Can birth control make you gain weight?

Medically reviewed by Laura K. Grubb, MD, MPH
Board-Certified Pediatrician and Adolescent Medicine Specialist
Written by Linda Childers
Contributor
Updated Jan 13, 2026  •  Published Jan 13, 2026
Fact Checked

In most cases, birth control does not cause weight gain. Multiple studies and reviews show that today’s hormonal birth control options, including pills, IUDs, and implants, haven’t been linked to weight gain, though temporary fluid retention, lifestyle changes, or appetite increases with the Depo-Provera shot may affect the scale for some women.

Want to learn more?  Read our full analysis: Does birth control make you gain weight?

Medical disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.

Medically reviewed by Laura K. Grubb, MD, MPH
Board-Certified Pediatrician and Adolescent Medicine Specialist

Laura K. Grubb, MD, MPH, is a board-certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist. She cares for patients in an urban academic medical center and is active with national organizations focusing on child health, public health, and adolescent health care. In addition, she has been a volunteer with the Amigos de Las Americas organization since 1990—first as a community volunteer and now as a medical advisor.

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Written by Linda Childers
Contributor

Linda Childers is a California-based freelance writer who regularly writes on a wide variety of health topics and also profiles celebrities. Her articles have appeared in The Washington Post, Arthritis Today, O, The Rheumatologist, The Boca Raton Observer, Allure, Playboy, and many other national media outlets.

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