Contraceptive pills are hormone medications frequently used by men and women of reproductive age. These medications work by altering hormone levels in the body to prevent pregnancy. However, they often come with various side effects, one of which is weight gain. So, how can you lose weight while taking contraceptive pills?
Stop taking the pills
There are two types of contraceptive pills: long-term and emergency. While both are hormone medications, emergency contraceptive pills are less likely to cause weight gain. On the other hand, long-term contraceptive pills are taken for an extended period, keeping the body at a consistently high hormone level, which can easily lead to weight gain. To lose weight in this case, the first step is to stop taking the pills.
Note: Stopping long-term contraceptive pills abruptly is not recommended. It is advisable to switch to short-term contraceptive pills for a few days before gradually stopping them completely. This helps alleviate any discomfort caused by a sudden drop in hormone levels.
Diet control
Taking contraceptive pills increases hormone levels in the body. However, high hormone levels alone do not cause weight gain. The body requires sufficient energy supply. Therefore, after stopping the pills, it is important to pay attention to diet control. It is recommended to consult a professional nutritionist for energy calculation and meal planning. A light and low-calorie diet is recommended as the foundation for weight loss.
Increase physical activity
The body's energy is primarily utilized during physical activity. With enough exercise, the body's fat stores will be broken down to release energy. When combined with a well-balanced diet, weight gain caused by contraceptive pills can be effectively managed.
Long-term commitment
The biggest challenge in weight loss is not diet or exercise, but commitment and perseverance. Some people may only stick to a weight loss plan for a few days, seeing some initial results, and then revert back to their old lifestyle. This approach is not effective and often leads to even more weight gain. Successful weight loss requires consistent commitment for at least six months to a year, followed by gradual changes in diet, in order to achieve lasting results without rebounding.
The best contraceptive method
The healthiest and most effective contraceptive method is physical contraception, such as using condoms during sexual activity or opting for a contraceptive implant. These methods have high success rates and do not have any adverse effects on the body.