Long-Acting Reversible Contraception has No influence on Weight or Body Mass Composition

Women are always afraid about weight and some of them report weight changes after started a hormonal contraceptive. A recent Cochrane’s review affirmed that it is a patient misperceived perception. The review analyzed effects of progestogen-only contraceptive methods (implants, LNG-IUS, oral progesteroneonly and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate-DMPA) on weight and found limited scientific evidence on changes in weight and body composition related to the use of these contraceptives. Weight gain was mainly associated with the use of DMPA, with a weight gain of less than 2 kg during 12 months [4]. Weight gain is reported by 13% of ENG implant users [5] and by 12% of users of LNG-IUS [6]. Despite this, few women (<5%) discontinue these contraceptives due to a weight gain complaint [7]. Dal’Ava et al. [8] observed a weight gain of 2.9 kg between users of LNG-IUS (p = 0.0012), while IUD-Cu users gained 1.4 kg (p=0.067) in 12 months. However, there was no difference between groups. This shows a “physiological” weight gain among women over the years [8].