On their face, findings were often quite compelling.
However, a closer look at the studies revealed inconsistencies in some of the findings.
Among them, some studies suggested that higher weight, not higher BMI, was associated withcontraceptive failure.
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Others found no such link between weight and unplanned pregnancy.
Conclusions were instead based on blood hormone concentrations.
Or it may not.
Half of the women were of healthy weight and the other half were living with obesity.
By comparison, only one of 54 women with obesity experienced such failure.
The failure rates were statistically comparable, meaning that obesity played no part in them.
The one factor that did influence contraceptive efficacy was treatment adherence.
Other studies have supported these findings, albeit with limitations.
That is not to suggest, however, thatallhormonal contraceptives are equally effective in heavier women.
And there are also risks to consider.
It is also yet to be established how safe continuous oral contraceptives are over the long term.
Bariatric Surgery Caution
Weight loss is not a means of contraception.
However, it may theoretically improve the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Some options may be more appropriate for you than others.
Of them, 44.7% are women between the ages of 20 and 39.
All this to say, if you live with obesity or overweight status, you are not alone.
If you intend to lose weight, do so safely with exercise and a healthy, balanced diet.
2011;183(18):E1278-9.
2017 Oct;288:1-7.
