If you’ve ever considered using birth control pills, you’ve probably heard the whispers:

 “Ah, don’t try it o! You will blow up like bread inside hot oil!”

“Ah, if you start using that thing, just be ready to add weight o!”

“My cousin’s friend’s uncle’s sister used the pill for just two months, and now her jeans no longer enter!”

“Better use another method unless you want people asking when your baby is due!”

The fear of unexpected weight gain has made many Nigerian women hesitant to try birth control pills. After all, nobody wants to wake up one morning and find out their once-fitted Ankara gown now feels like a corset!

 Some even swear that their “baby girl” body disappeared overnight after starting the pill. But is this really true? 

Do birth control pills cause weight gain, or is it just another health myth passed down like a family recipe?

In this article, we’re going to break it all down. We’ll separate facts from fiction, discuss why some women might notice changes, and give you practical tips on maintaining your weight while staying protected.

So, before you swear off birth control out of fear of “blowing up,” let’s get into the real tea.

How Birth Control Pills Work 

Alright, before we start blaming birth control pills for those extra inches around the waist, let’s first understand how they work. These tiny tablets may look harmless, but they’re packed with hormones that do some serious behind-the-scenes work to prevent pregnancy.

At their core, birth control pills contain synthetic versions of estrogen and/or progesterone. Those are two hormones that play a huge role in the menstrual cycle and fertility. Their job? To trick your body into thinking it’s already pregnant so no egg gets released and no pregnancy happens.

Here’s a breakdown of how they work their magic:

Stopping Ovulation 

Normally, your body releases an egg every month (aka ovulation). If sperm shows up at the right time, pregnancy can happen. But birth control pills put a stop to that by suppressing ovulation. Without an egg, there’s nothing for sperm to fertilize, meaning no chance of pregnancy.

Thickening Cervical Mucus 

Even if an egg somehow managed to sneak out, sperm would still need to swim through the cervix to get to it. Birth control pills make this nearly impossible by thickening the cervical mucus. A fancy way of saying they create a “sticky roadblock” that sperm can’t easily get through. 

Thinning the Uterine Lining 

On the off chance that an egg does get released and sperm manages to reach it, birth control pills ensure that the lining of the uterus (where a fertilised egg would normally implant and grow) stays thin and inhospitable. No comfy home, no pregnancy.

Types of Birth Control Pills

Combination Pills (Estrogen + Progestin)

This is the most commonly used birth control pill. They prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining. It may also cause temporary water retention, which some mistake for weight gain.

 Progestin-Only Pills (a.k.a. Mini Pills)

They contain only progestin, making them a great option for women who can’t take estrogen.

They work mainly by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining and are ess likely to cause bloating or water retention than combination pills.

The Link Between Birth Control Pills and Weight Gain

Let’s get straight to the point. Do birth control pills actually make you gain weight, or is it just a myth?

Well, according to scientific research, there is no direct link between birth control pills and long-term weight gain. Studies have found that while some women notice slight weight changes when they start using the pill, these changes are usually temporary and not caused by actual fat gain.

So why do so many women believe that birth control makes them put on weight? 

• Some birth control pills cause temporary water retention, making you feel bloated and heavier.
• Hormonal changes can lead to increased appetite, meaning you might eat more than usual.
• Other lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and lack of exercise might be the real culprit, not the pill itself.

In reality, birth control pills don’t magically slow down your metabolism or force your body to store excess fat. Any weight changes are often small, temporary, and vary from person to person.

Why Some Women Gain Weight on Birth Control Pills

If birth control doesn’t directly cause weight gain, why do some women feel like they’ve “blown up” after starting the pill? Here are the most common reasons:

Water Retention 

Some birth control pills, especially those containing higher doses of estrogen, can cause your body to retain extra water, making you feel bloated or puffy. This can make it seem like you’ve gained weight, but in reality, it’s just water weight, not fat.

The good news is that water retention is usually temporary! Once your body adjusts to the hormones, the bloating goes away on its own.

Increased Appetite

Hormonal changes can sometimes affect your appetite. Some women may find themselves craving food more than usual, leading to increased calorie intake. If you suddenly start eating extra bowls of jollof rice or snacking on puff-puff all day, weight gain can happen.  But it’s because of the food intake, not the pill itself.

If you notice an increase in hunger, try eating healthy, filling meals with more protein. Incorporate smoothie mixes and protein shakes into your diet to keep you full without overeating.

Fat Storage & Metabolism 

There’s a popular myth that birth control pills cause fat accumulation, but that’s not exactly true. While some early-generation pills (from decades ago) contained higher doses of estrogen, which slightly influenced fat storage, today’s modern pills contain much lower hormone levels.

 This means they don’t significantly impact metabolism or fat storage in the way people assume. So if you gain weight while on the pill, it’s likely due to what you eat and how active you are, not the pill itself.

Lifestyle & Diet 

Sometimes, weight gain isn’t about the pill at all! Factors like diet, stress, sleep patterns, and exercise play a much bigger role in weight changes than birth control ever will. Weight gain is inevitable if you eat more calories than you burn daily.

So, stay mindful of your eating habits, take healthy mixes, drink plenty of water, and get moving. Even a little exercise can help balance things out!

Conclusion

So, will birth control pills make you gain weight? Not really. Some women may experience temporary bloating or appetite changes, but the pill itself doesn’t cause permanent weight gain.

Some others experience minor bloating or appetite changes, but this doesn’t mean they will “blow” overnight. 

Instead of fearing weight gain, focus on choosing the right pill and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you’re still unsure, talk to a doctor or even a nutritionist. It’s better than taking advice from Aunty Kemi, who heard about it from her neighbor’s cousin’s best friend’s sister!

Have you ever noticed any weight changes while on birth control? Let’s gist in the comments!