Creatine is a compound the body makes in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. We can also get it from animal proteins like red meat, fish and chicken. But how good or bad is it. Let’s break it downread more
Creatine has become one of the most talked-about supplements online. It’s the same Patrick Schwarzenegger’s character in ‘The White Lotus’ added to his famous shake. Considered to be used for fitness, doctors and medical experts often debate its advantages and side-effects.
Dr Imtiaz Desai, a Sydney, Australia-based exercise physiologist, said, “If we keep it super simple, the body has three sorts of energy systems.” He added, “It should enable you to do a few more repetitions at the same weight.” It’s mostly considered to be a safe supplement in the longer run.
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What is Creatine?
Creatine is a compound the body makes in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. It is then stored in our muscles and brains. It is a crucial chemical ingredient in our body. It is a quick fuel for our muscles.
We can also get it from animal proteins like red meat, fish and chicken. It has also been labelled as magic powder. It has been popular among fitness athletes, Olympic players. There are cotton-candy flavoured creatine drinks available. It is now a one billion dollar global market.
Netizens react
One user wrote- “Creatine is awesome and especially for women in peri menopause and menopause.”
Another said, “I’ve been using Creatine for couple of months now. It’s amazing. Not just for extra energy at the gym or squash court, but also removed brain fog and hence improved memory as well as got rid of my muscle cramps and aches.”
A third commented- “If you take such things then put work in gym it will pay off, drink water with creatine.”
And another comment read- “Doctors aren’t dieticians… So there is no logic behind consulting a doctor before consuming protein and creatine. They will just prescribe the brand that paid them bucks. I have seen doctors suggesting shitty protein powder with loaded sugar , fats, and other preservatives. So talk to a certified and experienced dietician not doctors.”
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Does creatine cause weight gain?
According to healthline article, Research has thoroughly documented that creatine supplements cause a quick increase in body weight. This weight gain, however, is due to an increase in water weight, not fat. A 2019 study trusted Source found that taking 2 grams (g) of creatine daily and exercising twice weekly for 5 weeks helped participants ages 50 years and older lose slightly more body fat than participants who only exercised. A 2023 review found similar results in people younger than 50 years old. Over the long term, creatine users may continue to increase their body weight more than people who don’t take it.
However, this weight gain is due to increased muscle mass, not body fat. Increased muscle mass may especially benefit older adults, individuals with obesity, and those with certain diseases.