You may have heard the old wives’ tale that birth control pills can make you gain weight, but is there any truth to this? The answer isn’t quite so simple. While some people do experience weight gain while taking birth control, it’s important to understand why and how this occurs before making any sweeping generalizations about it. In this blog post, we’ll look at the science behind birth control pills and weight gain so you can better understand how it works.
How Does Birth Control Affect Your Weight?
The hormone levels in birth control pills can play a role in how our bodies metabolize food and store fat. Studies have found that when women take birth control pills, their bodies may produce a higher amount of estrogen and progestin. This can lead to an increase in water retention and bloating, which can make a person appear heavier even if they haven’t actually gained weight. Additionally, some types of birth control pills have been found to cause the body to produce more insulin than usual. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body process sugar, but it can also cause an increase in fat storage.
Causes of Weight Gain While Taking Birth Control
Certain types of birth control pills have been found to be more likely to cause an increase in weight than others. For example, combination birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin have been found to be more likely to cause weight gain than those that contain only progestin. Additionally, longer-acting forms of birth control, like the implant or shot, can also increase a person’s risk of gaining weight. Depo-Provera is the biggest issues with weight gain and is associated with a 15-pound average weight gain. I do not recommend this type of birth control for women with PCOS or weight issues due to this side effect.
It’s important to note that while some people may gain weight while taking birth control, this doesn’t mean that everyone will. At the same time, there is no proper evidence to suggest that birth control makes people gain weight. The research is still inconclusive, and it’s likely that any weight gain experienced while taking birth control is due to other factors, such as lifestyle choices, hormonal changes, and genetics. We see usually about 1 pound per year of life with using birth control for weight gain that is also correlated to those who use no birth control.
However, that doesn’t mean the birth control pills are totally harmless. Just as I mentioned before, certain types of birth control pills can cause water retention and an increase in fat storage. It’s important to be aware of the potential side affects you may experience while taking birth control so that you can discuss them with your doctor and make an informed decision. For women with PCOS, birth control can be helpful but can also mask your symptoms rather than treating the etiology of the issue.
Strategies to Avoid Unwanted Weight Gain
It’s important to understand that weight gain while taking birth control pills could be due to a variety of factors, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t steps you can take to prevent it. Here are some strategies for avoiding weight gain while taking birth control:
- Eat healthy meals and snacks that are high in protein, fiber, and other nutrients.
- Avoid processed foods that are full of added sugars and unhealthy fats.
- Exercise regularly to keep your metabolism up and burn calories.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and reduce bloating.
- Talk to your doctor about switching birth control pills if you are experiencing any side effects.
Remember, weight gain is not an inevitable side effect of taking birth control. It’s important to pay attention to your body and make sure you are eating healthfully and exercising regularly. The changes that happened due to birth control pills could be temporary, so it’s important to give your body time to adjust and make sure you are eating in a way that is supportive of your health.
I know being a woman isn’t always easy, there are many changes we go through, such as weight gain due to pregnancy, hormonal changes, and medications. Our body is constantly adapting, and we need to be aware of how this can affect our health. By understanding your body better and taking steps to protect it, you can make sure that you are making the best decisions for your health and well-being.
To Conclude
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that weight gain due to birth control pills is not a sure thing. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the possible side effects and take steps to prevent them. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and drinking plenty of water are all great ways to avoid unwanted weight gain. In case you’re looking for a holistic approach to women’s weight loss in Spokane, I’m here to help. You can book a FREE consultation with me. Together, we’ll find the best approach for you and start working towards your weight loss goals today.
