progestogen only pill (POP) and obesity

Last edited 03/2020 and last reviewed 11/2020

Progestogen-only pill (POP)

  • the available evidence suggests that effectiveness of the progestogen-only pill (POP) is not affected by body weight or BMI
  • the available evidence suggests that POP is a safe contraceptive option for women who are overweight and women with obesity

Weight gain with POP


In the general population there is no evidence suggesting a causal association between POP useand weight gain. There is no specific evidence relating to weight gain with POP use by women with raised BMI.

FSRH state (1):

  • double-dose POP for contraception is not recommended for women who are overweight or women with obesity

Reference:

  • FSRH (April 2019). Overweight, Obesity & Contraception