Does the Contraceptive Pill Cause Weight Gain? [What Studies Show]

Weight gain is one of the most common concerns people have when starting hormonal contraception. But does the contraceptive pill cause weight gain, or is this a long-standing myth?

In this evidence-based guide, we’ll explore what the research says about the contraceptive pill (as well as other forms of contraception) and weight gain, so read on!

Does Birth Control Make You Gain Weight? [Short Answer]

No. There is no conclusive scientific evidence to prove that birth control can cause weight gain.

The only contraceptive method associated with weight gain is the contraceptive injection.

However, let’s examine the evidence in more detail.

Can Contraceptive Pills (Combined & Mini Pill) Make You Gain Weight?

Multiple studies have shown that neither the combined pill nor the mini pill can make you gain weight:

• A 2014 study (Journal of Women’s Health) found no link between combined contraceptives (ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel) and weight gain (in both normal weight and obese women).
• A 2014 review published in the Cochrane Library found no major effect of combination contraceptives on weight.
• A 2016 literature review found limited evidence of change in weight with use of mini pills. However, according to the researchers, the majority of the studies examined had low-quality evidence.

Read also: What Is The Combined Contraceptive Pill? [Complete Guide].

Can Other Forms of Birth Control Make You Gain Weight?

Does the Contraceptive Implant Cause Weight Gain?

There is no evidence showing a link between the use of implants and weight gain:

• A 2013 study found no association between the use of the ENG implant and weight gain in the first 12 months of use.
• Another 2016 study published in Obstetrics & Gynaecology found no evidence of weight gain from short-term implant use.

Does the Birth Control Patch Cause Weight Gain?

There is currently no evidence that contraceptive patches can make you put on weight.

Can the Contraceptive Injection Cause Weight Gain?

The contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera, Sayana Press, Noristerat) is the only contraceptive method that has been associated with weight gain:

• A 2019 study found that Depo-Provera users had significant weight gain (and a significant increase in BMI).
• A 2009 study found a significant increase in weight and body fat in DMPA users.

Read also: What Is the Contraceptive Injection? [Everything You Should Know].

Can Birth Control Make You Lose Weight?

No specific contraceptive method can promote weight loss. However, Yasmin, a combined contraceptive pill, lists body weight changes (along with fluid retention changes) as one of its uncommon side effects.

Yasmin contains drospirenone (a synthetic progestin), which acts like a diuretic and may reduce water retention. This means that it may slightly reduce your body weight, but it’s not true fat loss.

Factors that May Contribute to Weight Changes When on Contraception

If you notice weight changes while using hormonal contraception, it’s important to remember that weight fluctuation is rarely caused by one factor alone. Several variables may contribute:

• Natural hormonal fluctuations (your body may respond to hormonal shifts, which can affect fluid balance or appetite)
• Water retention
• Age and metabolic changes (metabolism naturally slows over time)
• Lifestyle habits (diet quality, portion sizes, alcohol intake, physical activity, etc.)
• Stress levels (high stress levels can influence appetite)
• Sleep quality (poor sleep can disrupt hunger hormones such as ghrelin and leptin)
• Natural cycle changes

How to Manage Weight on Birth Control [4 Tips]

While there is no evidence proving an association between contraception and weight gain, many people report this problem.

So, here are some useful tips to help you manage your body weight successfully when on birth control:

1. Focus on a Healthy Diet

Include in your diet:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Lean proteins
• Whole grains

Avoid:

• Processed foods, like burgers, bacon, sausages, etc.
• Sugary foods, such as cakes, pastries, biscuits, chocolate, ice cream, etc.

Read also: What Foods Help with Weight Loss? [& What to Avoid].

2. Exercise Regularly

Regular movement supports metabolism, muscle mass and mood. Combine strength training with cardio, such as brisk walking, running, or swimming, for at least 150 minutes a week.

3. Manage Stress Levels

Stress can increase cortisol, which may affect your appetite and make you eat more often.

That’s why you should seriously consider incorporating daily relaxation techniques to keep your hormone levels balanced. Such techniques include:

• Mindfulness and meditation
• Deep breaths
• Maintaining social connections
• Psychotherapy

You can also try supplements that can help you relieve stress. Read more in our guide to the best supplements for stress relief.

4. Improve Sleep Quality

Poor sleep disrupts hunger-regulating hormones (ghrelin and leptin), which may increase cravings. Aim for 7–9 hours of consistent sleep per night.

This can make a big difference in weight regulation.

Contraceptive Pills & Weight Gain — Final Thoughts

Summarising, scientific evidence shows that neither the contraceptive pill nor most other contraceptive methods (apart from the injection) cause significant long-term weight gain.

In other words, you don’t need to worry about unwanted weight gain preventing you from choosing the contraception that suits your lifestyle. So, you can start contraception with confidence.

Interested in finding the best contraceptive option for you? Take our online contraception test and get personalised advice from Weldricks’ expert pharmacists!