Birth Control and Weight Gain: What Does the Science Say?

Summary: Many people worry that starting birth control will make them gain weight. But science says you can stop blaming the pill! Research shows that most birth control methods, like pills, patches, and IUDs, do not cause weight gain.

There is one exception: the Depo-Provera birth control shot. It can cause an average weight gain of about five pounds in a year because it can increase your appetite. Sometimes, people notice a little water weight in the first few months of starting birth control, but that usually goes away.

Often, weight gain happens simply because people start birth control in their late teens or early 20s. This is a time full of new stress and new eating habits—like buying your own late-night food! If you are worried about your weight, talk to your doctor to find the best plan for you.

For more details, see Cleveland Clinic at health.clevelandclinic.org/does-going-on-birth-control-make-you-gain-weight (opens in new tab)