Medically Reviewed by Traci C. Johnson, MD on February 07, 2021 It’s rare, but some women do gain a little bit of weight when they start
taking birth control pills. It’s often a temporary side effect that’s due to fluid retention, not extra fat. A review of 44 studies showed no evidence that birth control pills caused weight gain in most women. And, as with other
possible side effects of the pill, any weight gain is generally minimal and goes away within 2 to 3 months. If you happen to be one of those few women who put on pounds, talk to your doctor. They may suggest a different type of birth control pill. Why? Because all pills are not the same. There are two types: Most birth control pills use the same type of estrogen in various doses, but each brand of pill may offer a slightly different type of the hormone progestin, at different doses. The result? Potentially different side effects. Whichever one you try, give it at least 3 months for any side effects to pass. When birth control pills were first sold in the early 1960s, they had very high levels of estrogen and progestin. Estrogen in high doses can cause weight gain due
to increased appetite and fluid retention. So, 50 years ago they may indeed have caused weight gain in some women. Current birth control pills have much lower amounts of hormones. So weight gain is not likely to be a problem. Think birth control is to blame for that, um, enhancement to your booty and bra size? It’s most likely water weight from your body adjusting to new hormones. It should go away after a few months. And if it’s more than a few pounds, it may be due to lifestyle changes. Most studies don’t support the theory that birth control causes weight gain (with the exception of the Depo-Provera shot). But weight gain is listed as a potential side effect of most types of hormonal birth control. Maybe… but it’s not likely. Research points out three ways women may gain weight from hormonal birth control:
These are only theoretical scenarios for someone on birth control — they haven’t been proven. It’s tricky research to conduct, since women tend to gain weight as they age, which makes it difficult to pinpoint a direct link to birth control. Here’s what we do know: A 2016 review of research on progestin-only birth control found that half the studies were “low-quality.” On average, women in the studies gained less than 4.4 pounds within 6 to 12 months of starting a progestin-only pill. The researchers also looked at combined progestin and estrogen pills and concluded there wasn’t enough evidence that birth control pills cause weight gain. In a 2019 study comparing weight gain in women using hormonal vs. nonhormonal methods, researchers found enough data to suggest hormonal birth control could lead to weight gain. But they concluded that more research is needed. Still not convinced? There’s moreHigh levels of estrogen can lead to water retention and increased hunger (major side-eye to the OG birth control pills of the 1950s and ’60s). The very first birth control pill, released in 1960, had 150 micrograms of estrogen. But most pills now aren’t high enough in estrogen to cause weight gain (they contain only 20 to 50 micrograms of estrogen). Most studies that look at the relationship between weight gain and hormonal birth control methods don’t support the weight gain claims. Most of the time, women gain water weight but not body fat. The “Depo shot” or “birth control shot” is an injectable birth control method that doesn’t require you to remember to take a pill every day. Yay! The not-so-yay aspect is that this form of birth control causes many women to gain weight. It’s one of the most common reasons women stop using the shot. And we’re not just talking about water weight. A 2009 study revealed that some women using the injection added a few pounds, while others went up a few dress sizes. Not every woman experienced weight gain, though. Average increases for women on the Depo shot:
Another 2009 study found that who weren’t considered clinically obese before receiving the injection were more likely to gain weight than women who were. And those using the Depo shot who did not have obesity at the start of the study were more likely to have obesity after 3 years than those using nonhormonal methods. The precise causes of weight gain are unclear. One possibility is that the shot causes an increase in appetite and water retention, similar to the effects of steroids. It’s also possible that the shot reduces estrogen levels too much, resulting in weight gain similar to what happens to women nearing menopause. Birth control implants release a synthetic form of progesterone called progestin. It prevents ovulation and thickens your cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach an egg. A 2016 study found no connection between birth control implants and weight gain. But it also suggested that being told to expect potential weight gain led women to think they had gained weight, even if they hadn’t. The power of suggestion! It’s more likely that you’ve gained weight for a reason other than hormonal birth control. Don’t worry — this is a judgment-free zone. Consider one of these common culprits: Dietary changesIs it Shamrock Shake season? Are you snacking later in the day due to stress? It’s easy to overlook dietary changes and not realize how much you might be eating out or snacking. The calories can add up quickly. Try monitoring your daily calorie intake with an app. MetabolismYour metabolism is your body’s natural calorie-burning buddy, and it can change as you age or during stressful times. When you’re stressed, your body produces cortisol, the stress hormone. Increased cortisol levels boost insulin production and lower your blood sugar, resulting in cravings for foods with sugar and fat. If your metabolism is behind the gains, a simple trip to the doctor’s office for blood work could help you get to the root of it. In addition to weight gain, signs of a slow metabolism include:
Changes in routinesMaybe you decided to drop your gym membership and haven’t stuck to the at-home workouts you were planning on. Or maybe you switched jobs and you’re sitting at a desk more than you’re used to. Sitting for too long can lead to weight gain and other issues. Try wearing an activity tracker like a FitBit. It’ll remind you when it’s time to move. Changes at the gymSo you’ve been rocking it at the gym, but the scale shows you’ve gained weight. WTF? If you’ve been lifting weights, you’re probably increasing your muscle mass. That means you probably feel the same size and your clothes still fit, but you weigh more. Step away from the scale. It can’t tell the difference between fat and rock-solid #gainz. Regardless of what’s caused your weight gain, here are some tips for getting back to your familiar self. Give it some timeIf birth control is the culprit, remember that the weight gain is most likely the result of your body hanging on too tightly to water. Your body will adjust to the hormones over time. Hydrate like a champDrinking water can reduce bloating. On your next trip to the bathroom, inspect your urine’s color. If it’s light or pale yellow, then your hydration is A+. If it’s dark yellow, it’s time to chug some H2O. Count caloriesIf you’ve been having more dates with Ben and Jerry lately, it may be helpful to count calories for a while to shed the pints… er, pounds. Amp up nutritionNot all foods are created equal. Calorie counting is one way to be more in-tune with what you’re ingesting, but making healthy food swaps can make a difference too. Some foods are more nutrient-dense, which means you’ll naturally feel full longer after eating them. Skip added sugars, salt, and saturated fats. The less processed the food, the better. Boost exerciseThe CDC recommends getting 150 minutes of exercise every week. That may seem like a lot if your favorite hobby is binge-watching “The Mandalorian.” But it’s only 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Some physical activity is better than none. Just get moving. If you’re up for a challenge, try dancing, swimming, running, or Zumba or check out a local alternative fitness studio to try an aerial class. Hit snoozeThere are major benefits to getting a good night of sleep. But you may not realize that not getting enough sleep can increase your chances of gaining weight. Research has shown lack of sleep alters chemical signals that affect your appetite and your brain’s reward system. Change pillsIf you’re concerned that your birth control pills are affecting your weight, you can always talk to your doctor. There may be a different pill or another method that would be better for you. These are some potential side effects of hormonal birth control:
Implant-specific side effects:
There are a variety of birth control methods, but most use the same hormones as birth control pills. Some options to discuss with your doctor:
Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, and Liletta are popular hormonal IUD brands (not contestants on “The Bachelor”). Nonhormonal birth control options include:
Some minor water retention is common in the early weeks and months of using a new hormonal birth control method, but most methods don’t cause significant weight gain. If you’re taking the Depo-Provera shot, weight gain is a more likely side effect. Chat with your doctor if you’re unhappy with your contraceptive method for any reason. Does weight gain from birth control go away?A review of 44 studies showed no evidence that birth control pills caused weight gain in most women. And, as with other possible side effects of the pill, any weight gain is generally minimal and goes away within 2 to 3 months. If you happen to be one of those few women who put on pounds, talk to your doctor.
Why does birth control make me gain weight?In fact, most hormonal birth control methods don't cause weight gain. It's possible that the progestin and estrogen in hormonal methods can cause your body to store excess water, which can lead to feelings of bloating. But this isn't true weight gain because it's not an increase in body fat.
Why can't I lose weight on birth control?Two crucial factors play a role here. First, you may be gaining weight due to water retention rather than fat. Secondly, the hormones in your birth control may have altered your metabolism. When this happens, you may gain weight even if your diet and exercise routines haven't changed.
How do you get off birth control weight?Mindful eating, cycle syncing one's diet and exercise, and prioritizing good nutrition, good sleep, and stress management are all good ways to get your body–and your weight–back on track after getting off the Pill.
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How to stop weight gain on birth control
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