Incretin-based weight-loss drugs should not be deliberately continued in pregnancy, consensus guidelines state
New international consensus guidelines advise against the deliberate use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications during pregnancy. While the guidelines note no increased risk of congenital anomalies from early inadvertent exposure, they emphasize the need for multidisciplinary care for women of reproductive age.
Why it matters
As the use of incretin-based weight-loss drugs surges, these guidelines provide critical clinical clarity for healthcare providers managing patients of reproductive age.
Consensus guidelines for the use of GLP-1 medications in pregnancy, breastfeeding and postpartum has been published following an international review.
The systematic scoping review and consensus guidelines for clinical practice were published by a multidisciplinary group of experts in Obesity Reviews on 29 July 2026.
The guidance said that incretin-based medication therapy should not be deliberately continued throughout pregnancy.
However, it noted that for those who have inadvertent exposure during pregnancy, reassurance should be provided that current data show no increased risk for congenital anomalies following exposure in early pregnancy.
After birth, the guidance said that incretin-based therapy for women with previous gestational diabetes appears to be effective for weight reduction, as well as the improvement of glycaemic parameter — although, the optimal timing to commence and continue this therapy is unknown and should take into consideration lactation needs.
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