Do birth control pills cause weight gain?

health

Do birth control pills cause weight gain?

By Alpro Pharmacy

August 19, 2022

One of the common misconceptions that most women have is birth control pills causing weight gain. Studies have shown that there are minimal effect and association between birth control pill and weight gain—if it even exists at all. The oestrogen in birth control pills does affect fat (adipose) cells, making them larger but not more. Women might be retaining more fluid, making them feel as though they’ve gained weight, particularly in the breasts, hips and thighs.

Putting on weight may be a major concern when you are considering birth control pills especially if you have heard stories of friends experiencing the same.

However, research hasn’t established any relationship between these pills and weight gain.

In fact, the current generation of birth control pills that use lower doses of hormones and contain drospirenone (a type of progestin), could help reduce water retention associated with the menstrual cycle

Take control of your reproductive life

There are many different types of birth control pills available in Malaysia, but each type comes with its own benefits and effects. Discuss with your doctor to find the right contraceptive pill for you.