The pill, formally known as an oral contraceptive, has changed a lot over the decades. The new concoctions are much easier on your body, have fewer side effects and haven't lost effectiveness.

You may be wondering, however, if they are potentially causing weight gain in your body. There seems to be quite a lot of confusion and controversy regarding this issue.

Well, after having looked into this extensively, the research demonstrates that contraceptives can in fact cause increases in weight. Here is how they can do it:

1. Reduced insulin ability. This becomes more of a concern if you have a prior condition with insulin resistance. And when insulin can't function properly, your active tissues can't absorb calories very well. This translates into more calories going towards fat cells.

2. Less fight or flight hormones. Said hormones are critical for mobilizing and burning fat from your fat stores. Without these hormones, losing weight can become extremely difficult. They are also responsible for providing you with energy.

3. Compromised recovery. This happens because with contraceptives, your body might not get enough amino acids. And amino acids are responsible for repairing body tissues. Amino acids, by the way, are the building blocks of protein.

4. Bloating. Since contraceptives are estrogen-like substances, they can cause excessive water retention which can leave you with the dreaded bloated look. One way around this issue is to take diuretics. This approach, however, may not be very good for your health.

Getting off of contraceptives is something to think about extensively, it's not something you want to do on a whim. Also, every woman is going to have a slightly different reaction to different formulations.

Now if you feel like what you're taking is causing excess weight gain, you should talk to your primary care provider for additional options. You may want to try a less potent formulation or stop taking them altogether until you reach your goal.

One more thing: you have to take action on this new information or you just might forget it!

Author Katherine Crawford, a Harvard fitness expert and former arm fat sufferer, teaches women how to lose loose arm fat. Learn how to get sexy arms by exploring her website about how to tone up arms right now!