Abstract
The prevalence of obesity among females of reproductive age is increasing globally.
Access to the complete range of appropriate contraceptive options is essential for
upholding the reproductive rights of this population group. People with obesity can
experience stigma and discrimination when seeking healthcare, and despite limited
evidence for provider bias in the context of contraception, awareness for its potential
at an individual provider and health systems level is essential. While use of some
hormonal contraceptives may be restricted due to increased health risks in people
with obesity, some methods provide noncontraceptive benefits including a reduced risk
of endometrial cancer and a reduction in heavy menstrual bleeding which are more prevalent
among individuals with obesity. In addition to examining systems-based approaches
which facilitate the provision of inclusive contraceptive care, including long-acting
reversible contraceptives which require procedural considerations, this article reviews
current evidence on method-specific advantages and disadvantages for people with obesity
to guide practice and policy.
Keywords
obesity - contraception - contraceptive failure - contraceptive safety - contraceptive
benefits
