When women begin using hormonal birth control, they frequently worry about gaining weight.
However, when it comes to weight gain caused by the pill, we need to look at the science to separate fact from fiction.
Hormonal birth control is widely used by women all over the world, and not just to prevent unwanted pregnancy; many women use birth control to help regulate their menstruation and even control acne.
Although these hormonal interventions are frequently effective in resolving these issues, there is a risk involved.
By altering your hormonal environment, birth control affects one of your body's primary functions.
The most common question and concern among women is, "Does birth control cause me to gain weight?"
The research is not conclusive, and the causes are equally hazy.
The issue is that current research is contradictory; some women report gaining weight, while others report losing weight; this is why both are listed as known side effects in the product information for these contraceptives.
Weight gain in relation to birth control is frequently a temporary side effect caused by fluid retention rather than extra fat, and it subsides within 2-3 months.
It's also important to remember that people gain weight in general from young adulthood to middle age.
A four-month study of people who used birth control pills and were weighed every day revealed that pill users gained about 0.2 kg (0.44 lbs) during the first three weeks and then lost the same amount during the withdrawal bleed week.
Their weight remained constant from the start to the end of the four-month study.
So, what factors contribute to temporary weight gain?
Water retention, which gives the appearance of weight gain, is a common side effect of hormonal birth control, particularly when high synthetic estrogen levels are used.
As a result, hormonal contraceptives could theoretically contribute to weight gain, but only through fluid retention.
Some women report changes in their appetite, which lead to increased calorie consumption and, as a result, weight gain.
There is no conclusive evidence, however, that birth control is a direct cause.
Weight gain is also highly variable depending on the individual because each woman is genetically unique, has a different starting body fat percentage, and has a different hormonal profile.
While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of hormonal birth control on weight, most women's weight is unlikely to be affected significantly by birth control pills, vaginal rings, or contraceptive skin patches.