Should I use supplements?

crabbok

I've been working out 5-6 times a week for a few months now, and have a really good balance of diet and exercise going on right now, I'm loosing weight, and building muscle. But I keep reading about how to build muscle you need to take creatine and whey protein... and I just don't know of those are right for me, mostly because I'm already "big". I"m 6'2" and currently 237 pounds. I want to get down below 215, but at the same time I also want to build muscle.

Are these supplements only for skinny guys who need to put on mass? Or would they help a big guy too?

jacksonpt

No, you don't need to take anything. People take those things because they feel they help based on their goals and diet.

All you need to build muscle is a calorie surplus (though obese people have a bit more leeway here) and sufficient protein (generally accepted number is ~1g per lb of lean body mass). How you accomplish that is up to you.

LilMissDB

You definitely don't need supplements as such. You only need adequate protein (ie not more than you would need if you weren't trying to build muscle - approx 1gram per kg ideal body weight - most people easily exceed this). What is more important is that you achieve a surplus of calories (which may come from your fat stores rather than extra food if you are overweight but try not to set a calorie deficit that is too high).

crabbok

Calorie surplus? I'm currently eating 1400 a day, but I"m "supposed" to eat closer to 2500. Guess I'll have to loose the fat first, then worry about building muscle.

moustache_flavored_lube

Calorie surplus, adequate protein, lifting heavy, and your genetics are going to be the main factors in putting on muscle.

Supplements will give you a very minor edge. IMHO the only ones worth looking at are
* Creatine
* Glutamine
* BCAA
* ZMA (I like this mainly because it makes me feel relaxed)