You’ve probably heard that birth control pills lead to weight gain. With approximately 65% of sexually active women in the United States using contraception and 71% of those having used the pill as their contraceptive method at some point in their lives, concerns about weight gain remain prevalent.
However, despite the common belief that birth control causes significant weight gain, scientific research shows this is essentially a myth. Studies reveal that combination birth control pills do not directly cause meaningful weight gain for most women.
Common Misconceptions About Combination Birth Control Pills and Gaining Weight
Many women attribute their weight gain to combination birth control pills. In fact, weight gain remains among the most cited reasons that women discontinue the pill.
Historically, some of the first oral contraceptives approved in the 1960s contained high doses of hormones. These early high-dose pills were linked to a minor weight gain of around 5 pounds due to water retention and increases in appetite in some users.
However, today’s birth control pills contain much lower hormone doses. Research shows these low-dose combination birth control pills do not cause the same effects on weight as the high-dose pills of the past.
While many women assert that the pill caused their weight gain, scientific studies have found no direct causal link between today’s pill formulas and significant weight changes.
What the Research Shows About Combination Birth Control Pills and Weight Gain
Numerous large-scale studies have examined the effects of combination birth control pills on weight. The majority of these studies show that birth control users generally do not gain any significant amount of weight due to the pills themselves.
In a 2016 review of 22 previous studies on progestin-only contraceptives, researchers found no evidence that birth control causes weight gain. The average weight gain for birth control users was around 4.4 pounds over a year.
Similarly, a 2014 study on 150 women found no proof that combination birth control pills cause meaningful weight gain for most women. Additional studies have compared weight changes in birth control pill users to non-hormonal contraceptive users or non-users.
While the study details vary, the overall conclusion from the body of research is that birth control pills do not cause significantly greater weight gain than what occurs naturally in control groups over time.
The average weight gain seen in women on the pill is very similar to the average fluctuations seen in those not using hormonal birth control.
Possible Causes of Minor Weight Changes on Birth Control
While most studies show no drastic differences in weight between birth control pill users and others, some do indicate minor weight changes in certain pill users. However, there are other explanations for these slight weight fluctuations besides the birth control pills themselves.
Some minor weight gain while on the pill may be attributed to normal weight fluctuations commonly occurring with aging. Muscle mass tends to decrease, and body fat increases as we age. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress, sleep habits, and other behaviors influence weight over time.
Early on, when starting on the pill, some women temporarily retain water, which may cause their weight to go up by a few pounds. This fluid retention usually subsides within 2-3 months.
Also, coincidental weight gain that occurs while on the pill may be mistakenly blamed on the contraceptive. However, individual differences in metabolism and circumstances unrelated to birth control can impact weight.
Tips for Managing Your Weight When You Are on Birth Control
Monitoring your habits can help you keep your weight in check while using birth control:
- Keep an eye on what you eat and how much exercise you get. Consuming fewer calories and exercising more can prevent weight gain.
- Watch for fluid retention and bloating when you first start the pill, and report any major swelling to your doctor.
- Ask your doctor about a low-dose pill if you experience prolonged water weight issues on your current birth control.
- Talk to your healthcare provider if you have significant unexplained weight gain at any point while using birth control. They can help figure out what is causing the problem and prescribe the best treatment options.
Combination Birth Control Pills Do Not Directly Cause Weight Gain
The preponderance of evidence from scientific research does not show that combination birth control pills directly cause significant weight gain. In fact, large studies consistently show no major effect on weight gain due to birth control pills alone.
Minor weight changes often attributed to the pill can be explained by other factors such as natural fluctuations, fluid retention, and unrelated circumstances. If you have concerns about weight gain on the pill, Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness is here to help.
Our compassionate and experienced healthcare providers can discuss your birth control options to find the best method that fits your needs. Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or schedule a consultation online so we can help alleviate your concerns and take charge of your reproductive health.