Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 20: Medications used for obesity and type 2 diabetes, including GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide, may offer additional benefits for reproductive health, according to emerging research.
Studies suggest that these drugs could help improve fertility outcomes by addressing obesity-related metabolic problems, including hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance and inflammation that can affect reproductive function in both men and women.
Researchers found that weight management through GLP-1 therapies may improve ovulation and reproductive markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while also showing potential benefits for testosterone levels and sperm quality in men with obesity.
A proof-of-concept analysis from the ongoing RESTORE clinical trial, conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, examined the impact of injectable semaglutide among participants aged 12 to 35 years with PCOS and obesity.
The study found that participants who achieved significant weight loss after semaglutide treatment showed improvements in reproductive health indicators. Researchers said the findings suggest that addressing metabolic issues may help restore hormonal balance and improve fertility.
Obesity is known to affect fertility by disrupting reproductive hormone signals. In women, excess weight can interfere with ovulation, menstrual cycles and egg quality, while in men it may contribute to lower testosterone levels and reduced sperm quality.
“GLP-1 medications can help a patient lose weight safely, which can help regulate hormone balance and improve chances of ovulation,” experts said.
Separately, a review of five randomised controlled trials presented at ENDO 2026 examined the effects of GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide and liraglutide on male reproductive health.
The analysis found no evidence that GLP-1 therapies harm male fertility. Some studies reported improvements in testosterone levels, sperm quality and reproductive hormone markers among men with obesity.
Researchers said the possible fertility benefits are likely linked mainly to improvements in metabolic health. Weight loss achieved through GLP-1 drugs can improve blood sugar control, reduce inflammation and enhance insulin sensitivity, factors that may positively influence reproductive function.
However, experts cautioned that the findings are still preliminary. Neither semaglutide nor other GLP-1 receptor agonists are currently approved as fertility treatments.
Larger clinical studies will be required to determine whether these improvements lead to higher pregnancy rates, better birth outcomes and long-term reproductive benefits.
The findings add to growing evidence that improving metabolic health may play an important role in supporting fertility among people struggling with obesity-related reproductive challenges.