Aerobic exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce weight gain in 3-month injectable contraceptive users

Authors

  • Zulhijriani Zulhijriani Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bakti Utama Pati, Indonesia
  • Nur Cahyani Ari Lestari Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bakti Utama Pati, Indonesia
  • Salwa Annisaa Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bakti Utama Pati, Indonesia
  • Luluk Yuliati Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bakti Utama Pati, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35335/midwifery.v14i2.2388

Keywords:

Aerobic Exercise , DMPA, Injectable Contraceptive, Nonpharmacological, Weight Gain

Abstract

Weight gain is identified as one of the most prevalent side effects among users of 3-month injectable contraceptives (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate/DMPA), which significantly impacts user compliance and long-term health. This study aims to analyze the effect of a structured aerobic exercise intervention on weight reduction among DMPA users. This research employed a quantitative pre-experimental design with a pretest-posttest approach. The study was conducted in Tondomulyo Village, Pati District, Central Java, involving 50 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) who were current users of 3-month injectable contraceptives, selected through purposive sampling. Body weight was measured before and after the intervention using calibrated digital scales. Data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test via SPSS with a significance level of p < 0.05. The study found a statistically significant decrease in body weight following the aerobic exercise intervention (p=0.000). The mean body weight decreased from 61.92 kg at pre-intervention to 60.86 kg post-intervention, resulting in a mean difference of 1.06 kg. Most participants engaged in light-intensity exercise (58%), though regular exercise was associated with more optimal metabolic outcomes. Aerobic exercise is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for managing weight gain among DMPA users. Incorporating structured physical activity into reproductive health programs can serve as a holistic approach to mitigate contraceptive side effects and improve user continuation rates.

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Published

2026-06-30

How to Cite

Zulhijriani, Z. (2026) “Aerobic exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce weight gain in 3-month injectable contraceptive users ”, Science Midwifery, 14(2), pp. 503–504. doi: 10.35335/midwifery.v14i2.2388.