Postnatal Pressure: New Mothers Turning to Weight-Loss Jabs to ‘Snap Back’ Despite Health Risks

New mothers are facing “immense” pressure to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy bodies, often referred to as the “snap back” phenomenon. This pressure, amplified by social media and celebrity endorsements, is driving some women to use powerful GLP-1 weight-loss jabs (like Ozempic or Mounjaro).

The pressure is intense, with one mother admitting, “The thought of not being ‘thin’ for my wedding makes me want to die inside.” The rise of these readily available and effective weight-loss drugs is accelerating the problem.

This trend creates a dilemma for new parents. NHS guidance strongly advises against taking GLP-1 agonists during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Experts warn of potential harm to the infant, including possible effects on the baby’s growth and development of normal appetite regulation.

Health professionals express alarm over this lack of oversight and the ease of access during a highly vulnerable postnatal period. They caution that rapid weight loss can decrease milk supply, lower energy levels, and even predispose women to postnatal depression.

This shift underscores a failure to provide adequate postnatal support. It pushes new mothers to prioritize unrealistic body ideals over established health guidance, forcing them to choose between breastfeeding and achieving societal expectations of thinness.