HEalth and Reproduction obesity medicAtion (HERA) study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
HEalth and Reproduction obesity medicAtion (HERA) study: Exploring injectable weight loss medication and reproductive health
IRAS ID
347641
Contact name
Kate Maslin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 0 days
Research summary
Obesity is defined as a high level of body fat that may be harmful to health. Obesity increases the risk of complications for mother and baby during pregnancy and birth. Around a quarter of women and birthing people start pregnancy living with obesity. Obesity rates and pregnancy complications are higher in Black and other ethnic minority groups. It is important that all women and birthing people are supported to be as healthy as possible before pregnancy, which may include losing weight.
New injectable weight loss medications are available which can make weight loss easier. These medications should not be taken during pregnancy, as they may be unsafe for the baby. However, people are using them to lose weight before pregnancy. These medicines are in high demand. People can get them on prescription in some specialist clinics. People taking these medications should use contraception to prevent pregnancy. We don’t know whether healthcare professionals explain this important advice. We don’t know if everyone getting the medicines online gets this advice.
The aim of this study is to understand the experiences and needs of women and birthing people aged 18-45 using injectable weight loss medications. We will do this by asking women and birthing people in three different areas to take part in a questionnaire and an individual online interview. We have chosen these locations to be inclusive of people from different backgrounds and experiences. We will feedback the results to the public and clinicians in the swiftest way possible to prevent potential harm from these popular medications. We want the results to be used to design future research to test how best these medications can be used for weight loss before pregnancy, to help women and birthing people have safer and healthier pregnancies.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SC/0029
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion