Reproduction and Anti-Obesity Medications: A Review of Current Evidence

Abstract

Obesity, typified by the disproportionate accumulation of body fat, constitutes a burgeoning global health dilemma with far-reaching impacts on numerous facets of human well-being, prominently inclusive of reproductive health. The pervasive effects of this worldwide health predicament are both direct and indirect, having a compelling influence on fertility, thus underlining the exigency for efficacious therapeutic interventions. FDA-approved anti-obesity pharmaceuticals, comprising metformin, orlistat, phentermine, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as liraglutide and semaglutide, have been substantiated to facilitate weight loss and enhance metabolic indices. However, despite their promising roles in mitigating obesity, the extent of our understanding of these drugs' implications for reproductive health remains inadequate.This thorough review endeavors to aggregate and scrutinize the present corpus of evidence relating to the influence of these anti-obesity drugs on fertility. By exploring the prospective direct and indirect impacts of these pharmaceuticals on reproductive health, we aspire to illuminate their multifunctional roles extending beyond the sphere of weight regulation. In the female population, obesity has been correlated with menstrual abnormalities, infertility, and complications during gestation, frequently concurrent with an increased incidence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). In the male counterpart, obesity has been associated with compromised semen quality and erectile function, often compounded by Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and hormonal disequilibrium.This exhaustive analysis seeks to equip physicians with a framework for refining their therapeutic approaches, appreciating the intricate interplay between obesity treatment and reproductive health. We aim to afford a broader and more nuanced comprehension of the complex interrelations between obesity, anti-obesity medications, and reproductive well-being. The intention is to empower healthcare practitioners with the insights necessary to deliver bespoke care strategies to those grappling with obesity and attendant fertility complications. Ultimately, this initiative augments our evolving understanding of the complex mechanisms operating at the juncture of obesity and fertility, thereby paving the way for future investigations in this critical field of study.