Will I lose or gain weight on the contraceptive pill?

What will the contraceptive pill do to my weight?

Whilst our weight and size shouldn’t define who we are, for some the potential for weight changes can play a big part in how they choose a contraceptive. The contraceptive pill contains synthetic versions of hormones which, when introduced into the body, can potentially cause a number of side effects. Noticing changes when you take the pill can be quite normal.

A number of women report weight gain, or at the very least notice weight fluctuations, when they start taking the pill. This can impact the type of pill they decide to take in the long run.

But is there a genuine link between the pill and weight? Are certain pills more or less likely to affect your weight? And what can you do if you think the pill you’re currently taking is impacting your weight?

We’ll delve into these questions and more, so that you feel confident when it comes to choosing a contraceptive to suit you.

Medically reviewed by

Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead

Microgynon 30, Rigevidon, Logynon and weight gain

Microgynon 30, Rigevidon, Logynon are all combined pills which contain the same synthetic version of oestrogen and progesterone - ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel respectively. Because each pill contains levonorgestrel, they are all second generation pills.

Second generation pills like Microgynon 30, Rigevidon and Logynon are less likely to cause certain side effects including heavy bleeding, breast fullness, headaches, fluid retention, tiredness, irritability, nausea and bloating.

Like we’ve mentioned earlier, the second generation of oral contraceptives has a lower risk of VTE compared to the next generations. However, it’s worth remembering that all medications have the ability to cause side effects, including changes to weight and size.

Studies looking at combined contraceptives which have 30mcg ethihylestradiol and 150mcg levonorgestrel (same as Microgynon 30, Rigevidon and Logynon) found no significant link between weight gain and use of these birth control pills. But, of course, everyone reacts to medication differently, and some of the people involved in these trials reported weight gain.

For example, some women who take Microgynon 30 do notice weight gain or changes to their appetite. There are currently no specific studies on Microgynon and weight gain.

Rigevidon is one of the most affordable pills for the NHS to provide, so a lot of women use it. But side effects have been reported with the use of it, including changes in weight. If you’re taking Rigevidon and weight gain is something you notice, or you experience any other side effects you’re not comfortable with, talk to your doctor about switching.

Studies on the Logynon pill and weight loss, or weight gain, are limited. On the Logynon patient information leaflet, weight gain is listed as a common side effect - affecting 1 in 100 women. However, fluid retention is also listed as a side effect which can impact weight and our perception of it.

Mercilon, Gedarel and weight gain

Mercilon and Gedarel both contain 20mcg or 30mcg ethinyl estradiol and 150mcg desogestrel. Desogestrel is a synthetic progesterone used in third generation pills. This means Mercilon and Gedarel were created to try and reduce certain side effects associated with second generation pills.

When it comes to weight changes, a study with 445 participants who took 20mcg ethinyl estradiol and 150mcg desogestrel (same active ingredients as in Mercilon and Gedarel) found that 79% either lost more than two kg of weight or didn’t gain weight during the study.

But there aren’t any specific studies on Mercilon and weight gain. Common side effects associated with Mercilon include tender breasts, discharge, reduced acne, headaches and vaginal dryness.

What about Gedarel and weight gain? Weight gain is listed as a side effect on the Gedarel patient information leaflet, but weight may also naturally fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. If you do experience uncomfortable side effects, discuss switching the pill with your doctor or prescriber.

Dretine, Yasmin and weight gain

Dretine and Yasmin are both combined oral contraceptive pills containing ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone. This makes them fourth generation pills. They’ll often be prescribed if you’ve tried other pills and have experienced side effects.

The Dretine pill and weight gain as a side effect have not been largely studied. Yasmin, in effect, is the same drug as Dretine and Yasmin has not been associated with weight gain. During clinical trials, the majority of women who used Yasmin for up to two years were able to maintain their weight within a range of plus or minus two kilograms from their starting weight.popover id=ref16]

Yasmin and weight loss may be linked, however. When Yasmin was first introduced, it was heralded as a pill that could reduce the risk of certain side effects including weight gain, headaches and mood swings. The creators of Yasmin claimed it could help you lose weight as well.

Is there a ‘best’ contraceptive pill for weight loss?

Birth control pills are not licensed treatments for weight loss, but some women do find that certain pills aren’t as likely to cause weight gain, or they lose weight while they’re on certain other pills.

So establishing the ‘best’ contraceptive pill for weight loss is mostly preferential and down to what works best for you. Studies analysing each of the main contraceptive pills used in the UK and how they impact weight have yet to be conducted.

However, there may be certain pills which are more likely to cause weight loss than others. Fourth generation pills were introduced to combat a lot of side effects associated with older birth control pills, or at the very least reduce their severity. For some women, fourth generation pills are the best option of birth control for weight loss. Pills such as Yasmin, Zoely and Qlaira are all fourth generation UK contraceptive pills created to cause no weight gain.

While some women respond better to fourth generation pills, weight gain is still a reported side effect associated with them. Some women notice they lose weight on certain pills, some gain weight - and some see no changes at all. Fourth generation pills are also associated with a slightly higher risk of blood clots. The increase is very small, as is the overall risk of developing a blood clot associated with the pill, but it’s worth keeping in mind.

Is there a ‘best’ birth control pill for acne, or a ‘best’ birth control for both acne and weight loss? Some women who suffer with acne may be prescribed hormonal contraceptives to help get their symptoms under control. Co-Cyprindiol is a UK treatment that can be prescribed specifically for acne, and also excess hair growth. There are currently no contraceptives approved to treat both acne and weight loss in the UK.

Is there a pill that definitely doesn’t cause weight gain?

Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to say decisively whether there is one single best birth control to avoid weight gain. Finding a contraceptive pill that doesn’t cause weight gain in the UK is difficult because they all affect women in different ways. Everyone responds differently to hormonal contraceptives, and it’s often a case of trying different pills before you find a birth control that doesn’t personally cause you weight gain.

It’s important to maintain regular communication with the medical professional that prescribes your contraception, especially if you’re seeking a pill without weight gain as a noticeable side effect. You may have other side effects you’re keen to avoid - like acne, for example. Talk to your doctor about what you’d most like to avoid, and they can work with you to find the best pill.

Can coming off the pill help me lose weight?

If you’re thinking about stopping the pill, you may have wondered whether coming off the pill makes you lose weight. This is a common concern for many women. But the answer isn’t so easy because just as introducing additional hormones into the body can result in a number of changes and side effects, no longer taking the pill can also affect you in certain ways as you adjust.

For example, coming off the pill will see your periods return to normal relatively quickly - within a month or two. (That is, if the pill affects your periods to begin with.)