GLP-1 receptor agonists before pregnancy to improve weight and pregnancy outcomes
Official title: Evaluating the safety and efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for pre-pregnancy weight management and improved pregnancy outcomes
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11450921 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether using GLP-1 receptor agonists before pregnancy can help women with obesity lose weight and have better pregnancy outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $785,385 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD120349-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450921 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women with obesity who are planning pregnancy and have prior health records available in the PCORnet network.
✕Less likely to help
Women not using GLP-1 receptor agonists or without pre-pregnancy obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
If you are a woman with obesity planning a pregnancy, this study will use electronic health records to see if taking GLP-1 receptor agonists before conception is linked to fewer complications like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy. Researchers will examine data from a large, real-world patient network to understand safety and potential benefits for both mother and baby. The goal is to generate evidence that could guide pre-pregnancy weight management strategies for healthier pregnancies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform pre-pregnancy treatment options that reduce obesity-related pregnancy risks for mothers and their babies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous observational studies have suggested potential benefits of weight loss before pregnancy, but robust evidence on GLP-1RA use in this window is limited and this study aims to address that gap.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adgent, Margaret a. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Adgent, Margaret a.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.