Does it hold weight? The perceived effects of contraceptive use on weight status in females: A mixed-methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To examine females' perceived effects of contraceptive use on weight management and to identify potential confounding factors that may contribute to perceived weight changes across their lifespan.

Methods

Three hundred and fifteen predominantly UK-based females completed a questionnaire assessing the prevalence and type of current and previous contraceptive use, reasons for use, side effects experienced, and perceived effects on weight. Twenty-five participants who reported contraceptive use subsequently completed timeline interviews to gain deeper insight into the perceived impact of contraception on weight status and to identify contextual or lifestyle factors that may have contributed to perceived weight-management difficulties.

Results

Contraceptive use pr

SUBMITTER: Bass L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12747328 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature