Birth Control Pills and weight

  • I am having such a time. I reached lifetime in June 2001, I was so excited and for 3 months maintained goal. THEN, my Dr. changed the type of pills I was taking and I gained 14 lbs in 4 months. Almost what I had worked so hard to lose. It was hard to get off in the first place, as my leaders keep encouraging me that my not losing did have something to do with my pills.
    HELP, are there any suggestions and is anyone else having this problem???
    I talked to one of my friends she has taked this particular brand and gained 4 lbs in ONE month. Her sister-in-law has taken them for a year and has gained 40 lbs.
    I kept up with my points and everything. I just am at wits end.
    Thanks for any suggestions.
  • You definitely want to have the doctor prescribe you some new pills. I had a similar problem but since I have switched pills it hasn't has been as bad-I'm on cyclen and the side effects are pretty low. (Though I still get those chocolate cravings!). It also doesn't seem to have hindered my weight loss. I know in Canada if you get them at a birth control centre they can be very cheap (about $8.00 a pack) but I'm not sure how much it is in the states.
  • From what I understand, 3-4 months is the normal "regulation" time for your body to adjust. Hopefully this will be it for you and you'll start to go back down. I can honestly say that if I continued to gain weight, I would talk with my physician and examine alternatives. Gaining 40 lbs in one year because of birth control pills is, to me, putting one's health at risk. Not to mention the emotional side effects. Good luck.