Fertility is closely linked to metabolic health , with obesity being a significant factor that can negatively affect reproductive function in both males and females . Having overweight or obesity can contribute to hormonal imbalances , insulin resistance , chronic inflammation , and altered reproductive hormone signaling, all of which may impair fertility. In females, obesity is often associated with conditions such as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) , formerly knows as PCOS, while in males, it can reduce testosterone levels and adversely affect sperm quality . Thus, lifestyle changes , such as adopting balanced dietary plans, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help enhance reproductive outcomes and support fertility. GLP-1 receptor agonists , such as Wegovy , which contain the active ingredient semaglutide , are a class of medications widely used for obesity and type 2 diabetes . Now, emerging research suggests these medications may also have positive effects on reproductive health. Two studies indicate that GLP-1 drugs may offer reproductive benefits, in addition to supporting weight loss and metabolic health.
Fertility is closely linked to metabolic health , with obesity being a significant factor that can negatively affect reproductive function in both males and females .
Having overweight or obesity can contribute to hormonal imbalances , insulin resistance , chronic inflammation , and altered reproductive hormone signaling, all of which may impair fertility.
In females, obesity is often associated with conditions such as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) , formerly knows as PCOS, while in males, it can reduce testosterone levels and adversely affect sperm quality .
Thus, lifestyle changes , such as adopting balanced dietary plans, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help enhance reproductive outcomes and support fertility.
GLP-1 receptor agonists , such as Wegovy , which contain the active ingredient semaglutide , are a class of medications widely used for obesity and type 2 diabetes .
Now, emerging research suggests these medications may also have positive effects on reproductive health. Two studies indicate that GLP-1 drugs may offer reproductive benefits, in addition to supporting weight loss and metabolic health.
Firstly, an analysis published in Fertility and Sterility found potential improvements in fertility-related outcomes among women with PMOS.
Secondly, a review of clinical trials presented at ENDO 2026 — which is yet to appear in a peer-reviewed journal — found that GLP-1 drugs may improve testosterone levels and sperm quality in some men with obesity.
While the findings add to growing interest in the relationship between metabolic health, weight management, and reproductive function, the study authors advise caution and note that further research is necessary to investigate this association.
In a proof-of-concept study, researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus evaluated a subset of participants enrolled in the ongoing RESTORE clinical trial.
The RESTORE study is investigating whether semaglutide or metformin can help restore ovulation and improve reproductive health in adolescents and adults with PMOS and obesity.
PMOS is a common endocrine and metabolic condition associated with infertility and obesity. Many females with the condition are unable to find treatments that effectively address both reproductive symptoms and metabolic complications.
“Raised body mass index (BMI) reduces fertility by causing hormonal imbalances, which can disrupt ovulation in women,” Clare Thompson , MBBS, BSc, nMRCGP, General Practitioner at the Cadogan Clinic, where she leads the Weight Management Service, who was not involved in the study, explained to Medical News Today .
“Excess fatty tissue produces oestrogen, which changes the natural hormone balance required for regular menstrual cycles and egg release. A higher BMI can also alter the fluid surrounding developing eggs, affecting their quality and ability to be fertilised by sperm,” Thompson explained.
“Finally, a higher BMI changes the uterine lining which can make it harder for an embryo to attach and therefore increases the risk of miscarriage,” she added.
“GLP-1 medications can help a patient to lose weight safely which can kick start their fertility by regulating the hormone balance again which may cause regular ovulation to occur, resulting in an increased chance of pregnancy,” Thompson noetd.
However, “there are many other reasons a female may be overweight other than simple lifestyle choices, such as PMOS, which primarily reduces fertility by disrupting ovulation,” she further explained.
“It describes a scenario where the hormone imbalance causes a relative rise in androgens (male hormones) alongside insulin resistance, which stalls egg development. Without regular ovulation it becomes difficult to conceive and predict when a woman’s fertile window is for reproduction. Some PMOS patients also experience lower egg quality and viability or even issues with their uterine lining, which can make implantation harder.”