Contraceptive pill Microgynon and weight gain

Some studies link weight gain to the progestogen content of the pill and others suggest increased appetite in pill-taking women is a cause. However, the precise link between taking the pill and putting on weight has not been established.

Weight gain in some individuals can sometimes be pill-specific. This means that if one pill causes you to put on weight it is worth trying an alternative (of which there are many).

If you do experience weight gain, you should expect your weight to plateau after the first few months of treatment. After this initial period you will have to take measures to lose that weight, such as diet and exercise.

Should you experience an increase in appetite in the first few months, you may need to watch your diet (count calories, be aware of your fat and carbohydrate intake) and take regular exercise in order to mitigate the risk of weight gain.