A COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF ONE-YEAR WEIGHT-GAIN AMONG USERS OF MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE, LEVONORGESTREL IMPLANTS, AND ORAL-CONTRACEPTIVES

With the recent introduction and growing popularity of Depo-Provera(R) Contraceptive Injection, concern about the potential for weight gain during treatment has been raised. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether or not Depo-Provera(R) Contraceptive Injection is associated with greater weight gain, and incidence thereof, than Norplant(R) implants or oral contraceptives. A retrospective chart review of patients seen at a state- and federally-funded clinic was conducted. Fifty women in each treatment group who met the study criteria were identified and included in the study evaluation. Mean one-year weight gain for subjects in each group was as follows: -2.0 pounds in the oral contraceptive group, -1.8 pounds in the Norplant(R) implants group, and +0.1 pounds in the Depo-Provera(R) Contraceptive Injection group. While results among treatment groups differed slightly no significant weight change occurred in any of the treatment groups.