You might need to sit down for this one. It kinda goes against everything you’ve ever heard or learned or maybe even experienced. But it just so happens to be true. Are you ready?

There is no evidence that taking birth control pills causes you to gain weight. 

I know, I know. Your cousin. Your best friend. Your dental hygienist. They’ve all complained about gaining weight while taking the pill. And maybe they did. But it wasn’t because of the pill.

Like most myths, it’s hard to figure out where this pill-slander originated. But the idea that the birth control pill makes you gain weight is everywhere—it’s among the most common reasons people choose not to use the pill. So where did this convincing urban legend originate?

Slate has some ideas, including the good ol’ “blame it on the hormones” excuse. But what we do know for certain is there’s no convincing scientific evidence that birth control pills make you gain weight. That’s right, none. Shout it from the rooftops! 

-Nathan at PPFA