Is it true that contraceptives promote weight gain? If so, is there any scientific proof?
Early birth control pills had a very high dose of hormones and about 20% of women gained weight and 20% lost weight. There were other possibilities considered besides the hormones. A significant number of women felt nauseaus and that might have cut down on their caloric intake. The reason for the weight gain might have had underlying causes too. The increase in weight was in specific areas and the body might have been fooled into a temporary preparation for pregnancy. In most cases the weight stabilized during the first year. In any case weight fluctuation is less of an issue with lower dose oral contraceptives available today. A greater likelihood for weight gain is lifestyle change. If a woman goes from grab and go eating and coffee for breakfast to preparing and eating regular meals there is likely to be a change in caloric intake. Contrary to popular opinion, people can gain weight without eating masses of high calorie foods. An extra 15 calories/day (a saltine cracker)over what th
