Combined oral contraceptives and weight gain in young women
M.M. Lech (1), L. Ostrowska (2)
Fertility and Sterility Research Center, Warsaw, Poland (1); Department of
Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland (2)
Introduction: There is a complex of reasons for overweight and obesity
in women; this phenomenon is related to genetic, endocrinological, social and
other factors. The common reason for obesity is high food supply and low
physical activity. Some of the pharmaceutical products may also affect energy
balance of the women and lead to overweight and obesity. List of such
pharmaceuticals is not fully defined but steroids (and most common, hormonal
contraceptives) are often included there.
Objective: The aim of the study was to present reasons and date on the
relation between the use of combined oral contraceptives (COC) and body weight
in young women.
Design and Methods: Observational study on the study group of young
women on COC and the control group of young women who never used COC. Cases for
study and control groups were recruited in selected gynecological clinics in
Poland during the period of 1st – 31st January 2002 (with the use of
randomization method). Statistical analysis was done using the Program
Statistica for Windows. In the multifactorial analysis the model of logistic
regression was used, regression indicators values were established using SPSS
Packet for Windows Release 6.0. Observation and comparison of anthropometrics
parameters, past reproductive history and nutrition status in the group of 145
young women on COC (study group) and 218 young women (control) who never used
COC.
Results: Both groups (study and control) were almost identical
regarding age, anthropometrics characteristics, number of pregnancies and
deliveries, body mass and BMI. On the basis of this investigation, there is no
relation between use of COC and weight gain. Observed (in both groups) weight
gain in young women was most probably related rather to time passing (patients
were getting older). The higher risk for overweight and obesity was found in the
group of young women who have got already problems with overweight in their
childhood and in the group of women with high weight gain during first pregnancy.
Conclusion: Combined oral contraceptive use is not associated with
weight gain in young women living in Poland.
