One of the common misperception that prevent women from initiating oral contraceptive use is weight gain. Science hasn’t determined exactly why some birth control may lead to weight gain. But it’s believed that higher estrogen levels can lead to more water retention or that some contraceptives may increase appetite.
No birth control has been designed for or scientifically proven to cause weight loss. Yasmin oral contraceptives are flying off shelves now that there's talk it helps women lose weight. Since last year, sales of Yasmin have nearly tripled. In fact, health centers and COMMUNITY pharmacies are reporting that women are now coming in and asking for this pill by name. Yasmin contains a unique progestin called drospirenone that works like a potassium-sparing diuretic. Some women taking Yasmin have modest weight loss due to fluid reduction.
Explain to patients that Yasmin does NOT reduce body mass or fat. Any weight loss from fluid reduction is only temporary. Normal weight usually returns within a year of starting Yasmin. Reassure women that they WON'T gain weight due to increased body mass or fat if they take other oral contraceptives. In fact, women who take oral contraceptives usually don't gain any more weight than women who don't take them.
Explain to patients that estrogen levels naturally increase in the first half of the menstrual cycle. This high estrogen level can cause fluid retention and modest weight gain in some women. But this usually goes away in the last half of the menstrual cycle when estrogen levels are lower. Any substantial weight gain over time is most likely due to normal aging, American women typically gain 4 to 16 pounds (2 to 7 kg) per decade.
REFERENCES
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