Implant for birth control: Facts and misconceptions about weight change
The birth control implant Nexplanon is a popular choice for many women due to its high effectiveness and convenience. However, like any medication, it comes with potential side effects, and one of the questions frequently asked is whether it contributes to weight gain.
Research on this topic is mixed, but the majority of studies suggest that weight changes linked to Nexplanon are generally minimal and often due to factors other than the implant itself.
Scientific studies and reviews show that while some users report weight gain, it tends to be small and not consistently observed across the majority of users. Large-scale studies have not found strong evidence to link Nexplanon with significant weight gain during short-term use.
Compared to the Depo-Provera shot, which is known to cause more substantial weight gain in a subset of women, Nexplanon and other hormonal implant or IUD options are much less likely to promote notable weight gain.
Some users' reports of weight gain may be influenced by indirect hormonal effects, such as changes in appetite, metabolism, or fluid retention, rather than an actual increase in fat mass. These effects differ widely between individuals and may be transient during the initial months of adjustment to the implant.
Medical sources list weight gain as a possible but uncommon side effect of Nexplanon, emphasizing that most people do not experience significant weight changes due to it. Discussions on social media and anecdotal reports sometimes suggest weight gain associated with Nexplanon, but these are not supported by robust clinical evidence and often reflect other contributing factors unrelated to the implant itself.
It is important to note that weight gain is a normal part of life, and it is common to gain a few pounds with each passing year. Weight gain that appears related to birth control implants might be part of normal weight gain that comes with age.
Women concerned about weight gain with birth control should consult healthcare providers for personalized advice and consider alternative methods if needed. Women with a history of blood clots, pregnancy, allergy to any of the implant's ingredients, progesterone-sensitive cancer, liver disease or a liver tumor, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or depression should avoid the implant.
In conclusion, Nexplanon is unlikely to cause meaningful weight gain for most users, and when weight changes do occur, they tend to be minimal and influenced by individual differences and lifestyle rather than the implant directly. Women should discuss with their doctors whether their weight gain is healthy and normal, as well as how they can minimize problematic weight gain. For most implant users, weight gain is unlikely. Even if it occurs, it may only be a few pounds.
- The predictive relationship between the birth control implant Nexplanon and obesity is not evident in large-scale studies, with minimal weight changes suggested.
- Weight gain is a possible, albeit uncommon, side effect of Nexplanon, but most users do not experience significant weight changes due to it.
- Comparatively, Depo-Provera is known to cause more substantial weight gain in a subset of women compared to hormonal implants like Nexplanon.
- The potential for weight gain resulting from Nexplanon may be due to indirect hormonal effects, such as changes in appetite, metabolism, or fluid retention.
- Some women may associate weight gain with the use of Nexplanon, but these reports are not supported by robust clinical evidence and often reflect other contributing factors.
- Healthcare providers recommend women consider alternative methods if they are concerned about potential weight gain and its relationship with birth control implants.
- Women with certain health conditions, such as a history of blood clots, pregnancy, liver disease, or depression, should avoid using Nexplanon due to potential risks.
- When it comes to health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrition, it's essential for women to maintain a balanced lifestyle that promotes overall wellbeing, regardless of their choice in birth control.
- It's important to discuss with healthcare providers concerns about weight gain and whether it's healthy and normal, as well as options for minimizing any potential problematic weight gain while using birth control implants like Nexplanon.
