Birth Control Weight Gain
Many women have the fear of birth control weight gain which hinders their desire of trying certain types of birth control method. Often, the culprit is the Pill, to which many women suspect that is causing their weight gain.
Recent studies show that modern birth control pills do not cause weight gain in majority of women who use this method. Studies also indicated that there were no sufficient evidences and difference between women who took the pill from those who did not, and gained weight.
One reason may be due to lifestyle changes. Unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise and other factors can affect a woman's lifestyle.
Earlier birth control pills are more likely to cause weight gain due to higher concentrations of estrogen. Fluid retention and resistance to insulin may result due to high estrogen levels in earlier birth control pills. Modern pills have less dosage of estrogen.
What to do if you are experiencing birth control weight gain?
As mentioned earlier, there are no significant evidences that point to birth control methods as culprits of weight gain. The best thing to do about weight gain is to deal with it by controlling the possible factors such as your food intake and daily activities.
If you take the pill, for example, and just sit there the whole day eating chips and unhealthy snacks, you will certainly gain weight. But battling weight gain should be straightforward, rather than looking for loopholes.
Eating healthy foods such as veggies, fruits, fiber-rich foods, foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, and low-fat foods will help women lose the extra pounds. Couple that with daily exercise or any physical activity to sweat off the pounds will do wonders.
Heart-healthy foods should also be on the list. These foods include lean meats, nuts, eggs, grains, fish rich in omega-3 and poultry. Avoid too much sugar, salt, trans fats and cholesterol-rich foods.
A consultation with your doctor can help determine other causes and if you need to switch from your birth control method. Low-estrogen birth control pills may help lessen your fluid retention if you are experiencing it with your regular pill.
Other reasons such as underlying medical conditions may be addressed when you decide to go to your doctor. Make sure that you discuss and cover all important details such as your medical history, current health status, the types of food you eat, your exercise regimen and others.
Birth control weight gain is a puzzle to most women and it is also a fear that they want to avoid. But there is no significant fact that leads to birth control methods when it comes to weight gain. Looking into possible factors and trying to solve them first will help you rule out the real culprit.
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Understanding Weight Gain Recommended Resources:
University of Michigan health System
University of Maryland Medical Center
