Can birth control affect weight loss?
Many women do not expect their choice of birth control to affect their weight loss, but it is a crucial consideration when deciding what method to use. The relationship between birth control and weight loss is complicated, with many variables at play. In this article we’ll explore the nuances of how birth control affects one’s diet and exercise regimen.
Introduction
In today’s society where life comes at us like a fastball sometimes, people are appreciative of anything that makes things more convenient. This sentiment has increased the usage of contraception, which although helpful in preventing pregnancy may lead to unwanted side effects such as fluctuations in bodyweight among others.
Hormonal Contraceptives
Hormonal contraceptives work by releasing synthetic hormones into the user’s system. These hormones prevent ovulation through various mechanisms including thickening cervical mucus, altering sperm migration patterns or thinning vaginal walls to name a few. They include pills, patches, rings or injections all administering varying levels of estrogen (and progestin for some types) each bearing its own potpourri chemical composition.
Does Estrogen Cause Weight Gain?
The relationship between weight gain and hormonal contraceptives involves several factors with most studies concentrating on its estrogen content.
Estrogen may cause water retention resulting in bloating making it appear like there’s been an increase in body mass. Luckily however this doesn’t always translate into long term fat gain , meaning any accrued pounds tend only last temporarily unless additional steps aren’t taken e.g., lifestyle changes.
Progestin Only Products
Some forms such as Nexplanon release solely progestin hormones while intrauterine devices commonly utilize copper i.e., non-hormonal escalation means so incur no effect whatsoever regarding cutting or adding off accumulated pounds.
Progestins interacts differently than estrogen; research suggests they could increase central fat deposition especially on the stomach and hips, increase appetite, cause insulin resistance or remove energy through their soporific side effects
How Hormonal Contraceptives Affect Weight Loss
The relationship between birth control and weight loss is not that clear cut. Some women experience temporary water retention due to estrogenic levels in the pills hence an apparent gain of weight but won’t necessarily gain body mass for long periods . Bearing in mind external factors such as social status, dietary intake, level of physical activity and sometimes demographical features may also obscure accurate results.
Of note is hormonal contraception does not release calories into a user’s system. Merely taking contraceptives doesn’t guarantee additional pounds will be gained.
Non-Hormonal Birth Control
For many individuals who wish they could prepare more concise plans regarding their day-to-day lives, non-hormonal contraceptive alternatives appear ideal – given zero unwanted effect concerning changes to one’s diet exercise routine albeit different mechanisms signaling cells/ anatomical structures among others.
These include condoms which act as a barrier during coitus preventing fertilization by avoiding sperm-oocyte contact, cervical caps/barriers which are conceptive barriers locking sperms from egg cells reaching them with better efficiency than plain spermicides, copper implantations offering protection for close to 10years among others.
Birth Control Myths
With so much confusion surrounding the topic it’s no wonder there are popular myths circulating about birth control.
Myth: All Forms Of Contraception Lead To An Increase In Bodyweight
It’s false every form undergoes scrutiny thus conclusive data has been obtained via research findings contradicting this claim; some users said experiences can indicate only minimal (1-2kgs) fluctuation accompanied by limited statistical significance barely indicating correlation patterns at all. Also offshoot gains have generally related improved well-being such as lighter menstruation cycles or overall decreased premenstrual syndrome presentation, affirming what we suspected always “Correlation is not causation.”
Myth: Hormonal Contraception Leads To Snack Cravings
Hormonal contraceptives tend to suppress appetite hence, snacking can be reduced. However some studies also indicate that a small percentage (less than 5%) of women may have an increased appetite or cravings due to hormonal contraceptive use.
Some users have noted bloating which could be misconstrued as weight gain . The feeling lasts only for the first few weeks after beginning usage and should subside thereafter.
Myth: Shifting Methodology Of Prescription Confers No Detrimental Changes
It’s true switching to or from different birth Control methods confers particular shortcomings. Some women note side effects taking up months before finally adjusting into normalcy thus one need take precautions like going through their doctor’s guidance prior any such transitions
Strategies For Losing Weight While Using Birth Control
If you’re interested in losing weight while using birth control, there are several strategies that might help.
Exercise Makes Up For Shortcomings
Physical activity helps boost metabolism speeding weight loss progress among other benefits regardless of whether contraception has been used or otherwise.
Eat A Healthy Balanced Diet
Consuming adequate amounts fruits vegetables whole grains and protein sources can significantly lower calorie count eatery habits reducing hunger pangs bolstering fat burn rate within the user,
Avoid Fast Foods filled With Premade Heavy Oils Especially When Hungry more often these offer lacking nutrients harbour much calories making it near impossible ensuring bodily volume reduction goals during meals.
Eating From Smaller Plates Can Trick Your Brain Into Thinking You’re Full More Quickly After eating slower not indulging fully will force ‘Satiety’ signals emanate earlier than usual. Additionally staying hydrated drinking water between and with meals increases fullness heightening weight loss progress.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol possesses a high caloric count, therefore extended periods indulging frequently increase the number of calories ingested daily reducing optimal health outcomes. General recommendation isn’t to drink no more than one drink per day.
Work With A Healthcare Provider
Individuals seeking medically administered weight treatments and behavioural interventions (physical or counselling) from time allowing self-monitoring reinforced by periodic in-person checkups with qualified medical personnel possess better chances at avoiding certain risks associated with birth control hindering bodyweight management.
Conclusion
While hormonal contraceptives do have some impact on weight gain, it’s important to remember that individual lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise are also major factors in achieving healthy bodyweight goals.
Non-hormonal contraceptives like condoms can be equally effective without the added complication of side effects but may not offer total protection against pregnancy when used incorrectly. It is always imperative for women to consult vitally- certified healthcare providers for contraceptive advice fit specifically for their own bodies based on various integral factors – including education level, age bracket among other personal features.