Do all birth control pills cause weight gain? I have heard that some do and some don't, and I find all of this information very confusing. Could you set the record straight on this matter?

Jennifer

There is no black-and-white answer to this question. In some women, birth control pills may lead to weight gain. In some women, birth control pills produce weight loss! What is clear is that if weight gain does occur on the pill, most often it is only in the range of three to five pounds.

The progestin components of birth control pills have varying degrees of androgenic properties, which can contribute to increased appetite and increased muscle mass, and subsequent weight loss. If you are susceptible to weight loss, ask your doctor for a pill with low androgenic activity. Two progestins with low androgenic activity are norgestimate and desogestrol.