Because there is an assumption that there are types of family planning that make you fat, many woman get confused or hesitate in choosing a suitable family planning method. However, is assumption is it true or just a myth?
Contraceptive devices are divided into two, namely hormonal contraceptives which include birth control pills, birth control injections, KB implants or implants, and patches; as well as non-hormonal contraceptives in the form of condoms, natural contraception, or steady contraception (sterilization).
Despite the different ways of working and their use, these two types of contraception still have the same function, namely to prevent pregnancy.
Although it is quite effective and safe to use, many women are reluctant to choose hormonal contraception because this type of contraception is considered to cause body fat.
Is it true that hormonal birth control can make you fat?
Hormonal birth control is a type of birth control that contains a combination of artificial hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen. However, there are also certain hormonal birth control that only contains the hormone progesterone. Hormonal birth control can indeed cause a slight increase in weight, but not to the point of making the body obese.
This weight gain is caused by the content of hormones in hormonal birth control which can increase appetite and cause fluid buildup in the body. However, this usually only occurs at the beginning of use and the weight will return to normal after 2-3 months of use.
Please note that obesity or weight gain can be caused by many things, including:
- Unhealthy eating patterns.
- Rarely exercise.
- Genetic or hereditary factors.
- Excessive stress.
- Side effects of drugs.
- Certain diseases, such as hypothyroidism and PCOS.
Types of hormonal birth control that are said to make you fat
There are different forms and ways of using hormonal birth control. The following are three forms of hormonal birth control that are widely considered as the type of birth control that makes you fat:
Family planning pills
Birth control pills are a type of contraceptive in the form of tablets that contain the hormones estrogen and progesterone or only progesterone. Birth control pills generally consist of 21-35 tablets taken in 1 cycle and continuously. Special contraceptive pills that only contain progesterone usually consist of 28 tablets.
If used correctly and regularly, birth control pills are quite effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate of 91%.
Some women who use birth control pills can indeed experience weight gain. However, this increase is not significant, so it cannot be said to be the cause of obesity. After the body is used to birth control pills, the weight can return to normal.
KB implant or implant
KB implants or implants are a type of KB in the form of a small rod or tube that is implanted or placed under the skin, specifically in the fat tissue of the upper arm. This birth control contains the hormone progesterone which is released little by little from the implant tube into the body. This birth control can last for 3-5 years.
Compared to birth control pills, implants are considered to be more effective at preventing pregnancy, with a success percentage of 99%.
Some women who use KB implants do experience weight gain, but there are no studies that conclude that the weight gain is caused by the use of KB implants.
The dose of hormones released by birth control implants is also very small and slowly, so it is less likely to cause weight gain.
KB injection
Injectable contraceptives are contraceptives containing the hormone progestin which are used by injection into the muscles of the body in certain parts, such as the buttocks, thighs, or arms. This KB injection is usually given every 3 months.
The effectiveness of injectable contraception in delaying pregnancy is 94%. Weight gain caused by this contraceptive occurs due to an increase in fat tissue mass. However, this too is only temporary.
So far, there has been no research that can prove that injectable birth control can cause weight gain in women to cause obesity or obesity.
Facts Related to Types of Family Planning that Make You Fat
Although there are many claims that hormonal birth control is a birth control that makes you fat, in fact, these claims have not been scientifically proven. If anything, weight gain is only temporary.
Therefore, before deciding not to use hormonal birth control or wanting to switch to another type of birth control, try waiting until 3 months after using it. Gradually, these effects will wear off and the weight will return to normal.
To achieve the ideal body weight, don't forget to apply a healthy and balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid excessive stress.
If you are still unsure about choosing the type of contraception, consult your doctor to find out what type of birth control is the most suitable and safe for you to use.