Can I Take Ozempic, Zepbound or Other GLP-1s to Lose Weight Postpartum?

As exciting as it was to watch my belly grow during my two pregnancies, I was also frustrated that my body no longer felt like my own. After delivering each of my daughters, I remember wanting so badly to feel like myself again—which included a strong desire to shed some of the pregnancy weight I’d gained.

When I had my daughters in 2016 and 2019, using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic for weight loss wasn’t popular yet. If it had been? I’ll be honest, I definitely would have been tempted to ask my doctor about using them.

Of course, it’s completely normal to have some stubborn extra pounds after you give birth: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends women and pregnant people within a normal weight range gain between 25 and 35 pounds to allow for healthy fetal development. For this reason—as impatient as some of us may be!—for most of us, these medications aren’t the ideal option postpartum.

“If medications are being discussed [postpartum], it should be part of a bigger conversation that includes nutrition, mental health, physical activity and lifelong goals,” says Uma Darji, MD, IBCLC, a family physician and lactation consultant in Raleigh, North Carolina. “These medications can be helpful and work really well, but they’re not magic—and they’re definitely not for everyone.”

So, what should you consider if you’re interested in taking GLP-1s postpartum? Ahead, learn about potential risks, side effects and alternatives—plus, when to talk to your doctor.

Key Takeaways

• GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound were originally designed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Doctors can also prescribe GLP-1s to eligible patients as part of a long-term weight loss and lifestyle change plan.
• Some postpartum parents can safely take GLP-1s, but they’re not recommended for those who are breastfeeding. Make sure to speak with your doctor about your options.
• Weight loss during the postpartum period can be challenging due to sleep deprivation, changing hormones and stress. But before you look into GLP-1s, consider alternatives and speak to your healthcare provider.

What are GLP-1 Medications?

There has been no shortage of coverage on GLP-1 medications, but what exactly are they? “GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide 1, a naturally occurring hormone in the human body that plays a key role in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism,” explains Asad Niazi, MD, MPH, a board-certified physician in Dallas who specializes in weight loss and metabolic health. GLP-1 in medication form is the synthetically engineered form of this peptide (like how progestin in birth control is the synthetic version of progesterone).

Darji says GLP-1 medications were originally created to treat type 2 diabetes, since they can help stabilize blood sugar levels and lower post-meal glucose spikes. GLP-1s can also be used for weight management because they “slow down how quickly food leaves the stomach, which promotes feelings of fullness and reduces overall calorie intake,” explains Darji, adding, “They also affect areas of the brain to decrease hunger cues.” All of this can help you feel full longer, which ultimately results in eating less.

Keep in mind that, again, GLP-1s aren’t for everyone who simply wants to lose weight: They’re often prescribed to treat obesity, a chronic condition in which you have a body-mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Doctors may also prescribe them to those who are overweight—meaning they have a BMI of 25 to 29.9—and have a health condition, if losing weight can help manage this condition.

When used for weight loss, GLP-1s are typically self-administered through injections. Some common GLP-1 brand names include Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutides. “Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, with a maximum weekly dose of 2 milligrams,” says Niazi. “Wegovy, by contrast, is approved for chronic weight management and reaches a higher weekly dose of 2.4 milligrams, which tends to be more effective for non-diabetic patients pursuing weight loss.”

Mounjaro and Zepbound, on the other hand, are tirzepatide medications. Niazi explains that tirzepatide is “a newer dual-agonist that targets both the GLP-1 receptor and the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor,” which he says offers “superior metabolic regulation and appetite suppression.” Mounjaro is currently FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound is also FDA-approved for weight loss.

Can You Take Ozempic (or Other GLP-1s) for Weight Loss Postpartum?

Some people can safely take GLP-1s to lose weight postpartum, but there are several important precautions. Katherine McDaniel, MD, FACOG, a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist in Pasadena, California, cautions that GLP-1s aren’t recommended while you’re breastfeeding.

“There’s the possibility that the medication might be passed to baby via your milk,” which can result in decreased appetite and impact baby’s weight gain, says McDaniel. She also notes that many medications can affect your milk supply, and since there’s a lack of research on GLP-1 use in breastfeeding moms, it’s best to play it safe.

If you’re not breastfeeding, Darji says GLP-1s are an option as long as your doctor prescribes them after a thorough assessment of your individual health status. “Postpartum recovery has a lot of factors, including hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and mental health, which must all be taken into account before starting a medication like this,” she says.

Vanessa Hux, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn in Lakeland, Florida, says non-breastfeeding parents should wait until at least six weeks to three months postpartum before starting GLP-1s. “If a patient’s ob-gyn or primary care provider recommends avoiding or delaying therapy due to specific medical circumstances, that guidance takes precedence,” Niazi adds.

What Are the Benefits of GLP-1s?

Weight loss as a result of GLP-1s, when medically appropriate, can result in health benefits like lower blood pressure, a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, improved sleep and, in some cases, an overall improved quality of life. For those who meet the above-mentioned eligibility criteria, losing weight with the help of a GLP-1 can be life-changing and possibly even life-saving.

What Are the Potential Risks and Side Effects?

The benefits of GLP-1s don’t come without side effects.

Kelley D., a mom of two in Indiana, used a GLP-1 to help her lose weight (though not in the immediate postpartum period), and while it made a positive impact on her, it wasn’t always pleasant. “The weight loss was worth it, but the injections made me very nauseous,” she says.

These types of side effects aren’t uncommon with GLP-1s. According to Darji, people using GLP-1s may experience nausea, vomiting and constipation. Niazi explains that these side effects are a result of the “medication’s slowing of gastric motility” in the body.

Niazi notes that GLP-1s can also result in rare but serious side effects, including pancreatitis, gallbladder disease and cholecystitis. “Some patients also report hair thinning, which typically occurs after prolonged use at high dosages, and may reflect nutritional deficiencies rather than a direct pharmacologic effect,” he adds. Finally, Darji highlights that animal studies suggest a potential link between GLP-1s and thyroid cancer.

Alternatives for Postpartum Weight Management

Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian and the founder and director of Real Nutrition in New York City, says the primary goal should be to take care of yourself as your body recovers from pregnancy and childbirth. “During the postpartum period, the focus should be on nourishing your body, not restricting it,” she says. Adds Niazi: “For postpartum individuals, the goal should never be about ‘bouncing back,’ but rather about restoring metabolic equilibrium, improving energy levels, and reclaiming a sense of control over appetite and physiology.”

That said, if you’d like to lose weight gradually and safely, and your healthcare provider gives you the green light, there are some extremely effective alternatives to GLP-1s.

Hux says that staying active while you’re pregnant is the best way to set yourself up for successful, safe weight loss after baby arrives—but even if you weren’t working out pre-baby, postpartum exercise is still helpful in weight loss—and your health in general.

If you had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, you can start light exercises, like walking and pelvic tilts, within a few days after giving birth. If you had a C-section or complications, talk to your provider before starting any exercise.

After my first baby, with whom I had an uncomplicated vaginal birth, I made a point to get outside and walk a little every day. I can’t say for sure whether this made a huge difference in my weight loss, but if nothing else it was amazing for my mental health.

Once you reach the six-week point—closer to eight weeks after a C-section—Hux says you’ll likely be able to start higher intensity workouts, such as aerobic activities and weightlifting. Just be sure to get your doctor’s okay first.

Shapiro says your postpartum diet also plays an important role in gradual weight loss. She recommends prioritizing lean protein at every meal “to stabilize blood sugar, reduce cravings and support muscle recovery.” Her favorite options include grass-fed beef, wild-caught seafood, chicken and eggs. Shapiro also suggests including fiber-rich foods, like fruits, veggies and whole grains, in your meals. These foods will help support steady blood sugar levels and help keep you full.

Hux points out that you need more calories when breastfeeding (450 to 500 extra, in fact) and that eating too little can negatively affect milk supply.

Understanding Postpartum Weight Loss Challenges

If your weight isn’t budging despite your best efforts during the postpartum period, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need support from GLP-1s—it could just be your body’s natural response to the many changes it’s going through.

“Postpartum is a major hormonal transition,” says Shapiro. “Cortisol, the stress hormone, and insulin levels can fluctuate, sleep is disrupted and your body’s recovering from pregnancy and possibly breastfeeding—all of which can impact metabolism and hunger signals.” She adds that the lack of consistency in day-to-day life, time constraints, emotional stress and fatigue can make it difficult to create and maintain healthy nutrition habits. “It’s not just about calories, it’s about your body’s overall state of recovery and support.”

Hux says that many new parents don’t have time for even basic self-care since they’re so busy meeting baby’s needs—and possibly those of an older sibling or two. “In this period, it’s paramount that new parents give themselves some grace,” she says.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

If you’re considering GLP-1s postpartum, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider. If you meet the eligibility criteria—either a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 25 to 29.9 in addition to a health condition—and you’re struggling to lose weight postpartum while implementing lifestyle changes, you could be a candidate for GLP-1s.

To Sum It Up

GLP-1s offer welcomed support for those struggling with type 2 diabetes, obesity and other health conditions. However, they’re meant to be used as part of a long-term protocol along with lifestyle changes under a doctor’s supervision. During the postpartum period, GLP-1s aren’t safe for those who are breastfeeding, but non-breastfeeding parents may be able to take GLP-1s safely once they’ve been cleared by a healthcare provider. Always make sure to speak to your doctor about your specific health conditions and concerns.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.