Research Corner - Q&A Birth Control and Weight Gain by Scott Pullen | Date Released : 28 Jun 2002 0 comments Print Close Question: Do you have information on the effects of birth control and weight gain when beginning to take birth control agents? Answer: Unfortunately, I will not be able to give you a definite answer to this issue. Looking at oral contraceptive (OC) studies, weight gain is not considered a common side effect. However, of those that dropped out of studies, weight gain is often given as a reason for doing so. Feedback from users is as varied, with those claiming that OC use led to significant weight gain and others saying it did not affect them. It is doubtful that OC themselves cause weight gain. If one gains weight after beginning use, then it is possible that OC's affected appetite or energy levels, leading to more calories eaten or fewer burned through movement. Now for my opinion. Perhaps OC use corresponds to certain life events that may have an impact on weight gain. What the heck does that mean? Well, for a teenager beginning OC use, this is a period of life where growth occurs, and social situations may expose them to more food and less activity (especially college). Also, I have noticed a trend that exists with couples. It is not uncommon for couples to indulge in more liberal food intake (i.e., ice cream, snacks) and more sedentary leisure time (i.e., Blockbuster nights). In the fitness industry, we know that a major motivating factor for weight loss is a breakup or divorce. Perhaps OC use corresponds with these periods of life. This is about the most unscientific rationale there is, but these are just some observations. Ultimately, all I can recommend is you question your doctor thoroughly about the pros and cons for different contraceptives. Also, get input from friends. Good luck with your decision. Back to top About the author: Scott Pullen Being a natural bodybuilder made Scott Pullen learn and apply nutrition, exercise and supplementation in a way many may never need to, but it also fueled a career in the fitness industry that has spanned over 20 years. Scott left an early career path in clinical/public health nutrition to focus on those seeking health promotion and fitness. He has developed and implemented individual training programs for thousands of clients as a trainer and educated tens of thousands of fitness enthusiasts working as an educator for Apex Fitness, dotFIT LLC and as a Master Instructor for NASM since 1997. Scott brings to the fitness industry a unique blend of academic and practical experience, having worked in virtually every capacity in the health club environment. In addition, Scott was chosen as the team nutrition consultant for the New York Yankees in 2007. Scott’s true passion is presenting and educating, adding humor and real life application to his presentations. Scott has a BS in Human Nutrition & Dietetics and his MS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, with an emphasis on rehab science. Additionally, he has his NASM CPT, CES and PES. Full Author Details Related content Content from Scott Pullen Smoking Cessation and Weight Gain Tammy Petersen | Articles Healthy Weight Gain Dr. Rob Orr | Articles Vegetarian Muscle Building Scott Pullen | Articles Herbs - Inherent Risks and Apparent Benefits Scott Pullen | Articles Weight Loss Physiology Scott Pullen | Articles Tribulus Terrestris and Ginkgo Biloba Scott Pullen | Articles Weight Loss - Overeating or Poor Metabolism? Scott Pullen | Articles Glycemic Index Scott Pullen | Articles Overweight Teens Scott Pullen | Articles Hyponatremia and Fitness Scott Pullen | Articles L-Glutamine Scott Pullen | Articles Diet for Menopause and Hormonal Problems Scott Pullen | Articles Protein Intake for Hypertrophy Scott Pullen | Articles Apple Cider Vinegar Scott Pullen | Articles Endometriosis Scott Pullen | Articles Kynoselen Supplement Scott Pullen | Articles Exercise, Free Radicals and Antioxidants Scott Pullen | Articles Steroid Withdrawal Scott Pullen | Articles Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Scott Pullen | Articles Birth Control and Weight Gain Scott Pullen | Articles Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Scott Pullen | Articles Niacin Scott Pullen | Articles Female Training: Toning Issues Scott Pullen | Articles Glucosamine and Arthritis Scott Pullen | Articles Carbs at Night Scott Pullen | Articles The Myth of Carbohydrates Scott Pullen | Articles Why Does My Client Gain Weight on 1000 Calories a Day Scott Pullen | Articles The Truth About Weight Loss Scott Pullen | Articles Insulin Resistance and Obesity: Are Carbs the Culprit? Scott Pullen | Articles Aspartame Scott Pullen | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top