Weight gain from creatine?

haroon_awan
haroon_awan Posts: 1,208 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I am in week 7 of a fat loss phase at the moment, losing about 0.5-1% of my bodyweight (0.7-1.5lbs) a week per Eric Helms guidelines, and planning to go for about 16-20 weeks. I weighed in at 155.4lbs (70.5kg) yesterday and would like some advice on what to expect if I start taking creatine again. On Lyle McDonald's website he says that 1-2kg of weight gain is expected from water retention, but does not mention when this will take place (immediately or within a week or two?) and whether any aspect of the diet should should change.

If, for example, I gain 2kg (bringing my weight to 72.5kg) should I still focus on maintaining the same deficit to lose 0.5-1% of bodyweight? I'm just a little concerned that the water retention may fluctuate (if that's possible) or I'll get bamboozled by the ups and downs. I think I know what to do but some advice would be great.

Replies

  • skydiveD30571
    skydiveD30571 Posts: 281 Member
    Weight gain from creatine is common and should be expected. But it's important to know that it is NOT fat gain. It's just water weight. Creatine causes the muscles to pull in and hold water. As soon as you quit taking creatine, those few pounds will disappear. Keep doing what you're doing.

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