Yes, starting to take creatine can cause weight gain. It's important to understand the nature of the weight gain. There are really 2 main reasons why creatine might lead to an increase in weight:
- Water Retention: Creatine can cause your muscle cells to hold more water, leading to an increase in water weight. This is usually the primary reason for the noticed weight gain when you first start taking creatine. While this doesn't happen for everybody, if it does, it will usually level off in the 2-5lb range. If this does happen, it is not considered abnormal.
- Increased Muscle Mass: Creatine can enhance your performance in high-intensity exercise, which can help you train harder and increase muscle mass over time. Muscle gain, of course, can contribute to weight gain.
The weight gain associated with creatine is generally considered beneficial, especially if you're looking to increase muscle mass and improve performance. However, if you're concerned about weight gain, especially from water retention, it's useful to monitor your intake and adjust your diet and exercise regimen accordingly.