Numerous kinds of contraceptives exist for women to protect against pregnancy, including the pill, ring and IUD. Each of these methods may be sensible depending on your lifestyle, but some side effects may occur. Weight gain has been commonly reported by women of all types, which may dissuade some women from beginning or continuing to take birth control.
Myth or Fact?
Not all women gain weight while taking birth control; some maintain their weight, and others even lose weight. No one method will have the same effect on every woman, though certain pills are known to cause similar side effects in large populations of women. But the truth is that the pill, ring and IUD do not directly cause weight gain.
Why Women Gain Weight From Contraceptives
Birth control in the form of the pill, ring, and IUD works by regulating your hormones with synthetic hormones. High levels of estrogen in your body may make it easier for you to accumulate fat. It can increase your appetite or increase water retention, which leads to larger numbers on the scale.
Exercise To Lose Excess Weight
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. If you don't already exercise, this is an important step in preventing or reversing weight gain. The three areas to focus your fitness on are cardiovascular exercise such as interval jogging, aerobics, biking, strength training such as weight lifting or resistance training and flexibility such as yoga. Remember that varying your workout in intensity and duration is important, because it challenges your body and prevents burnout.
Diet
If you'd like to lose weight, health professionals recommend you do it slowly by losing one to two pounds a week. This means cutting 500 to 1,000 calories daily, though you should take into account how much exercise and calorie burning you are doing each day. Start making healthy choices about your food intake by focusing on whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy and lots of fruits and vegetables. Portion control is also necessary to slim down, so try to plan out your meals beforehand and always have a healthy snack ready. In addition, cut out caloric and sugary beverages like soda and start drinking the recommended 6 to 8-oz. servings of water every day.
Alternatives to Pills, Rings and IUDs
Consult your doctor if you are feeling unsatisfied or confused about your birth control method. Your doctor may recommend a different contraceptive that doesn't give you the same side effects. Keep in mind that it will probably take a few months to adjust to this new form of protection and see how it affects you. If you still find yourself gaining weight and suffering from other side effects, you may consider alternative contraceptives that are non-hormonal, such as condoms or a diaphragm.
