Does the contraceptive pill make you thicker?

In general, there is no strong scientific evidence that the birth control pill directly causes significant weight gain. Many studies show that any weight gain is small and often temporary.

Some women may experience some extra fluid retention while taking the pill, which can lead to a feeling of bloating or a slight increase in weight. This is especially common with pills that contain estrogen, as estrogen can affect the fluid balance in the body.

Hormones in the birth control pill can affect the appetite of some women, which can indirectly lead to a change in eating patterns and therefore weight gain. Some women report changes in how their body stores fat, although this is often subtle.

Clinical studies show that most women do not experience significant weight gain when taking hormonal contraceptives such as the pill. Long-term studies have not found consistent evidence that the pill causes permanent weight gain. If there is any weight gain, it usually seems to occur in the first few months of use and then levels off.

Although some women may notice a slight weight gain or changes in their body during the first few months of taking the pill, there is no convincing evidence that the pill causes significant or lasting weight gain in the long term. Most weight changes are often related to other factors such as fluid retention or changes in appetite, and can vary from person to person.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/in-depth/birth-control-pill/art-20045136#:~:text=Do%20birth%20control%20pills%20cause%20weight

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-10-06 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024