In this study, black study participants were more likely to gain weight regardless of the birth control method . Hormonal contraceptives have a number of uses in addition to protection from unwanted pregnancy. They are also used to treat or reduce symptoms of PCOS), endometriosis, heavy, irregular, or painful periods, and anemia.
People who report gaining weight while using hormonal birth control are more likely to stop using it (5-7). While taking birth control can make you gain weight and make it harder to lose weight, you’re not destined to this fate because you want a reliable way to prevent pregnancy. Whether you gain weight also depends on the birth control you’re using. Studies show that the shot and implant are more likely to cause weight gain than other types of hormonal birth control. You may have to kick your workouts up a notch to keep the weight off if you notice a difference.
Track your weight by weighing yourself weekly at the same time of day . Weight gain can also be caused by other factors, such as aging, a sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits, or another medical condition. The CDC recommends getting 150 minutes of exercise every week. That may seem like a lot if your favorite hobby is binge-watching “The Mandalorian.” But it’s only 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
Norplant is a levonorgestrel-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant. Although continuing to be a popular method in the developing world, it has been discontinued in the USA and the UK. Approved by the FDA in 1990, it was withdrawn from the market in 2002. The next-generation product with two rods, known as Norplant-2 or Jadelle, was sulfurzyme and weight loss approved by the FDA in 1996, but has yet to be marketed in the USA. However, response to weight was variable, with 10% experiencing weight loss in the first year while 10% gained more than 7 kg. A study comparing adolescent Norplant and COC users in the USA found that Norplant users gained 4 kg compared with 2 kg in the COC group.
However, of the many studies that have been conducted, there is insufficient evidence that birth control directly causes weight gain or loss. This medication is in the form of a 4 cm long implant that is inserted subdermally of the inner, upper arm, by your doctor. It may be left in place for up to three years, however it may be removed by your doctor at any point in time. It is usually inserted between Day 1 and Day 5 of your menstrual cycle.