Many women don’t use birth control pills because they’re afraid of gaining weight. After all, it’s listed as one of the adverse effects of the pill.

According to the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), women may be limiting their birth control options unnecessarily.

The researchers believe that prior studies haven’t shown a substantial link between using the pill and gaining weight. They believe that many women are gaining weight simply because they’re getting older, regardless of whether they use the pill or not.

The same is true of the contraceptive patch and the contraceptive vaginal ring, according to IQWiG scientists.

Fluid retention and increased fat or an increase in appetite from birth control pills has been blamed for causing weight gain.

But I reviewed the reasons that IQWiG gives for disputing the link between using birth control pills and gaining weight. And they’re simply saying that prior studies haven’t been conducted in a way to definitively prove the link.

That doesn’t mean a link doesn’t exist. It just means it hasn’t been scientifically concluded that a link exists.

At least, that’s how I interpreted their arguments.

If you want to see what they’re saying for yourself, here’s the link to their website…

Do Birth Control Pills Cause Weight Gain?

In my opinion, without firm evidence either way, it’s just as misleading to say the link doesn’t exist as to say it does.

If you have questions about weight gain from using birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives, you should consult your doctor.