Yes, starting creatine can lead to weight gain, but it’s important to understand the reasons behind it. There are two primary factors contributing to this:
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Water Retention:
Creatine increases water content in your muscle cells, leading to an increase in water weight. This is the most common cause of initial weight gain when starting creatine supplementation. While not everyone experiences this, those who do typically see it stabilize within a range of 2–5 lbs. This is a normal response and not a cause for concern. -
Increased Muscle Mass:
Creatine enhances performance during high-intensity exercise, enabling harder training and promoting muscle growth over time. The resulting increase in muscle mass naturally contributes to weight gain.
The weight gain associated with creatine is generally viewed as positive, particularly if your goal is to build muscle and improve performance. However, if you’re concerned about weight gain due to water retention, consider monitoring your intake and adjusting your diet and exercise routine as needed. If you have specific concerns, consulting a healthcare or fitness professional can also be helpful.