Locations:
Search IconSearch

Birth Control and Weight Gain: What the Science Says

Despite popular opinion, scientific research shows that most birth control methods don’t contribute to weight gain

Hand holding packet of birth control pills in front of feet on a scale

When it comes to birth control medications, you have a lot of options.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Pills. Patches. IUDs. Implants. Injections.

And that’s not even including choices like fertility awareness, condoms, diaphragms and surgical procedures like tubal ligation (aka “getting your tubes tied”).

Choosing what birth control method is best for you is a matter of your preferences, goals and health needs. 

And for some people, one part of that equation is understanding the potential side effects of different forms of birth control like, Does birth control make you gain weight?

The answer? According to years and years of research, an almost-resounding nope, says Ob/Gyn Ashley Brant, DO.

“Weight is a touchy subject for so many of us,” Dr. Brant acknowledges. “It’s really hard for some people to lose weight and easy to gain weight without trying to. So, it makes sense that people look for a cause. But in most cases, it’s not your birth control pill.”

So, why is your sister, your best friend, that TikToker you saw yesterday so quick to tell you that birth control causes weight gain? Let’s take a look.

Birth control and weight gain

The myth that birth control causes weight gain is a strong one. Lots of people are under the impression that weight gain is almost a given when you take birth control pills or have an IUD implant.

Advertisement

But rigorous scientific research says that’s not the case.

“The very brief answer is that most forms of birth control have not been proven to cause weight gain. And it has been studied pretty extensively,” Dr. Brant confirms.

But there is one outlier. The Depo-Provera® birth control shot has been shown to cause some weight gain in some people.

“The average weight gain for someone who’s been on Depo-Provera for a year is about five pounds,” Dr. Brant shares. “But remember that an average is just that — an average, which means that some people gain more and some people don’t gain weight at all.”

Depo-Provera is a form of birth control that’s given as an injection at your healthcare provider’s office every three months. It contains a large dose of progesterone, which is known to have appetite-stimulating effects. Very large amounts of progesterone (much higher than used in the birth control methods) are even given in some medical contexts for people who have lost unhealthy amounts of weight, such as people undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

But aside from the birth control injection, researchers haven’t found a strong link that proves other forms of birth control lead to weight gain.

The research 

It’s not for lack of trying. There have been a lot of studies that have considered whether various forms of birth control lead to weight gain. And the evidence just isn’t there.

For example, researchers looked at the results of 49 different research studies that analyzed the effects of 52 kinds of “combined birth control.” That’s to say, birth control pills and patches that contain both estrogen and progestin.

They concluded there was no evidence that showed combined contraception caused weight gain.

In another study, researchers considered whether progestin-only birth control methods caused weight gain. That includes progesterone-only pills (aka the “minipill”), hormonal IUDs and implants. In total, the studies reviewed looked at the effects of these forms of birth control on 11,450 people.

Again, the evidence didn’t show that birth control caused people to gain weight.

As for the copper IUD, there’s no evidence connecting it to weight gain either.

“When you think about the copper IUD or tubal ligation, there’s no reason to think those would affect your weight either, since they don’t affect your hormones at all,” Dr. Brant says.

Your experience may vary

Though research hasn’t proven any cause-and-effect relationship between birth control and weight gain, that doesn’t mean that weight gain isn’t possible when you start birth control.

“Like any medication, birth control can cause side effects for an individual patient,” Dr. Brant recognizes. “But what research shows is that weight gain isn’t common enough to tease out in scientific studies.”

Advertisement

Also, it can be common for people to retain more water in the first few months after starting hormonal birth control. In theory, that could lead to gaining a few pounds temporarily. But Dr. Brant is quick to share, “Most people are not going to gain so much weight from fluid retention that they see huge fluctuations on the scale.”

Excess weight from water retention should level out about three months after starting birth control.

Consider the context

Before rushing to blame your birth control, consider other factors that may be more likely to lead to weight gain.

For example, the late teens/early 20s is a common time for people to take birth control pills or get an IUD for the first time. It’s also a time when many people first become responsible for preparing and choosing their own food. And it’s a time of high levels of stress that can lead to weight gain. 

So, yes, you may gain weight soon after starting birth control, but that doesn’t mean the birth control is causing it.

Still, if you’re concerned about unexplained weight gain, talk with a healthcare provider, like a primary care physician or your Ob/Gyn. They can help you consider the causes and help you create a plan for weight loss that works for you.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Healthcare provider pointing to menopause symptoms floating around female with hands on head
January 20, 2025/Women's Health
When You Should See a Doctor About Menopause (or Perimenopause) Symptoms

Missed periods, heavy periods, painful sex and frequent hot flashes are just a few symptoms worth discussing with your provider

A copper intrauterine device (IUD)
January 20, 2025/Women's Health
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) and Your Period

IUDs can make your period lighter, heavier, irregular or stop it completely

Caregiver holding newborn while also reviewing paperwork at home
January 9, 2025/Parenting
Mom Burnout: Are You Dealing With ‘Depleted Mother Syndrome’?

This burnout is characterized by physical and mental exhaustion and feelings like worry, guilt and overwhelm

Caregiver holding baby while talking with a healthcare provider in medical office
January 6, 2025/Women's Health
What Are the Types of Breastfeeding Medicine Providers?

Breastfeeding medicine specialists, lactation consultants, lactation educators and peer counselors offer support and guidance in different ways, for different needs

Person holding bottle of vitamins, reading the label
December 9, 2024/Women's Health
Can You Take Prenatal Vitamins Without Being Pregnant?

The pros and cons of taking prenatal vitamins when you’re not pregnant depend on your age, ethnicity and health

Partners lying on bed playing with their toddler
November 19, 2024/Men's Health
What’s a Dad Bod? And Is It Healthy?

Weight gain is natural as we age — but it can be cause for concern

Female asleep in bed in darkened bedroom, red alarm clock on table
November 15, 2024/Sleep
Why Women Need To Sleep More Than Men

Changing hormones, mental health issues and a higher risk for sleep disorders can all impact women’s sleep needs

Female looking at laptop at home desk in living room, hand on head, holding coffee cup, looking stressed
November 14, 2024/Women's Health
Midlife Crisis in Women: When It Starts and How To Cope

Biological changes, family issues and work problems may cause you to reevaluate your life and make changes for the better

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad