**Health Regulators Warn on Rise of ‘Mounjaro Babies’ as Dozens Report Unexpected Pregnancies While Using Weight-Loss Injections**
British health authorities are urging women to be vigilant about contraceptive use while receiving weight-loss or diabetes injections, after a notable increase in unplanned pregnancies—prompting the emergence of the term “Mounjaro babies”. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published its first explicit guidance relating to pregnancy and contraception for users of these so-called ‘skinny jabs’. Concerns have intensified after more than forty pregnancy reports were linked to these medications.
Whilst injectable medications such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Saxenda, and Victoza are playing a growing role in both diabetes management and weight reduction, the MHRA emphasises that there is insufficient evidence to guarantee their safety during pregnancy. Notably, some users reported falling pregnant despite contraceptive precautions, echoing widely-shared stories on social media and online forums.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA’s chief safety officer, explained that these drugs—known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 or GLP-1 RAs)—should not be used by women who are pregnant, attempting to conceive, or breastfeeding. She underscored the importance of halting the medication immediately should a woman become pregnant while using it. “There simply isn’t enough data yet to determine whether these drugs could affect unborn babies,” she stated.
The increase in reported pregnancies comes as the popularity of these medications soars worldwide. According to information released by the MHRA, at least 26 reports of pregnancy have been associated with Mounjaro, and similar outcomes have been logged with other drug brands including semaglutide-based products (Ozempic, Wegovy) and liraglutide-based treatments (Victoza, Saxenda).
Official advice now stresses that women of child-bearing age using these medications must employ effective contraception such as pills, contraceptive implants, intrauterine devices, or condoms. For users of Mounjaro in particular, which may reduce pill efficacy in overweight individuals, a dual contraceptive approach that includes condoms is recommended. This guideline is particularly pertinent during the first four weeks after starting the medication or following a dosage increase.
Beyond pregnancy concerns, the MHRA is also highlighting broader patient safety. Weight-loss jabs should never be procured from unauthorised sources, such as beauty salons or social media vendors. Counterfeit or unregulated treatments may lack proper safety monitoring, raising the risks of harmful side effects or complications. Any unwanted reactions should be promptly reported via the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
The guidance urges patients to remain alert for symptoms indicative of acute pancreatitis—an uncommon but serious risk factor associated with these drugs. Signs include severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back and does not subside. The MHRA recommends seeking immediate medical attention if these symptoms arise.
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by simulating hormones naturally released after meals, which promote a feeling of fullness. Uniquely, Mounjaro also influences an additional hormone that modulates appetite and blood-sugar levels, intensifying its metabolic effects. The scientific understanding of how these drugs interact with female fertility and contraception remains incomplete—a gap that has led to the newly strengthened guidance.
Healthcare professionals are being asked to ensure women prescribed these medicines receive comprehensive information about their risks, fertility implications, and the importance of reliable contraception. Despite social media portrayals of these drugs as effortless diet aids, MHRA officials strongly warn against considering them as mere cosmetic quick-fixes.
In conclusion, the agency reiterates that clear, up-to-date patient information must replace conjecture and online speculation. “These are potent medical treatments, not miracle cures,” summarised Dr Cave. “We want to ensure everyone knows exactly how to use these medicines safely and responsibly, in consultation with qualified healthcare providers.”