Hormonal contraceptives and body composition by use of stable isotope dilution techniques among women of reproductive age in Nyeri County, Kenya

What is it about?

Hormonal contraceptives are widely used by women to prevent pregnancy, but many women worry about their possible effects on body weight and health. Our study set out to provide clear, scientific evidence on this issue by looking beyond body weight alone and focusing on body composition, i.e. the balance of fat mass, fat-free mass (muscle and lean tissue), and body water. We followed women of reproductive age in Nyeri County, Kenya, and used a highly accurate method called the Stable Isotope Dilution Technique. This technique measures total body water and allows precise calculation of fat mass and lean tissue.

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Why is it important?

We found that women using hormonal contraceptives, particularly injectables and pills, had a higher body fat percentage and a lower total body water percentage compared to women using non-hormonal methods or not on contraceptives. These changes were not always visible in body weight or body mass index (BMI), highlighting the value of body composition analysis for understanding subtle health effects.

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