If a woman has overweight or obesity when she is pregnant, then there is a greater risk of health problems for her and her baby. A preconception health programme, including weight management, would be welcomed but requires risk communication training of health-care practitioners. However, there are many factors which may influence the weight loss process. You should always speak to a nurse or doctor when making choices about contraception and before starting a new method. Kashanian 2010 excluded from the analysis two women who discontinued the intervention. Since the Goldzieher 1971 trial reported that the randomization code was not broken during the study, the blinding of the investigators can be inferred. Only four articles reported the number of women recruited for the trial (Cachrimanidou 1993; Kashanian 2010; Oddsson 2005; Wiegratz 2002). The method of generating the randomization sequence was not reported for 31 trials. Almond milk is good for weight loss and for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Unprocessed red meat (steak) can be helpful for weight loss and management. Discover why Ozempic isn't yielding expected weight loss results. Learn about potential long-term effects and how long it is safe to use Ozempic for managing type 2 diabetes and weight. Uncover the benefits of working with a dietitian for weight gain goals. Hormonal birth control is one of the most popular forms of birth control on the market, but it can cause unwanted side effects, with many women reporting weight gain.Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity, are then essential.389Every person responds differently to hormonal changes brought on by birth control pills.You can eat dessert every day and still lose weight by choosing nutrient-dense ingredients, eating mindfully, and having a flexible diet plan.If the report did not provide adjusted measures for the primary analysis, we used unadjusted outcomes with the methods described above for use with RCTs.However, careful counseling and follow up are needed to avoid the high rates for losses to follow up and discontinuation found in many contraceptive studies.They include barrier methods like condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, as well as intrauterine devices (IUDs) that are hormone-free.You have been signposted to this site as you have been flagged up as a patient who is using injectable weight loss medication, in combination with either contraception and / or oral progestogens for endometrial protection for HRT. Comparison 15 Norplant versus barrier, 'local', or no contraceptive method, Outcome 1 Mean weight change (kg) at 6 months. Comparison 13 DMPA 150 mg/mL versus no hormonal method, Outcome 1 Mean change in total body fat (%) at 6 months. Two studies compared women using DMPA to another group using no hormonal method. The NRS of Napolitano 2015 compared body composition changes at 12 months for perimenopausal women receiving desogestrel 75 µg versus a control group with no hormonal treatment. We subdivided the DMPA studies into those comparing DMPA with a combination contraceptive, another progestin‐only injectable formulation or regimen, or no hormonal contraception. Taking the pill, or any hormonal birth control, may cause fluid retention before your period. It’s essential to remember that individual responses to stopping birth control pills can vary greatly. There are various types of birth control methods available, including patches, rings, IUDs, and implants, each with its own unique benefits and risks. Results for other methods of birth control did not show overweight or obesity related to pregnancy rate.Obese women may avoid contraceptives because of fear that hormones may contribute further to weight gain.Many women experience weight gain as a side effect of hormonal birth control, particularly in the first few months of use.At baseline (inclusive of the screening and enrolment visits), demographic, sexual and reproductive risk behaviour, and reproductive and contraceptive history were collected.By entering the site you confirm that you are a healthcare professional.How does birth control make you gain weight? On the bright side, my night sweats disappeared after throwing out that last pill pack, so that's pretty exciting. With videos like moms empowering kids to exercise and elderly women giving advice to their younger selves, reaching for the box of tissues is a given. Quitting the pill didn't make the scale budge one bit. After three months of being off the pill, I've realized my doctor was right. Remembering to take that damn pill every day coupled with the fact that it didn't help my sweating issue put me over the edge. We are not examining effectiveness nor focusing on overweight women. No consensus exists regarding what is excessive weight gain. However, a brief randomized controlled trial (RCT) of DMPA versus placebo examined energy intake and expenditure as well as weight gain (Pelkman 2001). Some injectable contraceptives are combined, i.e., contain estrogen and progestin, while others like DMPA are progestin-only. The possibility of lower efficacy of some shorter-acting methods should lead to serious consideration of longer-acting methods. In normal-weight women, the peak concentration and AUC of ENG are similar between the ring and COCs. Of 15 pregnancies that occurred during 22,160 treatment cycles, five of them occurred in women weighing more than 90 kg (who accounted for less than 3% of the study population). Subsequently, a pooled analysis of data for the contraceptive patch determined that women weighing more than 90 kg had a significantly increased failure rate compared with women weighing less than 90 kg . How Long Does It Take To Lose Weight After Stopping Birth Control In 2026? Progestin, the hormone in a birth control implant, keeps sperm away from your eggs. It gives off a low dose of a human-made version of the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. The birth control implant is a thin, plastic rod about the size of a matchstick. Insights are monthly e-newsletters offering primary care clinicians evidence-based education on abortion and early pregnancy loss care (miscarriage). Birth control pills contain estrogen and progesterone, which can affect metabolism, hunger, and fat storage.Research on combined pills indicates that the impact on weight can vary from person to person with only modest changes observed.Comparison 15 Norplant versus barrier, 'local', or no contraceptive method, Outcome 1 Mean weight change (kg) at 6 months.In a Canadian study of 355 participants, symptoms of bloating and breast tenderness declined, and body weight remained stable over six cycles (prospective drospirenone study).Nine studies used BMI cutoffs for overweight or obesity (Jain 2004; Burkman 2009;Westhoff 2012a; Mansour 2012; Xu 2012; Kaunitz 2014; Gemzell‐Danielson 2015; Nakajima 2016; Yamazaki 2015).The primary objective was to evaluate the association between progestin‐only contraceptive use and changes in body weight.The long-term influence of combined oral contraceptives on body weight. They can offer guidance tailored to your specific health needs and help you find the most suitable birth control method. Further complicating the issue, weight changes can also be influenced by factors such as age, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition, making it challenging to isolate the impact of birth control alone. Birth control comes in various forms, each with its own mechanism of action and potential side effects, including impacts on body weight. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of how birth control can impact weight and feel empowered to make informed decisions about your reproductive health. Interestingly users of intrauterine devices experience a weight gain too, which is approximately double that of the average female population. Duramed Pharmaceuticals donated the oral contraceptives provided to study participants. Furthermore, our findings suggest that this association does not differ in obese women compared to normal weight women. This study is innovative in that it included obese women, an understudied group that makes up over 30% of the population.11 Another strength is that participants were randomized to use one of two widely marketed OC formulations of the same estrogen and progestin types. It’s essential to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider and to carefully weigh the pros and cons before starting any new medication. Pills with high estrogen levels can help reduce body mass, but they may also increase water retention. The type and dosage of hormones in each pill can vary, and individual results may differ. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your unique needs. Weight Loss Motivation Tips For Healthy & Sustainable Success Yes, if you experience weight gain or other side effects while taking birth control pills, you can discuss alternative options with your healthcare provider. In fact, some studies have found that birth control pills may even help with weight loss by reducing androgen hormones, which can contribute to weight gain. Remember, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing birth control pills, especially if you have concerns about weight gain or loss. Choosing what birth control method is best for you is a matter of your preferences, goals and health needs. Other factors like lifestyle, diet, and exercise play a significant role in determining body weight and should be considered in conjunction with contraceptive use. The prevailing myths about contraception and weight loss are largely unsupported by scientific research, highlighting the necessity of distinguishing anecdotal experiences from empirical data. Two trials (Spellacy 1970; Van der Does 1995) had complete study participation and based the weight estimates on measurements from all participants. Two trials (Endrikat 2001a; Stewart 2005) described intention‐to‐treat or valid‐case analyses but did not specify which was used for the weight change data. Discrepancies existed in at least 13 trials, since more women were missing in the weight estimate than could be explained with the possible reasons in the article (for example, non‐starters, early discontinuation, those lost to follow up, or exclusion). Although they reported the total number of randomized women, seven trial reports did not provide the number of randomized women stratified by study group. It’s also important to consider that weight gain during birth control use may not be solely attributed to the birth control method itself.In US studies, half of all implant discontinuations were attributed to the side effects of headache, weight, and mood changes (Sivin 2003).This can be difficult because women do not usually talk to a health-care practitioner (e.g. general practitioners, sexual health doctors, nurses) about becoming pregnant, but one group of women who do are those who need to have a long-acting reversible contraceptive (e.g. a coil or an implant) removed.Taking breaks from birth control may increase your risk of an unwanted pregnancy.We categorized participants as normal weight, overweight, or obese using NHANES criteria (14).There are various types of birth control methods available, including patches, rings, IUDs, and implants, each with its own unique benefits and risks.If you’ve ever been on or even thought about going on some form of birth control, the question, “Will this make me gain weight?If you have new and persistent symptoms, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. Although you may be sure that birth control causes you to gain weight, the science isn't so confident. But birth control doesn't guarantee that you'll struggle with weight, and you've got options to consider even if one type of birth control doesn't work for you. The advent of birth control allows you to enjoy a healthy sex life without the fear of getting pregnant. The current faculty of sexual and reproductive health guidance is that a highly effective contraception choice should be used during and after treatment with a GLP-1 agonist. Primary care womens health society Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. (PPFA) works to protect and expand access to sexual and reproductive health care and education, and provides support to its member affiliates. They may be able to help you find another type of birth control that works better for you. Many people use the shot or the implant without gaining weight. The best birth control to avoid weight gain varies from person to person as everyone may react differently to the hormones.When coming off the pill, it's normal to experience some changes in your body.If you start hormonal birth control and don’t feel right, pay attention to your body and tell your doctor what’s going on.With some persistence and consistency, it is possible to achieve your weight management goals without having to compromise on your contraceptive needs.Some conditions reduce your appetite, while others prevent your body from absorbing calories, or increase the rate at which you burn calories.Additionally, remember that a healthy diet and regular exercise are still essential components of any successful weight loss journey.Owing to its high efficacy, which is preserved across the BMI spectrum, intrauterine contraception is an excellent choice for obese women wishing to delay or avoid pregnancy. However, a common concern among these women is whether birth control pills cause weight gain or loss. Understanding these perceptions can help healthcare professionals educate women about contraceptives, which could improve the use of hormonal contraception. Researchers looked at various studies that compared women using POCs to those using other contraceptive methods or no contraception. Studies have been conducted to determine whether combined hormonal birth control pills and weight changes are linked. While many women report weight gain after using the hormonal birth control pill, little evidence supports it as a common side effect. The relationship between the pill and weight loss is complex, and individual results may vary. Chronic stress and inadequate sleep can disrupt hormonal balance and metabolism, leading to weight gain. A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for sustainable weight loss. Research suggests that stopping birth control may not lead to significant long-term weight loss. Other outcomes include side effects, e.g. unscheduled bleeding and rare events such as venous thromboembolism. We did not include ovulation, since it is not a useful surrogate endpoint for pregnancy. We included studies with differing criteria, as practices differ across time periods and by country and we initially anticipated finding few studies. With those criteria, women with a BMI greater than 27.3 are overweight and those with a BMI greater than 32 are considered obese. Those methods included an injectable, hormonal IUC, and the two‐rod and single‐rod implants. One study showed a higher pregnancy rate in years 6 and 7 combined for women weighing 70 kg or more. For example, some progesterone-only pills can increase insulin resistance, making it easier to gain weight. It is best to consult a healthcare professional on which overlap methods to use. If you wish to avoid pregnancy while having vaginal sex, adopting another contraceptive method is necessary. What has been studied is women’s fear of taking birth control as they believe it will cause an increase in weight. The effects of using or stopping hormonal birth control vary from person to person. Women were eligible if they were not pregnant, were HIV-seronegative, aged 16–35 years, had no medical contraindications to the trial contraceptive methods, were willing to use their assigned method for 18 months, reported not using injectable, intrauterine, or implantable contraception for the previous six months and reported being sexually active. In another study, two rod LNG implant users showed greater weight gain compared to the ENG implant users . Progestin-only hormonal contraception (POC) is available in several forms including injectables, implants, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine contraception (LNG-IUD), and oral contraceptives. Not all women using POCs in our study gained weight, and this should be made clear in contraceptive counselling messages. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a useful tool for assessing whether a person is in a healthy weight range. Weight loss often leads to changes in metabolic rate, which is how the body processes and uses medications. When embarking on a weight loss journey, many individuals focus on their physical and mental well-being. I finally saw my doctor, who confirmed that I needed to try hormonal birth control. Comparison 4. DMPA 150 mg/mL versus MPA + E2C. Hormonal birth control is one of the most popular forms of birth control on the market, but it can cause unwanted side effects, with many women reporting weight gain. Tirzepatide may reduce the efficacy of oral hormonal contraceptives; therefore, patients using oral hormonal contraceptives should switch to non-oral contraceptive methods for 4 weeks after initiation and 4 weeks after each dose escalation . Importantly, weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy due to a higher risk of small-for-gestational-age babies; prepartum and postpartum weight loss are considered safer methods of reducing the risk of APOs 8, 9. When prescribing AOMs to reproductive-aged women, providers should consider both the cardiometabolic benefits of these medications and potential effects that AOMs might have on hormonal contraception, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. The drugs safety body also recommends that women taking Mounjaro alongside an oral contraceptive like the pill should use additional protection, such as condoms, for the first four weeks of using the drug, or consider switching to a longer-term method like the coil or implant. If you’re trying to lose weight, hunger can hinder your efforts. Stop the cycle of gaining weight back after losing it. Explore key dietary guidelines for Jardiance users. Progestin-Only Pills Additionally, if you experience any side effects or have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. Some common side effects include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and mood changes. When you stop taking the pill, your hormone levels return to normal, and your body may revert to its pre-pill state. Additionally, other factors such as lifestyle, diet, and genetics also play a significant role in weight loss. Birth control pills contain a combination of these hormones, which can affect hunger levels, metabolism, and water retention. How we reviewed this page: Studies of progestin-only contraceptives and weight change were limited in type and number. The five studies with multi-year data showed that mean weight change was approximately twice as much at two or three years than at one year, but was generally similar for both study groups. Five of the 16 studies showed or reported significant differences between groups in weight change or body composition change (Salem 1984; Sule 2005; Bonny 2009; Pantoja 2010; Dal’Ava 2012). This site is for UK based healthcare professionals only. This choice may, therefore, have advantages that are not related to contraception. Menstrual disturbances are a very common clinical feature in women with PCOS. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition, affecting around 9 to 13% of women at reproductive age and characterized by menstrual irregularity, ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovarian morphology. Hormonal birth control can influence appetite and water retention. The Patch and Ring: Alternatives to the Pill Research shows that most people do well on hormonal birth control and don’t experience any severe mood changes. There’s also new research that suggests birth control pills may lower your risk of developing colon cancer while you take them. Once you stop using birth control — whether it’s an IUD, implant, pill, patch, or ring — you can get pregnant right away. Though it’s rare, some people can gain weight on the pill. Although direct evidence linking GLP-1 drugs to contraceptive failure is limited, the widespread uptake of these medications means even that small risks could translate into public health concerns, if confirmed in further studies.” “Gastrointestinal side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, can impair oral contraceptive absorption, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy. It also advised that those taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro; Eli Lilly) should use a non-oral form of contraception, which is a barrier method, such as a condom or a non-oral contraceptive, such as the coil or implant, for four weeks after starting GLP-1 medicines and for four weeks after any increase in dose. Additionally, non-hormonal birth control methods have also been studied, with research indicating no substantial impact on weight changes. Hormonal methods include oral contraceptives (commonly known as “the pill”), contraceptive patches, hormonal injections, vaginal rings, and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs). We did not pool data from studies that had different contraceptive methods (e.g., DMPA or implants), different doses of the same method, or different criteria for reporting weight change. Birth control pills may work in a few different ways to prevent pregnancy. For the rest of this article, we will focus on birth control pills. And, most contraceptive methods don’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia or HIV. Even lifestyle methods can help prevent pregnancy. In a pooled analysis of the clinical trials, the mean change in body weight from baseline to the end of treatment was an increase of 0.3 kg, and 79% of participants remained within 5% of their baseline weight. The Norplant and DMPA groups were not significantly different in mean weight change at one year.In some cases though, birth control pills can also increase appetite and cause a woman to consume excess calories, leading to weight gain.We did not consider studies focused on women with specific health problems, such as diabetes or HIV.The misconception stems from older, higher-dose hormone pills introduced in the 1960s and ’70s, which carried more side effects than today’s low-dose formulations.Perceived weight loss did not differ by arm at either follow-up visit. Common side effects might include nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, and breakthrough bleeding. It is important to consider these factors holistically to understand weight fluctuations while on birth control. Stress and emotional well-being can also play a role in weight management while on birth control. Moreover, the specific formulation and dosage of hormones in each pill can impact how a woman’s body reacts. Changes in weight are often influenced by a variety of factors, including diet, exercise, metabolism, and individual hormonal responses. While birth control pills can be an effective form of contraception, some can also promote weight loss. While many birth control pills are effective at preventing pregnancy, some can also lead to unwanted weight gain. Before diving into how birth control might influence weight loss, it’s essential to understand the basics of how these methods work. However, the main comparisons in this review were not the contraceptive methods but the weight or BMI groups, which were not used for stratification. Most did not indicate a higher risk of pregnancy for overweight or obese women. The adherence data show that obese women took an average of 25.8 pills per cycle compared with 26.2 pills each of the groups with a lower BMI (Analysis 3.2). Three reports did not have any information on the assessment methods for pregnancy or weight (Gu 1995; Sivin 1997; Mansour 2012). Nor was it feasible in some studies due to visible differences in the contraceptive methods (Sivin 1998b; Xu 2012; Kaunitz 2014). However, two sites in South Africa collected weight at each 3 monthly follow-up and these data will be analysed to understand more nuanced patterns of weight change over time. This would give us a better understanding of weight change post discontinuation of POCs. Although many were lost to follow-up, 19% wanted a different method of contraception. In another study that included a mix of adolescents and young women with a mean age of 24 years using COCs or DMPA-IM, 73% of women did not complete the 3-year study for a number of reasons . In one study of adolescents, over one-third (37%) of DMPA-IM users had discontinued the study by 18 months . Treatment for a hormonal imbalance will depend on what’s causing it. If your immune system attacks a gland or organ that produces hormones, it causes a hormonal imbalance. An autoimmune disease happens when your immune system accidentally attacks a part of your body instead of protecting it. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing anxiety. Common hormonal imbalances include those that affect your metabolism. To reduce the number of unintended pregnancies, clinicians should counsel women to use the most effective methods of contraception as first-line options. The Contraceptive CHOICE Project is a large prospective cohort study designed to promote the use of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods to reduce unintended pregnancies in the St. Louis region. To estimate the contraceptive failure rates of the etonogestrel subdermal contraceptive implant in overweight and obese women, and compare failure rates to women of normal weight and women using intrauterine devices (IUDs). If you have stopped taking hormonal contraception because of weight gain, there are many alternatives that you might like to try — both hormonal and non-hormonal. If your goal is to lose weight, making changes to your diet and increasing the amount of exercise you do will offer much more significant results than stopping hormonal birth control. This can cause temporary weight gain due to increased fluid levels, creating the illusion of added body mass.Self- reported weight increase was cited as a reason for method discontinuation by a total of 19 women using DMPA-IM and seven LNG-Implant users, while no copper IUD users discontinued for this reason.Characteristics of women and their distribution across the groups were similar to the total enrolled study population .Following a healthy lifestyle is your best bet to managing weight while on (or off!) birth control.Even if no association existed between combination contraceptives and weight, one would expect several significant results (Type I errors) since numerous comparisons were made.Extreme/rapid weight loss may result in nutritional deficiencies that lead to hair loss, anemia, weak bones, or increased risk of infection.The scenarios vary based on how many pills you’ve missed and whether you take a combination pill or progestin-only pillTherefore, a brief discussion of contraceptive safety in obese women is included in this review.Missed a baseline or exit visit weight/height or data entry error that could not be resolved. Hormonal birth control doesn’t just prevent pregnancy—it can affect how your body stores fat, your appetite, and even how much water you retain. The only pregnancy in this study occurred in the group of women with BMIs greater than 30 kg per m2. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best birth control pill for your individual needs and health goals. Additionally, remember that a healthy diet and regular exercise are still essential components of any successful weight loss journey. Birth control pills can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, particularly in women who smoke or have a history of cardiovascular disease. Pregnancy + contraception: who should not start (or must stop) The IUD releases a small amount of copper, which does not affect hormone levels, making it a good option for women who experience weight gain on hormonal birth control.It’s essential to note that while some birth control methods may be more weight-loss friendly, they may not be suitable for everyone. As a result, women may experience weight loss resistance, making it difficult to shed pounds despite following a healthy diet and exercise routine.Yes, hormonal birth control can cause weight gain in some women. These hormonal changes can lead to weight gain or loss, making it challenging to achieve and maintain weight loss goals.Additionally, hormonal birth control can affect the body’s ability to burn fat, particularly around the midsection. Since it is unclear how much obesity may reduce the efficacy of short-acting contraceptives in particular, it seems overly alarmist to restrict the use of these methods in overweight and obese women. Frequently used BMI categories are 25 to 29.9 (kg/m2) for overweight and 30 or higher for obesity (CDC 2012a). The measures and cutoffs depended on those used in the included studies. Outcomes listed in Characteristics of included studies focus on those relevant to this review. The exception is comparability (design or analysis), for which a study can receive two stars (for design and analysis). The review assessed studies reporting change in body weight or other body measure of lean or fat mass in POCs users compared with another contraceptive method or no contraceptive. Similarly, limited data are available for intrauterine and oral POCs which show small or insignificant changes in weight, although in some studies an increase in fat mass was found in users of both these methods compared to non-hormonal user controls 11,16,22,24. Combining the pill with other weight loss methods can be effective, but it’s crucial to do so under the guidance of a healthcare professional. While the myth of weight gain persists, some women claim to have experienced weight loss after starting birth control pills. It's hard not to notice the rise in popularity of weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro right now, and a new warning from the UK’s medicines regulator is urging women to think carefully about how contraception can be affected as a result. However, the CHOICE cohort overall is racially and socioeconomically diverse with demonstrated comparability to both state and national samples.17 In spite of these limitations, this study provides important results about the association between race, ENG implant and LNG-IUS use, and weight change. The results of our study may not be generalizable to other U.S. women seeking contraception as our study population is limited to a single geographical area. Strengths of our study include a racially and socioeconomically diverse cohort and the objective measurement of body weight at two time points using the same scale and measurement protocol. Wide variability was observed even among the copper IUD users and suggests that multiple factors play a role in weight change over time. Similarly, among IUD users, 38% were normal weight, 27% were overweight, and 35% were obese. Among implant users, 37% were normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9), 28% were overweight (BMI 25–29.9), and 35% were obese (BMI ≥30). Prior to contraceptive method initiation, every participant completed a sensitive urine pregnancy test to rule-out preexisting pregnancy. Participants selected their baseline contraceptive method after undergoing standardized contraceptive counseling that presented all reversible contraceptive methods during the in-person enrollment session. Q: Should I stop taking the pill to lose weight? Some birth control pills, like Yaz or Yasmin, contain drospirenone, a progestin. But estrogen can cause the body to retain water which can give the illusion of weight gain. Birth control pills prevent ovulation and trick the body into thinking it is already pregnant. Research has shown that if you put 100 people on the birth control pill and 100 people not on the pill and follow their weight, the 100 people on the pill, on average, weigh 1 pound less. No conclusive evidence suggests that birth control makes it harder to lose weight. The combination pill is the most common form of birth control and includes the hormones estrogen and progestin. Research shows that self-compassion can reduce depression and anxiety, creating a domino effect that spreads to every area of our lives, including weight loss. One of the most overlooked healthy weight-loss habits is how we speak to ourselves. Among the minority of women who did experience weight change, weight loss was as common as weight gain. While most women experienced no significant weight change, a few women gained or lost significant weight; among those women, weight loss was as common as weight gain. The objective of this analysis was to examine weight and body composition change after three months of OC use in obese and normal weight women and to examine whether this relation differs between obese versus normal weight women, as well as between two widely marketed OC doses. Although over 30% of women in the United States are obese,11 most previous studies of the effect of OC use on weight gain have excluded obese women. Most previous studies have excluded obese women, so the effect of OC use on weight change in obese women is unknown. Changes in mean weight and BMI did not differ significantly between the OC group and the control group at 12 months (Analysis 2.1; Analysis 2.2). Four studies conducted analysis that adjusted for potential confounders (Moore 1995; Bonny 2009; Modesto 2015; Vickery 2013). Four considered confounding in the design by matching on age and baseline BMI (Pantoja 2010; Dal'Ava 2012; Dos Santos 2014) or age and weight (Dal'Ava 2014). Of 17 non‐randomized studies, eight addressed potential confounding factors. To explore patterns of weight changes over time in each group, we described weight changes by group in those exiting at 12, 15, and 18 month visits. In both ITT and continuous use analyses, women were excluded from the analysis if pregnant during the study, up to and including at the final visit. Every follow-up visit included assessment of randomised contraceptive method use, HIV serological testing, safety monitoring and behavioural assessments. To date, all these factors have limited the availability of high quality evidence enabling few conclusions to be drawn on the effect of POC use on weight change. Women using POCs should be counselled about this potential side effect when choosing a contraceptive method. Switching to a new contraceptive may require overlapping forms or using a backup like a condom for up to a week. Every woman’s experience is unique and should not be dismissed — even without the scientific studies to back them up. There are almost no studies on this phenomenon at the time of writing. A sudden intensification of pre-existing symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, mood swings, insomnia, and changes in sex drive, characterizes it. The fourth-generation progestin drospirenone (Yaz, Yasmin) may actually reduce acne and cause weight loss. Conversely, third and fourth-generation progestins have a low risk of weight gain and acne. They all differ in terms of their progestational and androgenic activity, which have different effects on the body. There are pills, however, that only contain a progestin, and those are known as 'progestin-only pills' (POP) or "mini-pills". Generally speaking, which progesterone and ethinyl estradiol combinations are less likely to cause cellulite, weight gain, and water retention? This can be attributed to the body readjusting its hormone levels, metabolism, and fluid balance. The body needs time to readjust its natural hormone production, which can lead to variability in the menstrual cycle's duration and flow. One of the most common outcomes after stopping birth control is irregular periods. Estrogen and progesterone levels, which were altered by the contraceptive, start to fluctuate, aiming to resume their natural patterns. The cessation of synthetic hormones introduces a cascade of changes that can impact various aspects of her physiology and overall well-being. Bonny 2009 compared mean percentage changes in total body fat and lean body mass at six months for DMPA 150 plus placebo injection versus DMPA plus estradiol cypionate 5 mg (E2C). Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate 150 mg/mL (DMPA) was compared to a contraceptive or supplement that also contained estrogen in three studies. In the RCT of Ball 1991, weight change at six months was similar for the norethisterone 350 μg and the levonorgestrel 30 μg groups. Results are grouped according to four types of progestin-only contraceptives studied. These can help lower cortisol levels, which are linked to stress-induced cravings and weight gain. Hormonal birth control may affect individuals differently, and it’s important to find the best option for your unique needs. This helps you stay on course without becoming obsessed with daily weight changes, which are often temporary. Regular exercise is key to managing weight, especially if your birth control is affecting your metabolism or fat storage. One exception is the birth control shot Depo-Provera. In January 2025, the MHRA warned healthcare professionals to be aware of the potential risk of pulmonary aspiration in patients using GLP-1 RAs who undergo surgery or procedures with general anaesthesia or deep sedation. She also urged patients to “note this important new guidance from the MHRA published today and use effective contraception”. For example, thyroid disorders and diabetes can cause sudden, unexplained weight gain. Most people stop experiencing symptoms after three months; however, if you experience continued symptoms, consult your doctor to see if you would be better off using a different birth control method. Your body will adjust to your new hormone levels after three months of consistently using your birth control. Changing your diet may help you lose weight and improve your overall health. Also, Pandia Health has come up with an algorithm based on age, BMI, race as a proxy for genetics, and your health history to minimize side effects. Westhoff 2007 had study discontinuation rates of 75% (DMPA-SC 104) and 79% (DMPA-IM 150). Of 16 studies, 5 had losses of 25% or more in at least one group. The other two RCTs reported the method of randomization and allocation concealment (Salem 1988; Sivin 1998). Three of the five RCTs did not have any information on randomization method or allocation concealment (WHO 1983; Ball 1991; Westhoff 2007). Duration of prospective follow up or retrospective data collection was six months to two years for 11 studies, while 5 studies lasted three years or more. Stretch marks change after weight loss and fade with time. Discover the power of non-scale victories and learn how these health improvements, unrelated to weight loss, can help motivate you on your wellness journey. Learn what health professionals say about the protein diet for weight loss. Get a comprehensive list of healthy and nutritious foods to help you kickstart your weight loss journey. Current scientific knowledge doesn't give any evidence that the IUD will affect your weight or increase the risk of cervical, uterus or ovarian cancers. The Intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device that is placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Weight gain is listed as a side effect on the Marvelon patient information leaflet, but weight may also naturally fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. If you’re bloated because of the pill, you might see a higher number on the scale.