A significant number of women are turning to so-called 'slimming pens', medications that are agonists of the GLP-1 receptor, as they seek to regain their pre-pregnancy body after childbirth. This trend has been highlighted in a study published in November 2025 in JAMA, which indicates a relationship between postpartum weight loss pressures and the utilization of these drugs. The study reflects a broader societal pressure on new mothers regarding body image, showcasing the lengths some might go to in order to achieve rapid results.

The research, conducted by a team of Danish and Canadian researchers, analyzed birth records from Denmark between January 2018 and June 2024. The team cross-referenced these records with national prescription data, identifying mothers who filled prescriptions for semaglutide or liraglutide—two active ingredients found in these medications—within the first 182 days following childbirth. The findings reveal a sharp increase in the use of these drugs over the observed period, underscoring a shift in the behavior of postpartum women premised on modern societal standards around body image and weight.

This trend raises important implications for both health professionals and society at large. The desire to lose weight quickly can have serious health ramifications, and the reliance on medications such as GLP-1 agonists may not only impact women's physical health but also their mental well-being. It points to a need for better support systems for postpartum mothers, focusing on health and body positivity rather than societal pressures, which could help mitigate the trend towards using potentially harmful shortcuts in postpartum weight management.