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.

Would you like to know more? Then you must read this post.

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 (1).

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.

Following are certain birth control methods:

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.

Types Of Birth Control Pills:

There are different types of birth control pills – pills that contain a combination of estrogen and progestin, as mentioned already, and pills with progestin only. In most pills, the same type of estrogen is used but in different doses, and the formulation of progestin can differ in each. What this means is that a slightly different type of progestin, at varying doses, may be offered by each pill brand. What is the result of this? The side effects are potentially different.

In some women, pills that have only progestin may cause an increase in appetite and permanent weight gain. Depression that is related to birth control pills may also result in appetite increase and weight gain (4). Have you noticed a recent dip in your mood, or have the cravings for snacks begun to occur more frequently? They can be the side effects of the pill you are taking. This is why talking to your doctor is important when it comes to birth control. You may need a different brand or change your method of birth control. Your health care provider will be able to suggest the best one for you.

No matter which type of birth control pill you try, remember that a minimum of three months is required to let any side effects pass.

How The Myth Got Started:

As mentioned earlier, it is commonly believed that birth control pills cause weight gain. This method of birth control does have its advantages and disadvantages, but the idea that it can cause you to put on the pounds is nothing but a myth.

So how did the myth get started? It was in the early 1960s that birth control pills were first sold and at the time, they had levels of estrogen and progestin that were much higher than they are today (5). They had almost 1,000 times more hormones than the amount most women required! High doses of estrogen can cause you to gain weight as they cause an increase in appetite as well as the retention of fluid in the body. So, some women may have indeed put on extra pounds because of birth control pills 50 years ago.

Today, the birth control pills that are available have hormone levels that are much lower. When used correctly, this method of birth control is the most effective.

Things To Consider When On Birth Control:

Many women are quick to blame birth control for their weight gain. But as you have read, it does not cause you to gain any extra pounds – at least not permanently. If you have put on a few pounds after using birth control, consider your lifestyle instead of quickly jumping to the conclusion that it is caused by the pill or any other form of birth control method you had been using.

Diet:

Your diet may be what is causing it. Even the slightest changes, like going out for drinks in the weekends more often or snacking while you are at work, can play a part in weight gain, even though you may not notice these little changes.

There are certain things that you can do to make sure that you do not gain weight. Needless to say, a healthy, balanced diet is important (6). Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and staying away from processed foods can keep you from gaining weight. This is better than following diet trends as it is more effective and healthier in the long run. Reducing your salt intake can reduce water retention so remember that as well.

Exercise:

Lack of exercise or an inactive lifestyle can add more inches to your waistline (7), especially as you get older. Is weight lifting a part of your exercise routine? An increase in muscle mass may be an explanation for those extra kilos you have put on.

When it comes to exercise, experts recommend getting a cardiovascular workout daily. This will help in preventing you from gaining any unwanted weight and keeps you fit and trim. A cardio workout will also help keep your heart healthy.

As mentioned already, the effects of birth control can vary from woman to woman. Not all pills are the same and not every woman’s body is the same. If your birth control has an undesirable effect on your weight, you should talk to your health care provider and find the reason for the weight gain. You should also find out another form of birth control that is effective and works for you.

Birth Control And Weight Gain:

Women today have a lot of options for birth control. This is great as it allows you to choose one that works for you and your body. As you know, you have the pill, the patch, the ring, the shot, the implant, and IUDs. They are all effective and may have varying effects on different women. If you have recently gained weight, it is probable that it is not caused by your birth control, no matter which method you are using. Even if it is, this particular side effect is likely to pass in a few months.

As mentioned earlier, some birth control methods like the pill and the shot can cause a slight increase in weight. Birth control pills can change your water metabolism, which increases water retention. Estrogen can also cause your appetite to go up, which means that you will probably sneak in snacks a little more than before. This is the only effect that birth control has on your weight. To make sure that you do not permanently get stuck with the extra pounds, eat healthier and exercise more. Also, talk to your health care provider about finding another form of birth control, preferably one that does not have this side effect on you. It has also been mentioned already that you should find the cause of your weight gain so that you can prepare yourself to slowly start getting rid of it.

So, is it true that you are likely to put on some weight after following a birth control method? No, it is unlikely. Even if it does cause weight gain in a few individuals, it is only one or two pounds, not fifteen or twenty. So there is nothing to really worry about. If you gain a lot of weight, the cause is probably something that has nothing to do with the birth control method you are using, no matter what that method is.

Before you ditch your birth control, have a discussion with your doctor about the other available options and why is it that you are gaining weight. Lastly, remember that all the talk about birth control being the cause for unwanted weight gain is nothing but a myth.

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by Maanasi Radhakrishnan via STYLECRAZE