Tag: Creatine weight gain

Research shows creatine supplementation can cause a rapid increase in body weight, typically ranging from 2 to 6 pounds in the first week of a loading phase, so the question "how much do I weigh if I start taking creatine?" is a valid concern for many users. This initial gain is primarily water weight, not fat, and is a normal physiological response.

Research consistently shows that creatine supplementation can cause a rapid increase in body weight, typically ranging from 2 to 6 pounds in the first week due to water retention. The possibility of gaining 10 pounds on creatine is a concern for many, but this article will clarify whether such an increase is normal and what factors influence it.

Research has consistently documented that creatine supplements cause a quick, initial increase in body weight. This frequently leads to the question: does creatine cause weight gain, and if so, is it due to fat, water, or muscle mass?

According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), creatine loading can lead to a temporary weight gain of 1–3 kilograms due to intracellular water retention. So, does weight gain from creatine go away? The short answer is yes, the initial water weight is temporary and predictable.

Pure creatine monohydrate contains zero calories, as it is not a macronutrient like carbohydrates, fats, or proteins. This fact often surprises those who associate the supplement with weight gain, which is primarily due to temporary water retention within the muscles. For those counting every calorie, understanding how many calories are in 1 scoop of creatine is essential to accurately tracking their intake.