New Study Links Birth Control Pills to Binge Eating in Women

For many women, the sudden craving for a pint of ice cream or a whole bag of chips can be puzzling. But recent research suggests that a commonly used medication might have more influence than we realized.

A study featured in JAMA reveals that women tend to binge eat more on certain days, and interestingly, the triggers aren’t stress or mood swings, nor are they related to other medications.

Instead, the researchers identified a hormonal connection that could explain why some women face strong urges to overeat. This sheds new light on binge eating, a condition that mainly affects women and girls, often linked to mental health issues like depression and substance abuse.

The culprit appears to be combined oral contraceptives, more popularly referred to as birth control pills. These are widely used, with about 85% of women taking them at some point, according to a study from 2012.

The research, conducted over 49 days with 422 women aged 15 to 30 from the Michigan State University Twin Registry, involved tracking their use of active and inactive pills alongside their binge eating habits.

The findings showed an increase in binge eating on days when participants were using active pills compared to when they were on the inactive pills. Notably, this pattern held even after considering various factors like mood and other medications, and it didn’t significantly affect concerns about weight.

Interestingly, as the study progressed and women continued to log their eating habits, instances of binge eating appeared to decline.

This trend suggests that just keeping track of eating behaviors might help some women recognize their patterns and regain control. However, the researchers advise caution—these findings are just a starting point, and they’re not recommending women stop taking their birth control just yet.

The study emphasizes that while hormones may influence eating behaviors, they don’t dictate them. Dr. Deena Hailoo, the obesity medical director at Northwell’s hospitals, reiterated that the results are intriguing but far from conclusive.

To get a clearer picture, future research will need to look into how other hormonal contraceptives, like IUDs or implants, may affect eating behaviors.

In the meantime, Dr. Hailoo advocates for food journaling as a useful practice for women concerned about binge eating or cravings tied to their birth control. “Writing it down helps people reflect on their own behaviors,” she shared.

She also emphasized the importance of a balanced diet filled with whole foods, adequate proteins, fiber, regular physical activity, and emotional support as key elements in maintaining a healthy weight and managing cravings.

Ultimately, Dr. Hailoo pointed out, “Every woman is different, and they require tailored approaches to their care.”