Best Birth Control Pill For Weight Loss

What is the Best Birth Control Pill For Weight Loss - any information on this?
(February 28, 2011)

Birth Control Pills Weight Loss

Oral contraceptives or birth control pills contain synthetically produced hormones progesterone (progestin) and estrogen. The body’s reaction to the new contraceptive pill when taken for at least two months varies from individual to individual. Do birth control pills and weight loss work in tandem?

Clinical researches conducted on the rhesus monkey belie the concept that birth control pills and weight gain go hand-in-hand. One set of obese monkeys and another of normal weight were put on the pill according to their body mass.


The program was spread out over a period of eight months. The monkeys’ weights, diet, muscle, and fat index and physical activities were monitored. No apparent change in body weight was observed in the normal monkeys. However, the obese monkeys on birth control pills showed weight loss and reduction of fat because of improved metabolism. Studies are not so conclusive about birth control pills and weight loss in humans though.

Interest was kindled among the public when controlled studies were conducted on women who were on a particular birth control pill (for weight loss) for six months. The women claimed to have lost about two pounds during this period. This weight loss was attributed to the presence of a certain element in the contraceptive that prevented water retention and a feeling of bloating in the body. The higher the estrogen component in the pill, the higher was the water retention. It was found that the estrogen in these birth control pills for weight loss actually made the fat cells look bloated, but did not increase the number of fat cells.

There is a well-known brand of oral contraceptives that contains the hormone drospirenone that
(a) has diuretic properties responsible for water retention;
(b) brings about reduction of acne; and
(c) balances the levels of male hormones and testosterone.

That is why it is a popular brand of birth control pill for weight loss.
Women who are overweight but adhere to their diet at the time of going on the pill tend to lose weight as compared to women who are of normal weight. Birth control pills and weight loss beliefs and hypotheses aside, doctors unanimously recommend a nutritious diet and regular exercise to fight off those extra pounds. There can be no substitute for a proper diet and regular physical activity to melt those unwanted fat cells away for women on birth control pills (for weight loss).

Best Birth Control Pill For Weight Loss 

Many women complain of weight gain associated with intake of oral contraceptive pills. There are no birth control pills that contribute to weight loss. Research reveals negligible amount of correlation between intake of pills and weight gain. The hormones, which are the active ingredients of the birth control pills have a certain effect on the hips, thighs and breasts.
 
Fluid retention results in increased weight. Increases in body mass or fat is not seen. Oestrogen has a direct effect on the size of the adipose tissue, though it fails to affect the number of cells. The oestrogen in the contraceptive pills stimulates the secretion of renin-angiotensin, a substance that causes fluid retention. Rarity in muscle mass increase is seen in certain women on oral contraceptive pills. This is attributed to the analogous effect of certain male type hormones. These effects are avoided by opting for low dose of oestrogen, though other complications, such as spotting is seen.

Generally a trial period with the recommended contraceptive pill is recommended. This is especially recommended, in order to adjust to the oestrogen and progesterone levels in the pills. Please take the guidance of your physician or gynaecologist for further guidance.