So I posted a frustrated thread earlier today, but now I have a question for all of you. Do those of you who take birth control pills think it has an effect on your weight?

I was on the Depo shot for a long time, and in December changed to the pill (generic, non descript, pill). In January I reinvigorated my weight loss efforts, and have been counting calories, working out, staying on plan etc. with only a few minor mishaps. I have lost maybe 4 pounds. That's a lot of work for 4 pounds!
So now I'm wondering if the pill I'm taking could have anything to do with that. Honestly, I'm looking for absolutely anything that could have something to do with that.

Any of you had similar problems or weight gain with the pill?

The pill hasn't really made me gain any weight. I have been on Sprintec now for about 6 months. I have lost weight while taking birth control, dieting, and exercising.

I have heard that some women do gain weight from it though. You may just need more time to adjust to it.

It really varies from person to person. Unfortunately no one can answer that question for you.

I was on the generic of Loestrin for a year and had gained 20 lbs past my typical "set point." I didn't know if it was because of this but my doctor switched up my pill anyway. I started the new pill, but started my diet around the same time and have lost 20 lbs so its hard for me to say its strictly because of the pill.

I would call and ask to speak to a nurse. They could probably help answer that question for you.

EDIT: Remember that if you've been putting on muscle that will cause for a lack of loss as well. You may be balancing yourself out. Have you tried taking your measurements? I would take them, give it about a month and see if you're noticing any changes!

i was on orthotrycyclen (<--spelling?) for almost 4 years. I didn't gain any weight when I went on the pill but I gained about 20 pounds and had some serious mental problems when I went off the pill.

but its true that is varies for everyone. but the biggest thing i hear is that going on the pill causes increased appetite more than actually giving you weight from the chemicals...but thats just what ive heard word of mouth

In my 20s (I'm 50 now so I know formulations may have changed), I always gained 10-15 lbs when on the pill. But then again, I only took the pill when actively in a relationship and the whole "boyfriend layer" (less workouts, more eating out) may have been a factor.

This time I went on the pill while actively in the middle of diet and didn't seem to affect the rate of loss. But again, I'm 50 now so the rate isn't exactly zippy compared to my 20-something self.

I take Alesse, a pretty standard middle-of-the-road pill, and it has never caused me to gain. I'm not sure it makes it hard for you to lose, I thought the potential weight side-effect was just that it might make you put on some water weight when you first start it. I could be completely off though

I second Feral's suggestion to call your practice and speak with a nurse, they will be able to tell you what you may be experiencing!

You name it for bc.. i have taken it.. i dont usually gain weight but i did find it hard to loose weight and also the pill ... made me crazy so i dont take it anymore.. and feel better and i am loosing about 2-3 pounds a week! But for the love of god.. if you are sexually active.. dont stop taking the pill cause you wanna loose weight.. or have other methods of bc around good luck

I dont seem to gain much weight while on the pill, maybe a pound or two BUT its much more difficult to lose it.

Like Feral, I was on the generic loestrin. I think it was called "Microgestin" or something. Anyway, for 6 weeks I dieted and exercised and lost maybe 2 lbs. I definitely think it hindered me big time. But, also like feral said, everyone is different. Are you periods irregular? Do you have spotting? Are you moody? Depressed? Those are also side-effects that I had that disappeared once I went of the pill.

Allese made me have a constant period and stalled my weight loss completely. I had to go off it. It's different for everyone, though!

I didn't have any issues on the pill. My doctor would not give me the depo though as he said it had too many side effects - and weight gain was one of them. I got an IUD as I am a super lazy bones about taking pills. Now I dont have to worry about babies for 5 years. Thanks doctor!

I stopped taking Yaz March 21 at 226 lbs. By March 29 I was 220.5. It also zapped my sex drive and I felt that it contributed to my depression.

I think that the pill can affect weight loss. I have a harder time losing weight on any form of bcp's. Feral had a good point though. Measuring can reassure you. My friend who is working out with me is not losing much on the scale (4 lbs in about 6 weeks) but she has lost an inch or two on all of her measurements. The muscle you are building in the beginning may compensate for some of the weight issues. Good luck!

I was told I was not allowed on the pill because of my weight...has anyone else had that?

I guess New Zealand may have different regulations?

Even here, if you weight over 190 lbs the pill is less effective. I know it says so in the warnings.