Effect of oral contraceptive use on weight loss and body composition following low-calorie diet intervention

Background: Energy restriction promoted by hypocaloric diets is one of the most studied interventions to achieve weight loss. However, there are many factors which may influence the weight loss process. Hormonal contraception is an important factor to be investigated.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of oral contraceptive use on weight loss following 500-kcal reduction diet intervention for 1-month.

Methods: We conducted a single-blind controlled study in which 19 healthy women aged 18-25 years were divided into oral contraceptive use group (COC, n = 9) or no hormonal contraception use group (NHC, n = 10). Anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention.

Results: Both COC and NHC groups achieved significant body weight, body fat, and lean body mass loss following 4 weeks of caloric restriction diet intervention. COC group lost more weight (2.87 kg) than NHC group (1.36 kg) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: In a month's time, daily reduction of 500-kcal resulted in reduction of body weight and body fat. COC group lost more weight than NHC group. Given the limitations of the study, these data should be interpreted with caution. More studies are necessary to verify the effects of oral contraceptive use on weight loss.