Do you gain weight on birth control pills?

If you’re considering taking birth control pills or already using them, chances are you’ve heard about the weight gain myth. The idea that popping those little hormonal tablets in your mouth can cause your jeans to feel tighter is a common concern among women worldwide.

But let’s face it nobody likes gaining extra pounds for no apparent reason. So, what’s the deal with birth control pill and weight gain? Does it actually happen or not? We’ll investigate this topic in more detail below.

What Are Birth Control Pills?

Before we dive into whether or not birth control pills lead to additional body mass, let’s refresh our memories about these popular contraceptives.

Birth control pills are synthetic hormones specifically designed to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation from occurring. They work by changing hormone levels in your body so that when the egg tries to travel down the fallopian tube, it has nowhere to go since there isn’t an egg waiting there.

There are many types of birth control pills available today, but some contain both estrogen and progestin while others only have one of these hormones. Hormonal contraceptives come in different forms besides oral tablets too such as patches, injections, rings etc

Myth or Reality: Does Birth Control Lead To Weight Gain?

Now that we know how contraceptive pills function let’s delve deeper into their possible impact on weight management:

Research Evidence

Several studies have examined whether there is a correlation between utilizing hormonal contraception and putting on excess kilos.

A meta-analysis published in ‘Contraception’ reviewed eight studies conducted over four decades which had investigated if progestin-containing methods like implants & Depo-Provera injection may prompt ‘significant changes’ in Body Mass Index(BMI).The study authors determined that while some study subjects put on anywhere from 2kg-5kg during their trial durations; however,the actual increase was generally just about 1kg on average per year.

On the other hand, a research review by ‘The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews’ concluded that certain types of birth control pills like Levonorgestrel &Norethisterone led to body weight reductions rather than gains.Meanwhile Contraceptive rings and patches showed neither an increase or decrease in BMI.

There are many variables to consider when it comes to linking contraceptives with expanding waistlines:

Genetics

One study found that women who possessed predisposition genes for obesity were more likely to gain weight from hormonal contraception.Methodology notwithstanding,it is theoretically possible that one’s heredity could influence metabolic shifts arising from BC pill usage enough as for some time periods-bodyweight increasing results.

Therefore if you come from a family tree where body fat accumulates easily, be aware this may have implications while using hormonal contraception. Nevertheless ,your genetics aren’t fixed responses; healthy diet routines & consistent exercise habits can dull their effect!

Existing Lifestyle Habits

Statistical surveys consistently demonstrate significant increases in adiposity among individuals who bore sedentary lifestyles (less)or fast food eating(less) predating contraceptive usage. Given those factors individually can cause weight gains periodically regardless of birth control use/skipping too, rationalizing bad health choices solely due to popping BC pill would be misplaced diagnosis at best!

So Is Weight Gain Really A Myth?
Overall evidence suggests claims of hormones such as estrogen or progestin causing expansion around abdominals ought not inflame undue paranoia.However seeing fluctuations particular during early months after commencing contraceptive therapy is possible – your period may manifest differently .Additionally those experiencing bloating/ fluid retention will exhibit higher mass values temporarily- the typical case has been upped slightly but nothing drastic.Looking long-term oftentimes even effective variations here tend rely upon numerous external-to-hormones minutiae.• How behaviors can alter post-birth control weight.

Side-Effects of Birth Control Pills

While the weight gain from the birth control conversation may boil down to hearsay, there are still some known side effects that bear consideration before taking them:

Blood Clotting

There’s a small risk associated with hormonal contraceptive pills & blood clot formation.Plus points? It is possible for users going on these medications become relatively less chances susceptible than those not using them.

Migraines

Some people have reported that birth control pills can trigger migraines;however,others swear by it as symptomatic relief!Being attuned to physiological changes may ultimately be more helpful in solving this dilemma if ever encounter pill-related migraine complications while using it then consult a specialist promptly.

Mood Swings

Depression can vary differently based person-to-person even without hormone influences but an interesting trend noticed is certain types individuals may notice mood ‘dips'(depression or just low feelings) when beginning new types of hormonal contraceptives.However such instances tend to decrease within 3 cycles of usage.Reserving awareness for months longer than 180 days (6 periods) worth if consistent mood drops occurions remains wise.

Verdict

The bottom line: There currently isn’t any solid scientific backing behind assertions implying contraceptive intake leads to extra pounds around your belly or thighs.Yet keeping yourself informed about bodily changes arising from various kinds BC should always be monitored alongside worthwhile lifestyle choices so you stay healthy and comfortable!

Remember – a healthy body image does not lie entirely on numbers flashing up at the weighing scales. The confidence boost received by knowing effective contraception is working smoothly will make you feel like 10,000 dollars!!!

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