Effect of oral contraceptives on changes in weight and social eating patterns in freshman females : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Context: This randomized study examined if type of oral contraceptives (norgestimate/25 mcg ethinyl estradiol vs. 150 mcg desogestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol) affected weight gain and changes in social eating habits among freshman college females.Method: Anthropometrics (weight, height, and blood pressure) and food frequency questionnaires were collected from 69 females (18-24 years) at 0 and 3 months.Results: Although there was a change in weight, no difference in weight gain and body mass index (BMI) was observed between oral contraceptive users (OC-U) and non-users (OC-NU). Type of oral contraceptive had no effect on the amount of weight gained, BMI, blood pressure, or changes in social eating behaviors.Conclusion: Type of oral contraceptive had no effect on weight gain or changes in social eating habits in college freshman females.Keywords: oral contraceptives, social and eating habits, freshman females, weight, blood pressure.