Can Supplements Cause Weight Gain?
Quick Answer
Most supplements don't cause fat gain. Creatine causes 2-5 lbs water weight (not fat). Some protein powders are high-calorie. Certain medications disguised as supplements (like some "hormone support") might. True fat gain from standard supplements is rare.
Key Points
- Creatine water weight is not fat
- Protein powder calories count like food calories
- Most vitamins/minerals don't affect weight
- Mass gainers are DESIGNED for weight gain
- True fat gain from standard supplements is rare
Detailed Answer
CREATINE (Most common concern):
• Causes 2-5 lbs water retention in muscles • This is water weight, NOT fat • It's actually a sign the creatine is working • Goes away within a week of stopping
PROTEIN POWDER:
• Contains calories (100-150 per scoop typically) • If you add it to your diet without reducing food, yes, weight gain • It's just food. Treat it like food calories.
MASS GAINERS:
• Designed to cause weight gain (500-1000 cal/serving) • That's the literal point
WEIGHT-NEUTRAL:
• Vitamins and minerals: No calories, no weight effect • Fish oil: 10-20 calories, negligible • Most herbs: No caloric impact • Probiotics: No weight effect (may even help weight management)
COULD INCREASE APPETITE:
• Some herbs (ashwagandha) may increase appetite in some people • CBD sometimes increases appetite • This is indirect, not direct weight gain
Evidence Quality
Multiple high-quality studies support this
Key Sources:
- reviewCreatine and Body Composition: Meta-analysis
- studyProtein Supplementation and Weight Management
Related Questions
No. Creatine pulls water into muscle cells. This happens in the first 1-2 weeks and stabilizes. It's water weight and actually makes muscles look fuller.
You Might Also Ask
Try It In Your Stack
Learn more →
Learn more →
About this information: Our recommendations draw from peer-reviewed clinical trials, systematic reviews, and the same medical databases your doctor uses. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Get Science-Backed Supplement Tips
Weekly insights from 47,000+ clinical trials
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your inbox.
Have More Questions?
Check your full supplement stack for interactions and personalized recommendations.
Analyze Your Stack