I've been on oral contraceptives since I was about 16 and have always had a little stubborn belly fat. I'm in a healthy weight range and pretty althletic (working out 3-6 times week, cardio and weights)
Mid-October, I changed pills because I lost my health coverage and needed a cheaper generic than my ultra-low dose RX. I've gained about 5 lbs and have been feeling super bloated. The weight won't budge even after upping my cardio and being really conscious of sweets. I'm realizing that I've felt this way ever since I switched my pill.
I'm wondering if BC has always been the source of my stubborn belly fat and how to get rid of it! I'm looking at an IUD once my health coverage is better and obviously there's condoms, but has anyone had this same problem and found another solution that they're really happy with? I'm aiming to have a six pack by the honeymoon.
TLDR: I think my new BC pill is making me fat but old pill is too expensive! Trying to get an IUD soon and obviously know abt condoms. Anyone else in the same boat but getting good results (fat loss & no pregnancies) with any other methods?
Thanks!
Re: Birth Control Weight Gain?
I was on BC since the age of 15 / 16 as well. I started noticing the weight gain in my belly area after high school and I finally went off BC about a year ago. I still have a little belly fat (I snack too much haha) but a lot of it went away about 2 moths after stopping BC. I think most of the weight gain was water weight from the BC and when I told my Gyno about it, she agreed. DH and I used condoms most of the time and when we didn't we did the pull out and finish with a HJ or BJ method (admittedly not the best way to go) and did not end up pregnant.
I have a few friends that also don't use the pill due to side effects, but are still sexually active, and instead use two cheaper methods (for example, condoms + spermacide). The effectiveness rate goes up significantly when you double up. http://www.scarleteen.com/article/sexual_health/the_buddy_system_effectiveness_rates_for_backing_up_your_birth_control_with_a_
I also recommend checking out cycle tracking apps you can download on a smart phone or online for free. Even if you are not using it as a sole BC method (some people do effectively, but I also know this is scary for some), I still think it's kind of nice (and cool, in a weird way) to figure out your body's unique rhythm.
But OP, 5 pounds isn't a crazy weight gain. Now if you said you gained like 20 pounds I would definitely question your BC.
Getting older DOES make it so much harder too! ick.