GLP-1 prescribing rises among privately insured new US mothers
Diabetes and weight-management drugs are being prescribed more often to privately insured women after childbirth in the United States. Prescribing was most common among mothers with type 2 diabetes, while growth was fastest among those diagnosed with obesity or overweight before pregnancy. The newly published findings also draw attention to breastfeeding, where the researchers say evidence about GLP-1 exposure remains limited.
Science··Morning
Postpartum prescribing grows among privately insured women
GLP-1 medicines used for diabetes and weight management are being prescribed more often after childbirth among privately insured women in the United States. The new finding comes from the University of Southern California's Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics and was published in JAMA. Medicines in this area include Ozempic and Zepbound. The research concerns prescribing after pregnancy, when women may face continuing metabolic health risks.[1], [2]
Type 2 diabetes and weight-related diagnoses stand out
Prescribing was most common among mothers with type 2 diabetes. Growth was fastest among women diagnosed with obesity or overweight before pregnancy. Starting these medicines also became more common among women who had experienced gestational diabetes, a condition that develops during pregnancy and raises the risk of later type 2 diabetes.[1]
Many women without a previously documented qualifying diagnosis received one before starting medication. Those diagnoses were usually obesity or overweight.[1]
Breastfeeding evidence remains limited as use rises
Lead author Sih-Ting Cai described the postpartum period as an important opportunity to address metabolic risk after pregnancy. She said evidence about exposure to GLP-1 medicines during breastfeeding remains limited and that increasing use warrants further research.[1], [2]
