Contrary to what many women believe, just as many women lose weight as gain weight while taking the birth control pill, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. However, losing weight might not be as troublesome to some women as gaining weight. Although the general approach to weight loss is the same regardless of whether you're on birth control pills, keeping in mind a few additional factors might make the process easier.
Step 1
Check the amount of hormones in your birth control pills. Women who have experienced weight gain after beginning birth control pills should talk to a doctor about switching to a different type of birth control, especially if their current pills are high in progestogen. Birth control pills with higher levels of progestogen often lead to increased appetite or weight gain, according to Aetna InteliHealth.
Step 2
Increase your fluid intake. Some birth control pills cause women to retain fluids, explains the Mayo Clinic, which can add to more pounds on the scale. Although it seems contradictory, women who increase the amount of fluids they drink might be able to flush away this extra water weight. Sipping on water throughout the day also might help women feel full and help them resist the urge to snack.
Step 3
Reduce calories. Many women struggle with this, but simply replacing a few high-calorie foods with lower-calorie foods can help reduce your overall caloric intake easily. Consider replacing whole milk with skim milk, pretzels instead of potato chips and water instead of sugary sodas. Limiting portion sizes also helps women control the amount of calories they consume. Try using smaller plates and bowls, and resisting the urge to eat directly from a package of food to keep portion sizes small.
Step 4
Exercise. Women who burn more calories than they eat lose weight. Adding only 15 minutes of daily moderate exercise can help you lose approximately 10 pounds in one year, explains the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. Women who would like to lose weight more quickly can exercise for longer periods of time or multiple times throughout the day.
Step 5
Be accountable and follow through. Joining a weight-loss program, support groups, exercise class or simply telling family and friends about your decision to lose weight can help you keep yourself accountable to your weight-loss goals.
Tips and Warnings
- It is healthier and more effective to take a gradually approach to weight loss rather than try to lose large amounts of weight quickly.
- Always talk to a doctor before beginning a new diet or exercise regimen.
