As birth control pills can increase or cause binge eatingas shown in a study conducted by researchers from Michigan State University, us United States.
The survey, published by the scientific journal JAMA Network Openobserved this effect in a sample of 422 women, between 15 and 30 years old.
For 49 daysresearchers followed two complete pill transitionswhich allowed us to observe changes in “emotional eating”.
The research showed that there was a significant increase in levels of “emotional eating” in women who were compared with those who were taking placebo.
The researchers explain that the pills have a combination of progestin and mimics the hormonal environment of the post-ovulatory period (luteal phase) of the natural menstrual cycle.
This phase is considered the increased risk for binge eating behaviors the appetite-suppressing effects of estrogen, leading to increased food intake.
The survey also points out that the exogenous hormones in the pills can act on the brain’s dopaminergic and opioid reward systems, increasing desire and pleasure derived from food highly palatable – high in fat and sugar.
The study also noted that o hormonal effect is specific for food intake behavior in response to emotions and not for general body dissatisfaction. The use of pills showed no association with weight concerns.
Although all women who took the active pills showed an increase in “emotional eating”, those who already had clinically defined episodes of binge eating had greater difficulties. Therefore, they suggest that women with this condition consider personalized contraceptive options.
The researchers highlight that this survey only observed monophasic combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs), that a constant dose of synthetic estrogen and progestin during the 21 days of active pills. I.e, It is not possible to say that all pills have this effect.
*Under AR supervision.
