Many people wonder if using hormonal contraceptives can lead to weight gain, and women in particular are concerned about how certain pills or contraceptives will affect their appearance.
To clarify the concern among women: Does birth control cause weight gain? the study There are mixed results regarding whether pills, shots, implants, IUDs, or other methods directly cause weight gain. Because hormones interact differently with the body, the effects vary greatly from person to person.
However, there is debate as to whether contraception is appropriate for weight gain. Many people still use it to prevent pregnancy because the ingredients help eliminate pregnancy. This comprehensive guide details the science, benefits, and risks associated with weight gain from birth control, giving you the space to make informed choices.
Can taking birth control pills make you gain weight?
Research has confirmed that oral contraceptives cannot be weighed. My previous doctor didn’t recommend oral contraceptives because they could cause bleeding.
However, you may experience some weight gain after taking oral contraceptives. In addition, one of the temporary side effects may be due to fluid retention. Moreover, weight gain is minimal and disappears within 2-3 months. Undoubtedly, not all drugs have the same results.
Due to extensive research and experimentation, doctors have not accepted the use of oral contraceptives for weight gain purposes. However, once he starts using the pill, it will take him three months for the side effects to go away.
Why does contraception make you gain weight?
Oral contraceptives generally help prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. However, it also has the effect of promoting menstruation.
There are several reasons why some women gain weight when using hormonal contraceptive methods such as the pill, IUD, implant, or injection.
- It has the effect of increasing appetite. In contraception, hormones (particularly progesterone and estrogen imbalances) can stimulate hunger cues. As a result, some women feel hungry and eat more, resulting in weight gain.
- Metabolism may change.Studies have shown that estrogen affects leptin levels. Leptin is a satiety hormone that makes you feel full. Some women become less sensitive to leptin while on birth control. This means that the woman’s brain does not receive the signal that she is full and should stop eating.
- Water retention: Synthetic hormones can affect electrolyte balance and cause sodium and water retention. This is not an increase in body fat, but it does appear as temporary extra pounds.
- Stimulation of fat cells: Scientists believe that female reproductive hormones activate certain receptors, such as cortisol, which causes fat accumulation around the thighs, buttocks, and hips. In other words, the same hormones that prevent you from getting pregnant tell your body to hold on to fat.
according to NIH (National Institutes of Health), keep in mind that oral contraceptives do not necessarily cause weight gain in all women. Some people don’t see any change or even feel like they’re losing weight. However, these effects explain why weight gain has been recorded in some contraceptive users. Working closely with your doctor can help determine whether metabolic effects will appear.
How much weight will I gain if I use oral contraceptives?
Generally, weight gain varies depending on the brand of pill. However, the dose of hormones you get from each oral contraceptive pill may be different. Many users say they have gained 4 pounds. Some people complain of not gaining weight even after taking oral contraceptives.
Be sure to take one oral contraceptive pill for 28 days (4 weeks). Start drinking the new pack immediately after you finish the old one. However, if you forget to take the pill, pregnancy can occur without any prompting.
The best contraception to prevent weight gain
Using birth control to avoid weight gain is a great way to keep calories in check. However, you need to be clear about the results from your pharmacist.
Learn about the best birth control methods to prevent weight gain below.
1. Barrier method
Although simple, barrier methods can be used to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. This is a physical method that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. Moreover, this technique is not very effective in most cases. This method does not involve hormones, so you won’t notice any obvious weight changes.
2. Hormonal contraception
Hormonal contraceptives use synthetic hormones to delay ovulation. Due to its low estrogen content, consumption will not cause significant weight gain. These are available in the form of pills, patches, shots, and vaginal rings. Be sure to take it regularly to prevent pregnancy.
Also Read: Nexplanon Hormone Explained: What You Need to Know
3. Long-acting reversible contraception
In some cases, implants or intrauterine devices may be considered. Consult a medical professional to insert the same. In addition, after using this method of contraception, it is recommended to exercise regularly and stay hydrated to maintain a moderate weight. However, you can also purchase a hormonal or copper IUD. You need to know that it is safe to insert.
4. Emergency
The appropriate time to use emergency contraception is when you have unprotected sex. It is available in pill form, but you can also use an IUD, which is made of copper.of study To avoid weight gain from oral contraceptives, women should do about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day. If necessary, visit a nutritionist for this purpose.
What are other possible causes of weight gain?
There are many causes of weight gain. It may be due to hormonal issues, pre-existing health conditions, or uncontrollable appetite. Therefore, you should not think that oral contraceptives alone will cause you to gain weight.
Let’s look at other possible causes of weight gain.
1. Dietary changes: Dietary changes are one of the important reasons for weight gain. Increased caloric intake can lead to weight gain and is the number one cause of obesity worldwide. See your doctor to find out about your daily calorie consumption. Monitoring your food intake can help you maintain your current weight and set future weight loss goals.
2. Metabolic changes:Doctors claim that metabolism may be the biggest cause of weight gain. However, if you do not eat a diet appropriate for your age, your metabolism may not function properly. Ask your doctor for a metabolic blood test to see if you have any medical conditions that affect your body’s ability to burn calories.
3. Daily changes:There’s no denying that adopting a sedentary lifestyle can cause you to gain more weight than usual. Avoid sitting for long periods of time to make a difference in weight gain.
Four. Gym changes:If you are into weightlifting or muscle-building exercises, your weight may increase on a certain scale. Jeans may be as tight as before, but the overall weight may increase.
conclusion
After taking oral contraceptives, many people experience unwanted weight gain, and everyone tries to use home remedies and medications. However, it may not be helpful if you already have any medical conditions. If you’re still gaining weight, you may wonder if you’re having the right lifestyle and diet. Therefore, it is mandatory to consult a gynecologist for this purpose.
Please calm down because this happens to everyone. Changes in daily life and lifestyle habits have a major impact on our health. It is not a good idea to continue taking birth control pills without a doctor’s prescription. However, if you notice excessive weight gain, please feel free to contact her Credihealth health experts.
