Can Creatine Monohydrate Cause Weight Gain?
Image Credit: Creatine Monohydrate And Weight Gain

Many people resort to supplements like creatine to gain weight. Generally, by using creatine, about 2-3 kg of weight increases in a week. But the sooner it increases the weight, the more it has side effects. This is because our body produces the necessary creatine on its own. As a result, our body can store more chemicals and stored in muscle tissue; creatine provides energy to the body during exercise. So let us tell you how creatine helps you gain weight. 

Creatine and weight gain

What is creatine?

Creatine is found chiefly in non-vegetarian products, especially meat and fish. Ninety-five per cent of creatine is present in the muscles and bones of the body, while the other 5 per cent is in the heart and brain. 

How does this work?

Creatine supplements help gain weight. Creatine increases your water retention capacity, due to which water is present in more quantity in the body. When you start taking a creatine supplement, it travels through the bloodstream to the muscles, where it gets stored as phosphocreatine. It not only builds your strengths but, at the same time, also increases the energy levels in the body. Therefore, whenever you lift heavy weights during exercise, it becomes an energy source for you, and there is no problem lifting the weight. However, it ends on its own after some time. During this, the phosphocreatine stored in the muscles provides extra energy to the body. 

Is it effective for weight gain? 

According to the McKinley Health Center, if an average person is taking creatine supplements during exercise, it can lead to an average weight gain of 1 to 3 pounds in between 5 and 7 days. In addition, research on its effects was published in the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning", according to which taking a creatine supplement increases water in a person's muscles, which also increases the weight.

Creatine results

You may gain weight in the first few weeks after taking creatine supplements. Apart from this, taking a creatine supplement during strength training can lead to forming new tissues in your body. It also helps in making your weak tissues strong, due to which you can also lose weight. In addition, creatine oxidises the fat present in the body, which increases metabolism. 

How much to take?

McKinley Health Center recommends taking 20 to 25 grams of creatine supplement daily. By taking this dose, you can gain up to 3 pounds in a week. Initially, take a higher amount, but after two to three weeks, reduce the dose. 

P.S: Before taking it, you must consult your doctor.