Birth Control Pills and Weight Gain

One of the most popular methods of contraception, oral contraceptives or birth control pills may surely be effective contraceptives, but they also have certain side effects. Many women who take birth control pills for preventing pregnancies complain of weight gain, considered as a major side effect of oral contraceptives, while on them and even after stopping their consumption. Research indicates that only certain types of birth control pills can cause weight gain and most of them do not cause any weight gain while on the pill. Here's some more information on weight gain and pregnancy.

Side Effects of Birth Control Pills: Weight Gain

Research indicates that weight gain while on the pill may be extremely less and weight gain may be indicated by fluid retention than actually putting on weight. A few women may have an increase in muscle weight, but this is very rare and mainly due to the effect of male hormones on the female body. Also, weight gain depends upon the birth control pill type and brand of birth control pills that you take. Research has proved that women who use the pill as a contraceptive, on an average gain 10lbs during the first year of its use. Birth control pills that contain high levels of estrogen can cause water retention in body that makes you look like you have put on weight. Combination birth control pills can cause an increase in the appetite of women due to which they eat more and put on weight. Depression that is caused by the pill can also cause women to eat more and put on a few pounds. Therefore, it can be concluded that whether you are on the pill or not, weight gain is common as you age and a few pounds that you put on is nothing to worry about.

Birth Control Pills that Don't Cause Weight Gain

If you are wondering about birth control pills that don't cause weight gain, then as mentioned, before, the ones that do not contain a high level of estrogen do not cause weight gain. Look for a FDA approved birth control pill that has the least side effects and has many other benefits. It is essential that you discuss the birth control pill options with your doctor before starting their consumption, as birth control pills may have various other risks apart from just weight gain. Your doctor will be able to guide you better on the possible side effects, including weight gain, of the different brands of birth control pills.

Stopping Birth Control Pills Weight Gain

Some women experience weight gain even after they are off the pill while some women have no such issues. Weight gain after stopping the pill depends upon your body and how well your body takes to the change of hormones and their levels. The weight gain may also be a temporary side effect of stopping birth control pills and you may reduce some weight after a few months.

Make sure you start their consumption after discussing it with your physician. Weight gain while on birth control or after stopping it is limited to some women and is not the case for all women. Hence, it should not be considered as a serious side-effect of the pill. Weight gain while on the pill can be prevented by exercising, eating healthy and following healthy lifestyle habits. However, weight gain that is a lot more than expected and is causing other side effects, should be discussed with the physician and other birth control options must be adopted.