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Drug Info

Does NuvaRing make you gain weight?

While some women may experience weight fluctuations on this medication, it won't cause significant weight loss or gain
Heidi Borst
By | Apr. 8, 2025 Medically reviewed by Leslie Greenberg, MD
scale next to a NuvaRing - NuvaRing weight gain

Key takeaways

  • NuvaRing may cause minimal weight gain for some, but the evidence is mixed.

  • Hormonal changes from NuvaRing can affect metabolism and appetite, which could make weight loss more challenging.

  • Stopping NuvaRing may lead to weight loss, mainly due to a decrease in water retention.

In this article:

If you’re looking for an effective contraceptive method without the hassle of taking medicine daily, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative method of birth control like NuvaRing (etonogestrel-ethinyl estradiol). The hormonal contraceptive is a flexible ring that is inserted in the vagina once every four weeks to prevent pregnancy. It stays in the vagina for 21 days; then, it is removed for seven days for your menstrual cycle before being replaced with a new ring. Alternatively, the NuvaRing can be inserted, stays in the vagina for 28 days, and then is replaced with another NuvaRing. This method helps women skip periods. 

NuvaRing releases a combination of estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation and thicken mucus so that sperm has a harder time passing through the cervix. While many women appreciate NuvaRing’s convenience, many hormonal birth control methods have potential side effects, including weight gain. 

If you’re worried about gaining weight while using NuvaRing, there’s good news—while some women may experience weight fluctuations on this medication, it won’t cause significant weight loss or gain. Keep reading to learn more.

Does NuvaRing cause weight gain?

Weight gain is a possible side effect of NuvaRing. But it’s a misconception that the weight gain will be significant, according to G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN and Lead OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. “There are no well-documented studies that show a significant weight gain when using any oral contraceptive, including Nuvaring,” Dr. Ruiz says.

NuvaRing alters the hormonal balance in your body by introducing synthetic estrogen and progestin. Progestin can cause bloating and weight gain, estrogen can lead to increased fat storage, and the combination of estrogen and progestin is known to cause appetite and weight changes. However, the research on NuvaRing’s effects on weight is mixed. 

In an observational study of 1,145 subjects during their first three months of NuvaRing use, they experienced an average body weight increase of 0.95 pounds over 13 cycles. A one-year randomized trial of 1,030 subjects found that fewer NuvaRing users (8.4%) gained over 7% of their baseline body weight compared to pill users (9.8%), but overall weight differences were minimal at the study’s end.

A study comparing the effects of NuvaRing and a specific birth control pill showed negligible weight changes over a year. NuvaRing users gained .82 lb, and pill users lost 0.06 lb, indicating weight neutrality. Another study found that women using Nuvaring gained an average of 2.8 pounds after three months, with weight changes similar between NuvaRing and pill users, reflecting a small, clinically insignificant weight gain.

While these studies indicate slight body weight changes with NuvaRing, changes are generally small and not significant, says Brintha Vasagar, MD, MPH, a board-certified family medicine physician and Chief Medical Officer at Progressive Community Health Centers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She adds that every person may have different reactions to hormones, so you should discuss your options with a healthcare provider to find the right choice for you.

The most common side effects of NuvaRing include:

  • Irritation of the vagina or cervix
  • Headache, including migraine
  • Mood changes or depression
  • Movement of the ring (slipping out)
  • Vaginal discomfort
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Breakthrough vaginal bleeding
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Breast tenderness, pain, or discomfort
  • Painful menstrual periods
  • Abdominal pain
  • Acne
  • Decreased sex drive

Rare but serious NuvaRing side effects include toxic shock syndrome and deep vein thrombosis.

Important safety considerations:

  • NuvaRing does not prevent sexually transmitted infections like HIV (AiDS). Condoms are recommended when partners are not monogamous or if sexually transmitted infection testing history is not known to be negative.
  • If you’re older than 35 and smoke cigarettes or vape nicotine, do not use any estrogen-containing contraception, including NuvaRing, as it can increase the risk of heart attack, blood clots, and stroke.
  • NuvaRing isn’t suitable for women with uncontrolled high blood pressure, serious diabetes complications, migraines with visual aura or focal neurologic symptoms, liver disease or tumors, or those taking specific hepatitis C medications. 
  • It’s also not recommended for women with unexplained vaginal bleeding, a history of breast or hormone-sensitive cancers, who are pregnant or may be, or who have allergies to its ingredients.

NuvaRing coupons

Does NuvaRing make it hard to lose weight?

Some hormonal birth control methods, like those containing only progestin, can affect metabolism and appetite regulation, which could make weight loss more difficult. One study of progestin-only birth control pills showed that over a period of six to 12 months, women gained an average of less than 4.4 pounds. That said, Dr. Ruiz points out that no evidence exists that NuvaRing (which contains both estrogen and progestin) makes losing weight more challenging.

RELATED: Does birth control make you gain weight? 

Will I lose weight if I stop using NuvaRing?

Dr. Vasagar says that if you retain water while taking NuvaRing, you’ll likely use a couple of pounds when you stop using it, but you likely won’t experience significant changes in weight. She emphasizes that the potential for weight loss varies based on life factors, such as:

  • Metabolism: Some women have a naturally higher metabolic rate, which makes it easier to lose weight after stopping birth control
  • Diet and exercise: Your lifestyle plays a significant role in weight management. A balanced diet and regular exercise can promote weight loss regardless of contraceptive use.
  • Hormonal balance: Your unique hormonal fluctuations can influence your weight.

RELATED: Best diet for weight loss

Tips for managing your weight on NuvaRing

If you’re concerned about weight gain while using NuvaRing, Drs. Ruiz and Vasagar offer the following tips:

  • Monitor your diet: Track your food intake to ensure you’re consuming a balanced diet focused on lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and whole grains. 
  • Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week.
  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help reduce fluid retention.
  • Limit processed foods: Avoid sugary, processed, and high-fat foods, as they can contribute to weight gain. 
  • Seek medical advice: If you’re struggling with weight management, consult a healthcare provider or nutritionist.

Alternatives to NuvaRing

If you’re concerned about weight gain with NuvaRing, alternative birth control options include:

Generally, non-hormonal birth control methods have fewer side effects compared to hormonal options, including the birth control ring. While many women find that low-dose birth control pills have fewer side effects, individual responses can differ significantly.

The bottom line? Some women might experience slight weight fluctuations on NuvaRing, but studies show that significant weight gain is unlikely. As a word of warning, if effective contraception is not used consistently, a pregnancy causes significant weight gain. Consult a healthcare professional to assess if NuvaRing is suitable for you. If weight gain is a primary concern, other options are available.

RELATED: Birth control options: What’s right for you?