Little evidence of weight gain with progestin-only contraceptives

January 01, 0001

Little evidence of weight gain with progestin-only contraceptives

Clinical Question: What is the association between progestin-only contraceptive use and changes in body weight?

Bottom line: There was little evidence of weight gain for women when using progestin-only contraceptives. Some differences were noted when a progestin-only contraceptive was compared with no hormonal contraceptive. Actual mean weight gain was low for 6 to 12 months, ie, less than 2kg in most studies. Good counselling about typical weight gain may help reduce discontinuation of contraceptives due to perceptions of weight gain.

Caveat: It was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis due to the range of contraceptive methods examined and differences in reporting of weight change. More weight gain was noted at 2 and 3 years, but was generally similar for both comparison groups. People may gain weight over time regardless of contraceptive use.

Context: Progestin-only contraceptives are appropriate for many women who cannot or should not take oestrogen. Many progestin-only contraceptives are long-acting, cost-effective methods of prevent.ing pregnancy. However, concern about weight gain can deter the initiation of contraceptives and cause early discontinuation among users.

Cochrane Systematic Review: Lopez LM et al. Progestin-only contraceptives: effects on weight. Cochrane Reviews, 2011, Issue 4. Article No. CD008815. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008815.pub2. This review contains 15 studies involving over 8400 participants.

Cochrane PEARLS Practical Evidence About Real Life Situations. No. 329, September 2011.
Written by Brian R McAvoy. Published by the Cochrane Primary Care Group

Category: W. Pregnancy, Family Planning. Keywords:oral contraceptives, progestin, weight gain
Synopsis edited by Dr Linda French, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 6 December 2011

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