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January 07, 2002

Weight Gain with DMPA

Some of my friends say they have gained weight while using the injectable contraceptive DMPA (or Depo-Provera). Can that be true?

Yes. While not all women gain weight, many do. Bear in mind though, that many of us gain weight as we age. A recent study from Brazil is one of the few with a comparison group to help control for the effects of age. After 5 years the women on DMPA gained an average of 9 ½ lbs (4.3 kg) versus a gain of 4 lbs (1.8 kg) for women with IUDs. The average age of the women at the beginning was 33.1 years and they gained weight throughout the 5 year period.

References:
Bahamondes L et al. Comparison of weight increase in users of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and copper IUD for up to 5 years. Contraception 2001;64:223-225.

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The "Pearls" offer answers to commonly asked questions about family planning. These "Pearls" are prepared by Dr. James D. Shelton, Senior Medical Scientist, Office of Population, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

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