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What Causes Weight Gain While On Birth Control Pills?
Question: I am 36 years old. I stopped taking birth control pills about 4 months ago. I gained 12 pounds in 2 months after stopping. I can't get any of the weight off through exercise or eating healthier. Is this normal? What can I do about the weight gain?
Brief Answer:
Can be due to hormonal changes.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
The weight gain after stopping the pills can be due to the hormonal changes associated with stopping the pills. It will take some time to start losing the weight. After this acute weight gain first you need to stabilize the weight- means stop gaining any further weight. After that you can gradually lose the weight.
Slow and steady weight loss of no more than 1-2 pounds per week is the safest way to lose weight. Too rapid weight loss can cause you to lose muscle rather than fat. It also increases your chances of developing other problems, such as gallstones and nutrient deficiencies. Making long-term changes in your eating and physical activity habits is the only way to lose weight and keep it off!
Whether you are trying to lose weight or maintain your weight, you must improve your eating habits. Eat a variety of foods, especially wholemeal bread, and other whole-grain foods. Reduce your fat-intake. You should also eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal
Can be due to hormonal changes.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
The weight gain after stopping the pills can be due to the hormonal changes associated with stopping the pills. It will take some time to start losing the weight. After this acute weight gain first you need to stabilize the weight- means stop gaining any further weight. After that you can gradually lose the weight.
Slow and steady weight loss of no more than 1-2 pounds per week is the safest way to lose weight. Too rapid weight loss can cause you to lose muscle rather than fat. It also increases your chances of developing other problems, such as gallstones and nutrient deficiencies. Making long-term changes in your eating and physical activity habits is the only way to lose weight and keep it off!
Whether you are trying to lose weight or maintain your weight, you must improve your eating habits. Eat a variety of foods, especially wholemeal bread, and other whole-grain foods. Reduce your fat-intake. You should also eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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