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Do Birth Control Pills Increase Your Weight?

Many people believe that women who take oral contraceptives and other forms of birth control suffer from increased weight gain. While this is true for some forms of birth control, not all interact with the body in the same manner.

  1. Function

    • The primary function of birth control is to decrease the chances of pregnancy. Women of all ages can be prescribed birth control, though birth control is most commonly prescribed to teens and women in their 20s who aren't ready to have children. Birth control is also prescribed to women with certain health conditions, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PPMD) and hormonal imbalances. Most physicians require an exam and pregnancy test before birth control is prescribed.

    Types

    • There are many different types of birth control, including pills and injections that stop the menstrual cycle from occurring as it normally would. Pills range from basic birth control to those with added formulas to help prevent acne and PMDD. Another popular option is a vaginal insert that is worn three out of four weeks. Depending on the individual needs of the user, health concerns and doctor preference the type of birth control prescribed will differ from woman to woman.

    Myths

    • It has been reported that birth control pills and other contraceptives lead to weight gain. While some forms of birth control might cause the user to gain a bit of weight during the first few months of use, most women won't notice any changes. Changes that do occur are small and can be managed with a balance diet and an exercise routine. Several studies addressing the weight gain myth have been published, including one in the March 2009 issue of the "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology." In it, it was pointed out that the only contraceptive that's been definitely linked to weight gain is an injection such as Depo Provera.

    Water Retention

    • Many women experience what they consider to be weight gain while taking birth control, but it is actually water retention. Higher-dosed birth control pills result in more retention, while low-dose pill users see little retention. Only about 30 percent of birth control users report weight gain of more than one pound while taking the medication.

    Warning

    • Birth control is not 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, especially when not taken as directed. Women who often forget to take their pills may want to consider an insert such as Nuva Ring or a shot like Depo. Birth control does not stop the contraction or spread of sexually transmitted disease and should be used in conjunction with condoms.

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