The patch is not indicated for women with a BMI of 30 or above. If you intend to take birth control for pregnancy prevention, the pill or NuvaRing are the best alternatives because they are consistently effective regardless of weight. You also need to understand that most drugs in the patch affect people differently depending on their body type. Some bodies can handle the patches well while others may have problems with them. Here's what the patch can't protect you against: If you're obese, you should still exercise and eat a healthy diet to reduce your risk of other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. The patch will not make up for the effects of a poor lifestyle. If you do decide to use the patch, be sure to ask your doctor about any restrictions or changes that might be needed based on your weight or body type.