Background Progestin-only contraceptives (POCs) are appropriate for many women who cannot or should not take estrogen. progestin-only pills, one studied the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), four examined an implant, and 10 focused on depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Outcomes examined were changes in body weight only (14 studies), changes in both body weight and body composition (1 study), and changes in body composition only (1 study). We did not conduct meta-analysis due to the various contraceptive methods and weight change measures. Comparison groups did not differ significantly for weight change in 12 studies. However, three studies showed weight change differences for POC users compared to women not using a hormonal method. In one study, weight gain (kg) was greater for the DMPA group than the group using a non-hormonal IUD in years one through three [(MD 2.28; 95% CI 1.79 to 2.77), (MD 2.71, 95% CI 2.12 to 3.30), and (MD Delavirdine mesylate IC50 3.17; 95% CI 2.51 to 3.83), respectively]. The differences were notable within the normal weight and overweight subgroups. Two implant studies also showed differences in weight change. The implant group (six-capsule) had greater weight gain (kg) compared to the group using a non-hormonal IUD in both studies [(MD 0.47 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.65); (MD 1.10; 95% CI 0.36 to 1 1.84)]. In one of those studies, the implant group also had greater weight gain than a group using a barrier method or no contraceptive (MD 0.74; 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96). The two studies that assessed body composition change showed differences between POC users and women not using a hormonal method. Adolescents using DMPA had a greater increase in body fat (%) compared to a group not using a hormonal method (MD 11.00; 95% CI 2.64 to 19.36). The DMPA group also had a greater decrease in lean body mass (%) (MD ?4.00; 95% CI ?6.93 to ?1.07). The other study reported differences between an LNG-IUS group and a non-hormonal IUD group in percent change in body fat mass (2.5% versus ?1.3%, respectively; reported P value = 0.029) and percent change in lean body mass (?1.4% versus 1.0%, respectively; reported P value = 0.027). Authors conclusions The overall quality of evidence was moderate to low, given that the studies were evenly divided across the evidence quality groups (high, moderate, low, or very low quality). We found limited evidence of weight gain when Delavirdine mesylate IC50 using POCs. Mean gain was less than 2 kg Delavirdine mesylate IC50 for most studies up to 12 months. Weight change for the POC group generally did not differ significantly from that of the comparison group using another contraceptive. Two studies that assessed body composition showed that POC users had greater increases in body fat and decreases in lean body mass compared to users of non-hormonal methods. Appropriate counseling about common weight gain may help reduce discontinuation of contraceptives due to perceptions of weight gain. Plain language summary Effects of progestin-only Delavirdine mesylate IC50 birth control on weight Progestin-only contraceptives (POCs) can be used by women who cannot or should not take the hormone estrogen. Many POCs are long acting, cost less than some other methods, and work well to prevent pregnancy. Some people worry that weight gain is Delavirdine mesylate IC50 usually a side effect of these birth control methods. Concern about weight gain can keep women Rabbit polyclonal to ATF1.ATF-1 a transcription factor that is a member of the leucine zipper family.Forms a homodimer or heterodimer with c-Jun and stimulates CRE-dependent transcription. from using these methods, or cause women to stop using them early, which can lead to unplanned pregnancy. We looked at studies of POCs and changes in body weight. Through May 2013, we did computer searches for studies of progestin-only birth control compared to another birth control method or no contraceptive. We also wrote to researchers to find other trials. The focus was on change in body.