What is Creatine Belly and How to Avoid It
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                According to a 2017 study, supplementing with a creatine loading phase can result in a significant gain in total body water, potentially causing a temporary and harmless side effect known as creatine belly. This bloating is often misunderstood as fat gain, but in reality, it's a short-term side effect caused by water retention within the muscles.