- No one knows for sure if hormonal birth control makes you gain or lose weight. Many studies are not good enough or clear enough to prove this. But some people may feel bloated or hungry because of the estrogen in some hormonal methods¹².
- There is also no birth control that helps you lose weight. You may only feel lighter if you have water in your body and use a contraceptive that makes you pee more¹.
- The best kind of birth control for your weight depends on what you like, your health, and your lifestyle. Some general tips are¹²:
- Barrier methods, like condoms and diaphragms, do not change your hormones or weight. They stop sperm from getting into the uterus. But they are not as good as hormonal methods and may need more spermicide or lubricant.
- The copper IUD, also called ParaGard, is a nonhormonal device that can stay in your body for up to 10 years. It does not change your weight, but it may make your periods heavier and more painful for some people.
- Combination pills, which have both estrogen and progestin, may make you feel bloated or hungry for some people, especially at first. But these feelings usually go away after a while. A lower amount of estrogen may help with these feelings. Some examples of low-estrogen combination pills are Yasmin, Yaz, and Loestrin.
- Progestin-only pills, also called mini-pills, do not have estrogen and may be good for people who cannot take estrogen or have more chance of blood clots, stroke, or heart disease. But they may make your periods irregular, your skin break out, or your mood change for some people. They also need more careful timing than combination pills. Some examples of progestin-only pills are Micronor, Camila, and Norethindrone.
- The birth control shot, also called Depo-Provera, is a hormonal shot that lasts for 3 months. It has progestin and may make you gain weight for some people, especially in the first year. But this may be because of eating more rather than the shot itself. The shot may also make your bones weaker, your periods irregular, or your sex drive lower for some people.
- The birth control implant, also called Nexplanon, is a hormonal stick that goes under the skin of your upper arm. It lasts for up to 5 years and has progestin. It does not change your weight, but it may make your periods irregular, your skin break out, or your mood change for some people.
- The birth control ring, also called NuvaRing, is a hormonal thing that goes into your vagina. It lasts for 3 weeks and has both estrogen and progestin. It does not change your weight, but it may make your vagina sore, infected, or leaky for some people. It may also make you more likely to get blood clots, stroke, or heart disease for some people.
- The birth control patch, also called Xulane, is a hormonal patch that sticks to your skin. It lasts for 1 week and has both estrogen and progestin. It does not change your weight, but it may make your skin sore, your stomach sick, or your head hurt for some people. It may also make you more likely to get blood clots, stroke, or heart disease for some people.
- To keep your weight healthy while on birth control, you should do good things for your diet, exercise, sleep, and stress. Some tips are²⁴:
- Eat well with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Stay away from junk food, extra sugar, and too much salt. Drink a lot of water and not too much alcohol or caffeine.
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