Do any forms of contraception cause weight gain?

From the Guidelines

Some forms of birth control, particularly those containing progestin, such as the Depo-Provera shot, can cause weight gain in certain individuals, with potential weight gain ranging from 5-10 pounds over a year. According to the most recent study 1, the weight impact of hormonal contraceptives varies widely among individuals, and the effect of different progestins and estrogen doses on weight is not well understood. However, it is known that medroxyprogesterone acetate, a progestin-only contraceptive, has been associated with weight gain, as reported in a Cochrane review cited in 1.

Key Points to Consider

• Hormonal methods like the Depo-Provera shot are most commonly associated with weight gain
• Birth control pills containing estrogen and progestin may cause temporary water retention or slight weight gain in some users, but research suggests this is typically minimal 1
• Progestin-only pills and hormonal IUDs like Mirena generally have fewer weight-related side effects
• Non-hormonal methods such as copper IUDs, condoms, diaphragms, and fertility awareness methods do not cause weight gain
• The weight changes associated with hormonal contraceptives are primarily due to fluid retention, increased appetite, or changes in metabolism caused by the hormones

Recommendations for Clinicians

• Discuss options with patients to identify the most suitable birth control method based on individual health factors and preferences
• Consider the potential weight impact of different hormonal contraceptives when selecting a method
• Monitor patients for weight changes and adjust the contraceptive method as needed
• Provide counseling on healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, to help mitigate potential weight gain associated with hormonal contraceptives, as suggested in 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Change in weight (increase or decrease)

• Weight change is listed as an adverse reaction associated with the use of oral contraceptives, specifically ethinyl estradiol.
• The drug label does not provide further information on the frequency or severity of weight gain, but it does indicate that both weight increase and weight decrease have been reported.
• Based on this information, it can be concluded that some forms of birth control, including oral contraceptives like ethinyl estradiol, may cause weight gain in some individuals 2.

From the Research

Forms of Birth Control and Weight Gain

• Some forms of birth control have been associated with weight gain, particularly those that contain hormones such as estrogen and progestin 3.
• The use of hormonal contraceptives, such as combination oral contraceptive pills, has been linked to an increased risk of fatty weight gain 3.
• However, not all forms of birth control are associated with weight gain, and some may even have a neutral or positive effect on weight 4.

Specific Forms of Birth Control and Weight Gain

• Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), a type of injectable contraceptive, has been linked to an increased risk of weight gain, particularly fatty weight gain 3.
• Combination oral contraceptive pills, which contain both estrogen and progestin, may also contribute to weight gain, although the evidence is not consistent across all studies 4, 3.
• Other forms of birth control, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants, do not contain hormones and are not typically associated with weight gain 5.

Importance of Individual Factors

• It is essential to consider individual factors, such as lifestyle and overall health, when evaluating the potential effects of birth control on weight 5, 6.
• Women should discuss their concerns and medical history with their healthcare provider to determine the best form of birth control for their individual needs 5, 7.