Weight Loss Drugs and Breastfeeding: What New Moms Need to Know

ByVillage Lactation Medicine

The postpartum period is a rollercoaster of emotions, healing, and adjustment. For many new moms, weight loss becomes part of that conversation — and with weight-loss medications like semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) becoming household names, it’s natural to wonder: Are these safe while breastfeeding?

Here’s the latest research, what we know (and don’t know), and safe alternatives to consider.

What Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications?

Semaglutide is part of a family of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but they also regulate appetite and support weight loss.

Other medications in this group include:

  • Liraglutide (Saxenda®, Victoza®)
  • Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound® – works on GLP-1 and GIP)

GLP-1 itself is actually a hormone made by the human body, even by mammary glands, and is naturally present in breast milk. Scientists think it may play a role in appetite regulation for babies.

The Latest Research on Semaglutide and Breastfeeding

Until recently, there were no studies looking directly at whether semaglutide passes into breast milk. That changed in 2024, when researchers studied 8 lactating women using injectable semaglutide.

Here’s what they found:

  • No detectable drug in breast milk at 0, 12, and 24 hours after injection.
  • The relative infant dose (the tiny fraction a baby might ingest compared to the mom’s dose) was estimated to be about 1% or less. This is well below the usual “safety threshold” of 10%.
  • Importantly, all the mothers in this study were several months postpartum with healthy, full-term babies — not newborns or preemies.

What this means: Early data suggest that semaglutide exposure through breast milk is likely very low. However, the study was small, and we don’t yet know about long-term effects on infants.

Risks Beyond Milk Transfer

Even if little to no medication passes into breast milk, there are other concerns:

  • Rapid weight loss: GLP-1 drugs suppress appetite. If a mother doesn’t eat enough, it could reduce calorie intake and cause a drop in milk supply.
  • Nutrient depletion: Breastfeeding requires extra calories, protein, and micronutrients. Significant appetite loss may put both mom and baby at risk of deficiencies.
  • Early postpartum concerns: The newborn period is when milk supply is being established. Using weight-loss medication during this time could make things harder.

What About Other GLP-1 Drugs?

  • Liraglutide (Saxenda®, Victoza®): Very little is expected to transfer into milk, but there’s little real-world data. Most guidelines say to avoid or use with caution.
  • Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®): Even newer, with virtually no lactation data available yet. Generally not recommended while breastfeeding.
  • Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus®): The manufacturer advises against use during breastfeeding.

Safer Alternatives While Breastfeeding

If you’re hoping to shed weight while nursing, there are safer ways to support your body — without risking supply or baby’s health:

  1. Balanced nutrition – Focus on whole foods, protein, and healthy fats. Avoid strict calorie cutting.
  2. Gentle movement – Walking, yoga, and postpartum core exercises are great starting points.
  3. Hydration – Adequate water helps both milk production and metabolism.
  4. Sleep (as much as possible!) – Rest plays a bigger role in weight regulation than most realize.
  5. Professional guidance – A registered dietitian or postpartum fitness coach can tailor a safe plan for you.

When Might Weight Loss Drugs Be Considered?

If you and your healthcare provider decide medication is appropriate:

  • Wait until breastfeeding is well established (usually after the first few months).
  • Injectable semaglutide may be safer than the oral form, based on current research.
  • Close monitoring is key – track weight, calorie intake, milk supply, and baby’s growth.
  • Continue prenatal vitamins to support nutrition while on medication.

The Bottom Line

Weight loss is a common goal for new moms, but the safety of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide during breastfeeding is still not fully understood. The latest research is reassuring, but limited.

For now, the safest approach is to focus on gradual, sustainable changes while breastfeeding. If medication is being considered, do so only with the support of your healthcare provider, and be mindful of your milk supply, nutrition, and your baby’s growth.

Remember: postpartum recovery takes time. Be gentle with yourself — your health, healing, and your baby’s well-being come first.

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