From the Guidelines
To avoid weight gain with oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), consider low-dose monophasic pills containing newer generation progestins like Yaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol), Yasmin, or Ortho-Cyclen (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) as they have minimal androgenic effects and may help prevent fluid retention and bloating 1. When choosing an OCP to minimize weight gain, it's essential to consider the type of progestin and estrogen dose. Newer generation progestins like drospirenone have anti-androgenic properties, which can help reduce water retention and bloating.
- Low-dose monophasic pills with 20-35 mcg of estrogen are recommended as they have minimal metabolic effects and are less likely to cause weight gain 1.
- Drospirenone-containing pills like Yaz may be particularly beneficial due to their anti-androgenic and mild diuretic properties, which can help prevent fluid retention and bloating.
- It's also important to note that individual responses to hormonal contraceptives can vary based on unique body chemistry, so if significant weight gain is experienced with one formulation, discussing switching to a different pill with a healthcare provider may be necessary. Some key points to keep in mind when using OCPs to minimize weight gain include:
- Maintaining consistent physical activity
- Following a balanced diet
- Staying hydrated
- Taking the pill at the same time each day By considering these factors and choosing the right OCP, women can minimize their risk of weight gain and maintain a healthy weight while using hormonal contraceptives 1.
From the Research
Oral Contraceptives and Weight Gain
- The relationship between oral contraceptives and weight gain is complex, and research suggests that there is no significant causal link between the two 2.
- A study comparing the effects of drospirenone and levonorgestrel on weight found no significant difference in weight change between the two groups 3.
- Another study found that body weight was maintained within +/- 2kg in most women who received ethinylestradiol/drospirenone for up to 26 cycles 4.
Specific Oral Contraceptives and Weight Gain
- Ethinylestradiol/drospirenone (Yasmin) has been shown to have a neutral effect on weight, with most women maintaining their body weight within +/- 2kg 4.
- Estetrol-drospirenone combination oral contraceptive has been found to be effective and safe, with a low rate of adverse events, including weight-related issues 5.
- A study comparing drospirenone-containing COC with desogestrel-containing COC in women with polycystic ovary syndrome found that the drospirenone group had a significant fall in BMI and improved lipid profile 6.
Key Findings
- There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that oral contraceptives cause significant weight gain 2.
- Different oral contraceptives may have varying effects on weight, but the overall impact is generally neutral 4, 3.
- Some oral contraceptives, such as estetrol-drospirenone, may have a favorable profile in terms of weight and other health outcomes 5, 6.