Which birth control causes weight gain?

“I am about to start birth control and am looking to gain a little weight. Which birth control causes weight gain?”

Dr. Janyele Sales
Family Doctor CRM 177392-SP

Most birth control does not cause weight gain, however the method most often associated with weight gain is the 3-month medroxyprogesterone (Depo Provera) injection. However, not everyone will gain weight with this method.

For this reason, there is no specific birth control recommendation for women who want to gain weight (or lose weight). The ideal approach is to have a consultation with a gynecologist to choose the best contraceptive method based on each woman’s goals and lifestyle.

Although many women report weight gain while using birth control, there is still no consistent scientific evidence linking hormonal contraceptives to weight gain.

Normal body changes over time and aging are more likely to cause metabolic changes that can lead to weight gain, which may be mistaken as a side effect of birth control.

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