
Conclusion
There is a lot of understandable excitement and growing interest in GLP-1 medications and how they may be used to benefit women and other people impacted by PMOS and infertility. But caution and additional research should be encouraged to ensure the safety and efficacy of these treatments.