Does Birth Control Make You Gain Weight? What Experts Say

Birth control can offer a range of benefits, including preventing unwanted pregnancies, regulating menstrual cycles, and reducing the symptoms of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.

However, among pill users, 10 out of 100 experienced weight gain of more than 7% of their body weight in one year, while 5 out of 100 lost more than 7%.

But does that necessarily mean that birth control is a cause of weight gain?

In this article, you will learn the answer based on expert insights. You will also learn about managing weight fluctuations associated with birth control.

What Is Birth Control?

Birth control, or contraception, involves using medications, devices, or surgical procedures to prevent pregnancy. A wide array of options are available, each with varying degrees of reversibility, ranging from reversible to permanent.

Additionally, some methods offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Here are the different types of birth control:

• Permanent Birth Control: Surgical procedures for individuals to permanently prevent pregnancy.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD): A small device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy, available in hormonal and non-hormonal types.
• Implant (Hormonal): A small rod under the skin that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for three years.
• The Shot (Hormonal): An injection of progestin every three months to inhibit pregnancy.
• The Vaginal Ring (Hormonal): A flexible ring inserted monthly into the vagina to prevent pregnancy.
• Patch (Hormonal): A weekly adhesive patch on the skin releasing hormones to prevent pregnancy.
• The Pill (Hormonal): Daily pills with hormones to prevent pregnancy.
• Condoms: Barrier methods, male and female, to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
• Emergency Contraception: Used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy, available as a pill or copper IUD.
• Spermicide: Chemical products inserted in the vagina to block sperm from reaching the egg.
• Fertility Awareness/Natural Family Planning (Non-hormonal): Tracking menstrual cycles to determine fertile periods.
• Withdrawal/Pull-out Method (Non-hormonal): Withdrawing the penis before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the vagina.

When selecting a birth control method, consider factors such as your desire for future children, health conditions, sexual frequency, partners, STD protection needs, method effectiveness, potential side effects, correct usage, and cost.

Emergency contraception is available for unprotected intercourse or condom breakage, including copper IUD insertion or hormonal emergency contraceptive pills. Choosing a method that aligns with your needs is essential, and consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Now, how do birth control pills prevent pregnancy?

Function Of Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills contain hormones that prevent pregnancy by:

• Inhibiting Ovulation: They stop the ovaries from releasing eggs.
• Slowing Egg Movement: Pills slow the egg's journey through fallopian tubes, reducing the chances of fertilization.
• Thickening Cervical Mucus: The Mucus becomes a barrier, hindering sperm from reaching the egg.
• Thinning Uterine Lining: The lining becomes less conducive for egg implantation.

These combined actions make it difficult for sperm to meet and fertilize an egg.

Do Birth Control Pills Cause Weight Gain?

The answer to this question involves understanding the factors contributing to weight changes when using hormonal contraceptives and considering scientific research findings.

Factors Contributing To Weight Changes

While there has been significant research on this subject, it's important to note that the impact of birth control on weight can vary based on factors including:

• Types of Birth Control: It's essential to differentiate between different birth control methods. Hormonal birth control contains synthetic versions of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Non-hormonal methods, such as diaphragms, condoms, and copper IUDs, do not involve hormone manipulation.
• Hormone Variations: Different hormonal birth control methods contain varying levels of hormones. Estrogen and progestin can affect appetite and fluid retention in specific quantities.
• Individual Variability: People have different sensitivities to hormones and can respond uniquely to birth control. Factors like genetics, metabolism, and pre-existing health conditions play a role.

Other factors contributing to weight changes can be attributed to various common causes:

• Changes in Routine: If you've recently experienced a change in your daily routine, such as switching jobs and becoming more sedentary, you might notice gradual weight gain. Prolonged periods of sitting can lead to weight gain and other related effects.
• Changes in Diet: Alterations in your eating habits, such as increased dining out or consuming more calories over time, can result in weight gain. Keeping track of your daily calorie intake using a food-tracking app can help you manage your weight.
• Changes in Metabolism: Age-related changes in metabolism can lead to weight and energy changes. Metabolism tends to decrease as you age, potentially contributing to weight gain. Consulting a doctor for physical assessments and metabolic blood work can help identify any underlying health conditions affecting calorie burning.
• Changes in Gym Routine: Engaging in more muscle-building exercises, like weightlifting, can lead to increased muscle mass. This change might reflect on the scale as weight gain, even though your clothing size remains consistent or even improves. This is due to the muscle being denser than fat.

Research Findings

As per information from the US National Library of Medicine, potential ways contributing to weight gain in women encompass:

• Retention of fluids
• Growth in muscle mass, given that muscle outweighs fat
• Rise in body fat

Nonetheless, these scenarios are primarily theoretical, especially when considering the usage of hormonal contraceptives for birth control, and lack substantial evidence.

Despite the absence of empirical support, certain women using combined contraceptives claim that these methods might amplify their appetite and lead to increased hunger.

Yet, establishing a clear link is challenging, given that weight gain can occur naturally with age, even among individuals not using contraceptive pills.

Here are additional research findings to help you understand this concern:

Hormonal Birth Control and Weight Gain

• Combination Methods: The most commonly used hormonal birth control methods, including contraceptive pills, patches, and rings, have been extensively studied. Research consistently suggests that these methods are unlikely to cause significant weight gain.
• Hormonal Coil (IUS): Studies indicate that the hormonal intrauterine system (IUS) or Mirena coil does not lead to weight gain.
• Implant: The contraceptive implant, which releases hormones, does not have strong evidence suggesting a significant association with weight gain.
• Birth Control Shot: Some individuals using the birth control shot may experience weight gain. However, this does not occur universally; many people use the shot without gaining weight.
• Morning After Pill: Emergency contraception, including the morning-after pill, is not linked to weight gain.

Non-Hormonal Birth Control

• Diaphragms and Condoms: These short-term methods of contraception do not contain hormones and therefore do not directly contribute to weight gain.
• Copper IUD: The non-hormonal copper IUD (intrauterine device) also doesn't release hormones and isn't associated with weight gain.

Research Trends

• Most studies examining common hormonal contraceptives (pills and patches) indicate limited evidence for an association with weight gain.
• Research suggests that, on average, individuals using progestin-only pills may gain fewer than 4.4 pounds after several months.

Most studies show that common hormonal birth control methods, including pills, patches, rings, and hormonal IUDs, do not lead to significant weight gain.

Individual responses can vary, but initial weight changes are usually temporary and related to factors like water retention.

How To Manage The Weight Gain?

To manage weight gain associated with birth control, consider the following steps based on the provided reference:

• Give it Time: If you notice a slight increase in weight when you start birth control, don't panic. This initial weight gain is often due to water retention, not fat gain. Be patient; this water weight is usually temporary, and your weight should normalize over time.
• Stay Active: Incorporating regular exercise into your routine is beneficial. Engaging in physical activity and maintaining a balanced diet can help counter any minor weight gain from birth control. Adopting a more active lifestyle can help shed the few pounds that might result from starting birth control.
• Evaluate Birth Control Pills: Different birth control pills contain varying levels of progestin and estrogen, which can impact appetite and water retention. If you're concerned about weight gain, consult your doctor to discuss options with lower doses of these hormones that might not affect your weight or appetite as much.
• Modify Eating Habits: If your weight gain is related to changes in metabolism, consider adjusting your daily caloric intake. Focus on eating foods that make you feel full, including healthy fats and fewer sugars. Opt for nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins (such as chicken or fish), Greek yogurt, and oats. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary beverages.
• Hydration and Timing: Stay hydrated, as thirst can sometimes be mistaken for hunger. Eat when you're genuinely hungry rather than satisfying emotional cravings. Pay attention to when you consume carbs, as eating them before exercise might impact fat-burning effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

Discussing your birth control options with your doctor is crucial as there's a wide range available. If the first method doesn't suit you, you can explore others until you find the right fit.

While some birth control methods may affect weight, the impact varies.

Remember, birth control doesn't necessarily lead to weight gain, and options without hormones are also worth considering. Keep communication open with your doctor to find the best solution for your needs.

FAQs on Birth Control and Weight Gain

Can birth control cause weight gain?

No, research hasn't proven a significant link between hormonal birth control and weight changes.

Can birth control make it hard to lose weight?

Some individuals may find weight loss challenging on hormonal birth control, but it's not a guaranteed outcome.

Does birth control change your body shape?

Yes, hormonal birth control can impact body shape due to muscle, fluid retention, and fat distribution changes.

Which birth control helps you lose weight?

None are designed for weight loss.

Is it easier to lose weight on or off birth control?

For some women, discontinuing progestin-only methods might lead to slight weight loss, but overall results depend on diet and exercise.

Does birth control make your face look different?

Hormonal contraceptives might lead to melasma, causing darkened facial skin.

Does birth control make you bloated?

Hormonal contraceptives can cause temporary bloating and nausea, often diminishing over time.