Icon
Icon

Shedding Pregnancy Weight Gain With GLP-1 and Med Spa Treatments

By: Weight gain is expected when you are creating the miracle of life. The extra pounds support your baby’s development and provide fat stores your body can use if you choose to breastfeed. It is completely normal to want to get back to your pre-baby body as soon as it

pregnancy weight loss GLP-1
Picture of Stacy Stern

Stacy Stern

Weight gain is expected when you are creating the miracle of life. The extra pounds support your baby’s development and provide fat stores your body can use if you choose to breastfeed.

It is completely normal to want to get back to your pre-baby body as soon as it is safe. You may also be wondering whether compounded GLP-1 and med spa treatments can help.

Let’s look at healthy pregnancy weight gain, realistic post-pregnancy weight loss, and when GLP-1 and aesthetics fit in.

How Much Weight Should You Gain While Pregnant?

How much weight you gain is unique to you. On average, women gain about 11 to 40 pounds during pregnancy. Generally:

  • The lower your starting BMI, the more weight you are likely to gain.

Instead of fixating on the scale, focus on whole-body health:

  • Stay up to date with prenatal appointments.
  • Talk to your OB-GYN if you have questions or concerns.

Even if you gain more than expected, do not try to lose weight while pregnant. Weight loss efforts should wait until after delivery and medical clearance.

Weekly Mindset & Weight Loss Tips

Subscribe for expert insights on building confidence, overcoming mental barriers, and achieving lasting weight loss success. Join patients who are transforming both body and mind.Join our newsletter for expert insights on treating melasma, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns. Our medical aesthetic team shares practical advice to help you achieve clear, radiant skin.

Do You Need to Eat More While Pregnant?

Yes – but what you eat matters as much as how much.

  • Do not “diet” while pregnant.
  • Build meals around healthy, whole foods, especially if cravings are less-than-healthy.

You will typically need:

  • About 300–450 extra calories per day during pregnancy (more in the third trimester).
  • About 300–400 extra calories per day while breastfeeding.

Focus on nutrient-dense foods like:

  • Lean proteins
  • Leafy greens and colourful vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil)
  • Calcium-rich foods (dairy, fortified plant milks, leafy greens)

Why Do Pregnancy Cravings Happen?

Up to 85% of women experience pregnancy cravings. Possible reasons include:

  • Heightened sense of taste and smell
  • Hormonal shifts that drive sweet or carb-heavy cravings
  • Craving foods that soothe nausea (for example, vinegar or sour foods)
  • Cravings that may reflect a need for specific vitamins or minerals

As long as your overall nutrition is balanced and your physician approves, it is fine to honour cravings in moderation.

How Long Does It Take To Lose Pregnancy Weight?

Most women lose weight fastest in the first 3 months after giving birth. For many, it takes 6–12 months to lose pregnancy weight gain.

However:

  • The number on the scale is only part of the story.
  • Skin laxity, stretch marks, and stubborn pockets of fat may remain even when your weight is “back to normal.”

the odds of rebound weight gain are high once you stop.

If your side effects allow, consider staying on your GLP-1 a bit longer while you:

  • Shift to a balanced, higher-protein, lower-sugar meal plan
  • Increase movement and strength training
  • Address stress, sleep, and emotional eating

This is where non-surgical med spa treatments can help rejuvenate and contour your body.

Does Breastfeeding Help You Lose Weight?

Yes, for many women it does.

  • Breastfeeding burns about 500 calories per day.
  • It may also encourage more mindful eating.

Results vary, but you may lose up to 6 additional pounds if you breastfeed for at least 12 weeks.

Ultimately, the decision to breastfeed is personal and should be based on what is best for you, your baby, and your lifestyle.

Is It Harder To Lose Weight After a Second Baby?

It can be, but not always.

  • Some women lose weight faster after a second baby because they know what works.
  • Others find it more challenging, often because metabolism naturally slows with age and life becomes busier.

If you are struggling after multiple pregnancies, a structured medical plan can help.

Do Naps Really Help With Weight Loss?

They can.

  • Sleep deprivation is linked to weight gain and cravings.
  • New parents are usually sleep-deprived due to nighttime feedings and care.

If possible:

  • Nap when your baby naps.
  • If napping is not realistic, aim to go to bed earlier when you can.

Protecting your sleep supports hormones that regulate hunger, fullness, and metabolism.

What Is the Best Diet To Get Back to Pre-Baby Weight?

We do not recommend fad diets. They are tempting when you want fast results, but they are not sustainable and can be unsafe if you are breastfeeding.

If You Are Breastfeeding

  • You still need extra calories and well-rounded nutrition.
  • You can gently tailor your meals to support gradual weight loss, but restriction should be avoided.

If You Are Not Breastfeeding

If you are unsure what to eat, a Medical Weight Loss Program can help.

At Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa, our programs may include:

  • Vitamin injections to support metabolism (like B-12)
  • Optional GLP-1 when appropriate
  • Weekly meal plans that are delicious, nutrient-dense, and satisfying
  • Body composition analysis to track fat loss and muscle preservation

Can You Take GLP-1 While Trying To Get Pregnant?

No.

If you are taking GLP-1 and decide you want to conceive:

  • Talk with your physician.
  • They will advise how long to wait after your last injection before trying to conceive.

Can You Take GLP-1 While Pregnant?

No.

GLP-1 and other weight loss injections are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Many women with obesity-related fertility challenges do become pregnant while on weight loss medications, because:

  • Excess body fat can disrupt hormones and ovulation.
  • Losing weight can sometimes restore more regular cycles.

If You Are Using GLP-1 To Improve Fertility

  • Work with your physician to determine a target body fat or weight range.
  • Plan when to stop GLP-1 before trying to conceive.

If You Become Pregnant Unexpectedly While on GLP-1

  • Contact your physician immediately.
  • You will likely be advised to stop injections.
  • If you are diabetic or on other medications, your provider will discuss risks and alternatives.x

Can You Take GLP-1 While Breastfeeding?

No. Weight loss medications are not suggested while:

  • Pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • Actively trying to conceive

Once you are done breastfeeding and medically cleared, GLP-1 may be an option to help lose pregnancy weight gain.

Can Aesthetic Treatments Help With "Baby Weight"?

They can help with the visible and structural changes that remain after weight loss, including:

  • Stubborn fat pockets
  • Laxity
  • Stretch marks
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Intimate-area changes

At Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa, we offer whole-body aesthetic treatments – not just facial services.

Common post-pregnancy concerns we address include:

Hyperpigmentation

Hormonal shifts can trigger excess melanin production, often called the “mask of pregnancy.” The face is especially prone due to daily UV exposure.

  • Lumecca Peak IPL (intense pulsed light) is a powerful option to fade hyperpigmentation of many kinds.
  • Many patients see visible improvement after just one session.

Double Chin

Post-pregnancy, a double chin can persist even if you return to your pre-baby weight. Submental fat cells:

  • Shrink with weight loss, but do not fully disappear
  • It is difficult to target with exercise alone

We may recommend:

  • Kybella – a series of 2–3 injections that permanently dissolve subcutaneous fat cells under the chin.
  • Morpheus8 Burst – combines radiofrequency and microneedling to reduce fat and tighten lax skin in the jawline, face, neck, and body.

Chubby Cheeks

Facial fullness can also be stubborn. To contour the face and neck, we may suggest:

  • Forma Facial is a radiofrequency treatment that helps dissolve small fat pockets and tighten skin laxity.

Labia Fat

The outer labia can accumulate fat that does not fully resolve with weight loss. Since workouts do not directly target this area, fat pads may remain.

  • Morpheus8 Burst can be used to tighten and contour this small but confidence-impacting area.

Vaginal Rejuvenation

The O-Shot is a non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment that uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood to support healing and sensitivity.

Potential benefits include:

  • Improved ability to orgasm
  • Reduced pain during intercourse
  • Less scar sensitivity
  • Improved urinary and faecal continence

Breasts and Body

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change:

  • Breast volume and shape
  • Skin laxity on the breasts, back, and abdomen
  • Fat distribution on the thighs and buttocks

We can explore options to contour, tighten, and rejuvenate these areas.

Lipo Laser is one option for back, belly, thigh, and buttock fat:

  • A series of 8 pain-free sessions
  • Zero downtime
  • Delivers liposuction-like contouring without surgery

Let's Talk About Losing Pregnancy Weight Safely

Pregnancy weight gain is natural and necessary. When you are ready, we are here to help you lose weight safely, address stubborn areas, and feel confident in your post-baby body.

At Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa, we can:

  • Personalise a medical weight loss plan (with or without GLP-1, when appropriate)
  • Recommend med spa treatments to contour, tighten, and rejuvenate
  • Support you through each stage of your post-pregnancy journey

Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and explore your options in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

Schedule your consultation today.

Walk-In Hours: Mon–Fri: New patients until 4:30 PM, existing patients until 5:30 PM; Sat: until 2:30 PM; Sun: Closed.

Shedding Pregnancy Weight Gain With GLP-1 and Med Spa Treatments

By Dr. Samuel Zuniga, ND
Valley Medical Weight Loss | Chandler, Arizona

Weight gain is expected when you are creating the miracle of life. The extra pounds support your baby’s development and provide fat stores your body can use if you choose to breastfeed.

It is completely normal to want to get back to your pre-baby body as soon as it is safe. You may also be wondering whether compounded GLP-1 and med spa treatments can help.

Let’s look at healthy pregnancy weight gain, realistic post-pregnancy weight loss, and when GLP-1 and aesthetics fit in.

How Much Weight Should You Gain While Pregnant?

How much weight you gain is unique to you. On average, women gain about 11 to 40 pounds during pregnancy. Generally:

  • The lower your starting BMI, the more weight you are likely to gain.

Instead of fixating on the scale, focus on whole-body health:

  • Stay up to date with prenatal appointments.
  • Talk to your OB-GYN if you have questions or concerns.

Even if you gain more than expected, do not try to lose weight while pregnant. Weight loss efforts should wait until after delivery and medical clearance.

Weekly Mindset & Weight Loss Tips

Subscribe for expert insights on building confidence, overcoming mental barriers, and achieving lasting weight loss success. Join patients who are transforming both body and mind.Join our newsletter for expert insights on treating melasma, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns. Our medical aesthetic team shares practical advice to help you achieve clear, radiant skin.

Do You Need to Eat More While Pregnant?

Yes – but what you eat matters as much as how much.

  • Do not “diet” while pregnant.
  • Build meals around healthy, whole foods, especially if cravings are less-than-healthy.

You will typically need:

  • About 300–450 extra calories per day during pregnancy (more in the third trimester).
  • About 300–400 extra calories per day while breastfeeding.

Focus on nutrient-dense foods like:

  • Lean proteins
  • Leafy greens and colourful vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil)
  • Calcium-rich foods (dairy, fortified plant milks, leafy greens)

Why Do Pregnancy Cravings Happen?

Up to 85% of women experience pregnancy cravings. Possible reasons include:

  • Heightened sense of taste and smell
  • Hormonal shifts that drive sweet or carb-heavy cravings
  • Craving foods that soothe nausea (for example, vinegar or sour foods)
  • Cravings that may reflect a need for specific vitamins or minerals

As long as your overall nutrition is balanced and your physician approves, it is fine to honour cravings in moderation.

How Long Does It Take To Lose Pregnancy Weight?

Most women lose weight fastest in the first 3 months after giving birth. For many, it takes 6–12 months to lose pregnancy weight gain.

However:

  • The number on the scale is only part of the story.
  • Skin laxity, stretch marks, and stubborn pockets of fat may remain even when your weight is “back to normal.”

the odds of rebound weight gain are high once you stop.

If your side effects allow, consider staying on your GLP-1 a bit longer while you:

  • Shift to a balanced, higher-protein, lower-sugar meal plan
  • Increase movement and strength training
  • Address stress, sleep, and emotional eating

This is where non-surgical med spa treatments can help rejuvenate and contour your body.

Does Breastfeeding Help You Lose Weight?

Yes, for many women it does.

  • Breastfeeding burns about 500 calories per day.
  • It may also encourage more mindful eating.

Results vary, but you may lose up to 6 additional pounds if you breastfeed for at least 12 weeks.

Ultimately, the decision to breastfeed is personal and should be based on what is best for you, your baby, and your lifestyle.

Is It Harder To Lose Weight After a Second Baby?

It can be, but not always.

  • Some women lose weight faster after a second baby because they know what works.
  • Others find it more challenging, often because metabolism naturally slows with age and life becomes busier.

If you are struggling after multiple pregnancies, a structured medical plan can help.

Do Naps Really Help With Weight Loss?

They can.

  • Sleep deprivation is linked to weight gain and cravings.
  • New parents are usually sleep-deprived due to nighttime feedings and care.

If possible:

  • Nap when your baby naps.
  • If napping is not realistic, aim to go to bed earlier when you can.

Protecting your sleep supports hormones that regulate hunger, fullness, and metabolism.

What Is the Best Diet To Get Back to Pre-Baby Weight?

We do not recommend fad diets. They are tempting when you want fast results, but they are not sustainable and can be unsafe if you are breastfeeding.

If You Are Breastfeeding

  • You still need extra calories and well-rounded nutrition.
  • You can gently tailor your meals to support gradual weight loss, but restriction should be avoided.

If You Are Not Breastfeeding

If you are unsure what to eat, a Medical Weight Loss Program can help.

At Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa, our programs may include:

  • Vitamin injections to support metabolism (like B-12)
  • Optional GLP-1 when appropriate
  • Weekly meal plans that are delicious, nutrient-dense, and satisfying
  • Body composition analysis to track fat loss and muscle preservation

Can You Take GLP-1 While Trying To Get Pregnant?

No.

If you are taking GLP-1 and decide you want to conceive:

  • Talk with your physician.
  • They will advise how long to wait after your last injection before trying to conceive.

Can You Take GLP-1 While Pregnant?

No.

GLP-1 and other weight loss injections are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Many women with obesity-related fertility challenges do become pregnant while on weight loss medications, because:

  • Excess body fat can disrupt hormones and ovulation.
  • Losing weight can sometimes restore more regular cycles.

If You Are Using GLP-1 To Improve Fertility

  • Work with your physician to determine a target body fat or weight range.
  • Plan when to stop GLP-1 before trying to conceive.

If You Become Pregnant Unexpectedly While on GLP-1

  • Contact your physician immediately.
  • You will likely be advised to stop injections.
  • If you are diabetic or on other medications, your provider will discuss risks and alternatives.x

Can You Take GLP-1 While Breastfeeding?

No. Weight loss medications are not suggested while:

  • Pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • Actively trying to conceive

Once you are done breastfeeding and medically cleared, GLP-1 may be an option to help lose pregnancy weight gain.

Can Aesthetic Treatments Help With "Baby Weight"?

They can help with the visible and structural changes that remain after weight loss, including:

  • Stubborn fat pockets
  • Laxity
  • Stretch marks
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Intimate-area changes

At Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa, we offer whole-body aesthetic treatments – not just facial services.

Common post-pregnancy concerns we address include:

Hyperpigmentation

Hormonal shifts can trigger excess melanin production, often called the “mask of pregnancy.” The face is especially prone due to daily UV exposure.

  • Lumecca Peak IPL (intense pulsed light) is a powerful option to fade hyperpigmentation of many kinds.
  • Many patients see visible improvement after just one session.

Double Chin

Post-pregnancy, a double chin can persist even if you return to your pre-baby weight. Submental fat cells:

  • Shrink with weight loss, but do not fully disappear
  • It is difficult to target with exercise alone

We may recommend:

  • Kybella – a series of 2–3 injections that permanently dissolve subcutaneous fat cells under the chin.
  • Morpheus8 Burst – combines radiofrequency and microneedling to reduce fat and tighten lax skin in the jawline, face, neck, and body.

Chubby Cheeks

Facial fullness can also be stubborn. To contour the face and neck, we may suggest:

  • Forma Facial is a radiofrequency treatment that helps dissolve small fat pockets and tighten skin laxity.

Labia Fat

The outer labia can accumulate fat that does not fully resolve with weight loss. Since workouts do not directly target this area, fat pads may remain.

  • Morpheus8 Burst can be used to tighten and contour this small but confidence-impacting area.

Vaginal Rejuvenation

The O-Shot is a non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment that uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood to support healing and sensitivity.

Potential benefits include:

  • Improved ability to orgasm
  • Reduced pain during intercourse
  • Less scar sensitivity
  • Improved urinary and faecal continence

Breasts and Body

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change:

  • Breast volume and shape
  • Skin laxity on the breasts, back, and abdomen
  • Fat distribution on the thighs and buttocks

We can explore options to contour, tighten, and rejuvenate these areas.

Lipo Laser is one option for back, belly, thigh, and buttock fat:

  • A series of 8 pain-free sessions
  • Zero downtime
  • Delivers liposuction-like contouring without surgery

Let's Talk About Losing Pregnancy Weight Safely

Pregnancy weight gain is natural and necessary. When you are ready, we are here to help you lose weight safely, address stubborn areas, and feel confident in your post-baby body.

At Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa, we can:

  • Personalise a medical weight loss plan (with or without GLP-1, when appropriate)
  • Recommend med spa treatments to contour, tighten, and rejuvenate
  • Support you through each stage of your post-pregnancy journey

Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and explore your options in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

Schedule your consultation today.

Walk-In Hours: Mon–Fri: New patients until 4:30 PM, existing patients until 5:30 PM; Sat: until 2:30 PM; Sun: Closed.

Releated Post

Contact Us

Contact Us

New Patient Walk-In Hours

Hours for Tempe, Phoenix, Glendale Weight Loss Services

M, Tues, Thurs, F: 9axm-4:30pm

Sat: 8am-1:30pm

Wed, Sun: Closed

Medspa: By appointment only