Modern birth control pills don’t contain enough hormones to cause significant weight gain. If you’ve gained unexpected weight after starting the pill, it’s likely unrelated to your choice of contraception.
Most studies oppose the theory that hormonal birth control causes weight gain.
Still, some people do report gaining a few pounds in the weeks and months after starting the pill. This is often temporary and the result of water retention, not actual weight gain.
Here’s what you should know if you find yourself in this category.
Decades ago, hormonal birth control used much higher levels of synthetic estrogen and progesterone than modern methods.
Progesterone can increase appetite, while high levels of estrogen tend to increase fluid or water retention. Changes in hormonal birth control and advances in combination forms of the pill have addressed this issue.
The first birth control pill, developed in the 1950s, contained 150 micrograms (mcg) of the estrogen mestranol. Today’s pills only contain 20 to 50 mcg of estrogen, according to a
Study after study has examined the relationship between weight gain and today’s most popular forms of hormonal contraception, including the pill and the patch. The vast majority of these studies showed limited evidence that the pill is associated with weight gain.
Any weight gain that may occur in the first weeks or months after beginning birth control is typically due to water retention. It isn’t actual fat gain.
One literature review found that study participants gained, on average, fewer than 4.4 pounds after 6 or 12 months of using a progestin-only pill.
If you’re noticing weight gain and can’t pinpoint a reason, it could be due to one of the following common causes.
Changes in routine
If you’ve recently changed jobs and find yourself sedentary for most of your day, you may begin noticing a gradual weight gain. Sitting for large segments of your day can lead to weight gain, among other side effects.
Changes in diet
Are you eating out more than usual? Gradual increases in your calorie intake can lead to weight gain.
You might find it helpful to monitor your daily calorie consumption with a food-tracking app. This can help you maintain your current weight or lose weight if that’s your goal.
Changes in metabolism
Depending on your age, your metabolism could be contributing to changes in your weight and energy levels.
As you age, your metabolism can take a nosedive. Without your body’s natural calorie-burning ability, you may notice weight gain.
In some cases, metabolism changes could be related to an underlying condition. Consider making an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss your concerns.
They can conduct a physical assessment and metabolic blood work to help determine what’s affecting your body’s calorie-burning abilities.
Changes at the gym
Are you doing more weightlifting or muscle-building exercises? Increased muscle mass might explain the increase you see on the scale.
You’ll probably still feel the same size. Your jeans will fit the same as before or better, but the number you see on the scale may go up. This is because you’re building muscle.
Keep these tips in mind if you’ve noticed a change in your weight since you started the pill:
Give it time
It’s possible you’ll experience a slight increase in weight immediately after starting the pill. This is often the result of water retention.
It’s almost always temporary. With time, this water will disappear, and your weight should return to normal.
Move a little more
Getting frequent exercise and eating a balanced diet can only benefit you. Adopting a more active lifestyle may help you drop the few pounds you might gain after starting the pill.
Optum Now is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.
Consult with a healthcare professional or make an appointment with your prescribing physician if you’re concerned your weight gain may be related to your birth control.
All birth control pills are different, so it’s possible your healthcare professional can find one that has a lower dose of estrogen and doesn’t affect your appetite or your weight.
If you don’t like that option, you can keep trying others until you find something that better suits your needs.