Can Birth Control Cause Weight Gain?

Do you think you are gaining weight because of birth control? If your favorite pair of jeans feels a little too snug, do not be quick to assume that it is your birth control method that is causing it. One of the most common beliefs among women is that birth control causes weight gain. However, this is not true.

Does Birth Control Affect Weight?

One of the most asked questions about birth control is if it plays a role in weight gain. The answer is no. Birth control does not make you gain weight. As mentioned earlier, this is a fact that has been proven by research

When results of research are talked about, it is women on average who are studied. There is a difference between studying the effects of birth control of an individual and a large group of women on an average. Researchers have studied if the chances of feeling hungry or getting bloated would increase when you use birth control methods. They have also looked at the changes in weight that take place in women over time when specific methods of birth control are used. Comparisons have also been made between these methods and other methods that women use without hormones. With one exception, no direct link has been found between the use of birth control medications and weight gain.

IUDs:

Two types of IUDs exist: one without hormones and the other that releases the hormone progestin in low doses (2). Both work mainly inside the uterus. This means that the effects on the rest of the body are minimal. According to studies, there is no difference in the changes in weight between women who use IUDs with hormones and those who use the type without hormones.

The Implant:

A low dose of the progestin hormone is also released by the implant. Fewer studies have been conducted on this type of birth control method as it is relatively new. Early studies found that approximately 5 percent of women who use the implant chose to have it removed because they had concerns about gaining weight. However, it is important to note that changes in weight do not appear to be different between women who use the implant and women who use a non-hormonal birth control method.

The Pill, The Ring And The Patch:

Both estrogen and progestin hormones are present in birth control pills. It is a medicine that is one of the most studied in the world. There have been many studies that show that this form of birth control does not cause weight gain, and yet it is the concern about weight gain that makes many women stop taking it. The ingredients and dosage of the ring and the patch are similar to the pill, and this is why it is highly unlikely that they cause weight gain.

The Exception:

The one exception of a connection between birth control and weight gain has been mentioned earlier. It has to do with the birth control shot. A majority of women do not gain weight due to the shot, but there are some who do. Interestingly, it is more common for young women who are already considered to be overweight to gain weight when they are on the shot. In addition, it is usually within the first six months that women who are prone to weight gain caused by the shot notice any change.

Experts believe that the shot may also be responsible for the increase in appetite and fluid retention. However, these side effects are not permanent for most women. For some, they may not pass as they are more prone to weight gain than others. If you are one of them, consult your doctor for a change of brand or method.

If you are absolutely against gaining any weight at all, it may be better for you to opt for another method of birth control as the shot may not be the ideal choice.

The Side Effects Of Birth Control Pills:

When it comes to birth control pills, very few side effects are experienced by women who take them. These side effects include breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, headaches and nausea (3). Fluid retention can cause a bit of weight gain, but this occurs only in a very few women. It is also important to note that this weight gain is not in significant amounts that should cause you any concern. In fact, 44 study reviews showed that there is no evidence that this method of birth control causes weight gain. Last but not the least, the wee bit of weight you gain when on the pill is generally temporary and goes away within two to three months.
While studies have shown that birth control pills do not cause weight gain, and even if they do, that it is just temporary, you should talk to your doctor if you are prone gaining pounds. It is important to get a suggestion for a different type of pill. Why? Well, it is because all birth control pills are not the same.