Weight changes among Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate acceptors in Sagamu, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate is a highly effective injectable contraceptive. Weight gain is a commonly reported side effect that makes women to discontinue the contraceptive method. Studies on weight changes among the users in Nigerian women are sparse. Hence, this study was aimed at determining the effect of Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate on the weight and Body Mass Index of users at 6 months and 12 months.
Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal study conducted among sixty-eight new acceptors of Depo-medroxyprogesterone at the family planning clinic of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Sagamu, Ogun State. Weight and Body Mass Index of acceptors were recorded. Women were followed up at 6months and 12 months. The data was analysed using SPSS version 24.
Results: The mean weight before starting Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate was 62.9±10.5kg and at 6 months and 12 months the mean weights were 63.3±10.5kg and 63.8±9.8kg respectively. The increase in weight of the participants at 6 months was not significant (t=1.511, P=0.135), however after 12 months, there was significant weight gain (t=2.697, P=0.009). Similarly, Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate was associated with a non-significant increase in Body Mass Index at 6 months (t=1.455, P=0.150) whereas users had statistically significant increase in Body Mass Index at 12 months post-commencement. Age, parity, educational status and pre-treatment Body Mass Index of study participants were not predictors of weight gain among Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate users.
Conclusion: Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate was associated with significant weight gain and Body Mass Index increase after 12 months of use. Appropriate counselling is important prior to initiation