Will Birth Control Pills Make Me Gain Weight?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. The concern about weight gain is a common reason many women hesitate to use birth control pills. This article explores the relationship between birth control pills and weight gain by examining various research studies on the topic.

Effects of Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs)

Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) are widely used and contain a combination of estrogen and progestin. A study on female Wistar rats showed that prolonged administration of COCs significantly impaired serum lipid profiles, increased serum glucose levels, and altered serum ion levels. Notably, there was a significant increase in body and uterus weight in the COC-treated rats compared to the control group1. This suggests that COCs can lead to weight gain, at least in animal models.

Low-Dose Oral Contraceptives

In contrast, a study involving low-dose oral contraceptives (OCs) containing 20 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol (EE) and 100 micrograms of levonorgestrel (LNG) found no significant difference in weight gain between the OC group and the placebo group over six cycles. The mean weight change was similar in both groups, indicating that low-dose OCs do not cause weight gain2.

Progestin-Only Contraceptives

The impact of progestin-only contraceptives (POCs) on weight gain was examined in a multicenter trial. Women using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) gained more weight compared to those using a copper intrauterine device (IUD). The mean weight increase was 3.5 kg for DMPA-IM users, 2.4 kg for LNG implant users, and 1.5 kg for copper IUD users, suggesting that POCs can lead to weight gain3.

Vaginal Contraceptive Ring vs. Low-Dose Oral Contraceptives

A study comparing the vaginal contraceptive ring to low-dose OCs found that participants gained an average of 2.8 pounds over three months, with no significant difference between the two groups. Participants’ perceptions of weight change were not correlated with actual measured weight changes, indicating that perceived weight gain may not reflect actual weight gain4.

Progestin Contraceptive Implant

Another study evaluated the effect of a progestin contraceptive implant on weight gain. Women using the implant reported perceived weight gain, but there was no significant difference in actual weight gain between the implant and control groups. This suggests that perceived weight gain may be influenced by psychological factors rather than actual weight changes5.

Short-Term Effects of Progestational Contraceptives

A study on the short-term effects of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) found no significant changes in energy intake, resting energy expenditure, or body weight in young women. This indicates that short-term use of progestational contraceptives does not lead to weight gain6.

Oral Contraceptives and Body Composition in Athletes

A study on young female distance runners found that those using OCs did not gain more weight or fat mass compared to the control group. Interestingly, OC users gained more lean mass, particularly among those with regular menstrual cycles7. This suggests that OCs may not cause weight gain and could even have beneficial effects on body composition in athletes.

Conclusion

The relationship between birth control pills and weight gain is complex and varies depending on the type of contraceptive used. While some studies suggest that certain types of contraceptives, particularly progestin-only options, may lead to weight gain, others indicate that low-dose OCs and short-term use of progestational contraceptives do not cause significant weight changes. Perceptions of weight gain may also be influenced by psychological factors. Therefore, women should consult with their healthcare providers to choose the most suitable contraceptive method based on their individual needs and concerns.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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