GLP-1 Pre-IVF Optimisation: Live Birth and Embryo Outcomes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Prospective Pilot Comparative Effectiveness Study of Pre-IVF Adiposity Optimisation with GLP-1 therapy and Its Association with Live Birth Outcomes and Embryo Developmental Outcomes
IRAS ID
371380
Contact name
Cristina Hickman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Avenues Clinic
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study will investigate whether weight loss treatment using GLP-1 medication before IVF may improve IVF success and pregnancy outcomes in women with obesity. Many women with a high body mass index (BMI) are advised to lose weight before fertility treatment, but there is limited evidence showing whether delaying IVF to optimise weight actually improves the chance of having a baby. At the same time, GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide are increasingly prescribed in the UK to support weight loss, including in women of reproductive age.
This is a prospective pilot study taking place within routine fertility care. Women undergoing IVF/ICSI who have obesity and meet eligibility criteria will be invited to take part. Participation will not change their standard fertility treatment. After counselling, women will follow one of two usual care pathways: either proceeding directly to IVF or delaying IVF to undertake weight optimisation with GLP-1 medication before starting treatment. The study will not provide GLP-1 medication; if prescribed, it will be through routine NHS or private care.
We will collect routine clinical information including weight, BMI, waist measurements and metabolic markers where available. IVF outcomes will be recorded, including number of eggs collected, fertilisation rate, embryo development and number of embryos suitable for transfer or freezing. The main outcome of interest is whether participants have a live birth. Pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage and pregnancy complications, will also be recorded. Male partner semen quality and sperm DNA fragmentation may also be assessed where available as part of routine fertility investigation.
The aim of this pilot is to assess whether this study design is feasible and acceptable to patients, and to generate early data that can inform a larger future study to guide clinical decision-making on weight optimisation before IVF.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0197
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion