You’ve started taking creatine, and suddenly you’re ravenous.
Is it just a coincidence, or does creatine have a hand in this newfound hunger?
Let’s dive in and explore the connection between creatine and appetite, as well as its impact on weight gain and bulking up.
Can Creatine Affect Appetite?
The short answer? No.
There’s no solid evidence to suggest that creatine directly impacts appetite.
Creatine is primarily used to increase strength, power, and muscle mass by boosting energy production during high-intensity workouts and drawing some water into your muscles, making them appear fuller and leaner. [1]
While it is true that more intense training can lead to an increased appetite, this is due to the body’s demand for extra fuel rather than a direct effect of creatine itself.
One could also make a case that if you gain weight using creatine you would require more food to fuel your muscles, but once again, this is not directly related to creatine.
Will Creatine Make You Gain Weight?
Creatine can indeed cause weight gain, but not in the way you might think.
The weight gain associated with creatine is primarily due to increasing the amount of water retention in the muscles. This occurs because creatine helps your muscles store more water, making them appear fuller and larger.
However, this would only apply to those early creatine weight gains.
If we’re discussing the long-term effects of creatine supplementation, we have to look at the broader picture and the effects of creatine.
To put it simply, creatine will make you stronger. [2]
As a result, you will work out harder, leading to an increased lean muscle mass and overall body weight.
Will Creatine Help Me Bulk Up?
Yes, creatine will help you bulk up.
As we’ve said, by enhancing the body’s ability to produce energy during high-intensity exercise, creatine allows you to push harder and lift heavier during your workouts. This, in turn, leads to increased muscle stimulation and growth over time.
Now, does this mean creatine is the magic pill for bulking up?
Absolutely not.
The only real and proper way to bulk up or gain weight is to eat more than you need. That’s it.
Even if you were to hop on TRT, HRT, or any other PED, you couldn’t gain weight or muscle mass unless you ate more calories than you burned.
Eat in a caloric surplus, eat a protein-rich diet (but don’t neglect carbs and fats), and train for either muscle hypertrophy or strength, and you should be golden.
Can I Still Take Creatine While Cutting?
Yes, you can still take creatine while cutting. In fact, creatine can be a valuable ally during a cutting phase.
While it’s true that creatine may cause some initial water weight gain, this effect is generally minimal and can be easily managed by adjusting your diet and training.
Moreover, creatine (paired with protein) has been shown to help maintain strength and muscle mass during a calorie deficit, making it a beneficial supplement for those looking to lose fat without sacrificing hard-earned muscle.
ALSO!
That water retention people are always on about? That shouldn’t be an issue.
Creatine pulls water into the muscle, essentially removing it from under your skin, effectively leaving you appearing leaner and more cut.
Neat, huh?
How Long Does it Take Creatine to Show Results?
Creatine can start showing results in as little as two weeks, but it typically takes around 4-6 weeks for the full benefits to become apparent.
The key to success with creatine lies in consistency – make sure to take it daily and follow the recommended dosage guidelines.
Also, remember that individual results may vary, and the effectiveness of creatine can be influenced by factors such as genetics, training intensity, and diet.
For instance, you could be walking around with your muscles fully saturated with creatine even without supplementation, in which case, adding more to your diet would be absolutely futile.
How Can I Increase Appetite on a Bulk?
If you’re struggling to eat enough to support muscle growth during a bulk, here are a few tips to help increase your appetite (or at the very least help you get enough calories):
- Eat smaller and more frequent meals. This should help you get enough calories in without feeling stuffed or groggy.
- Opt for calorie-dense foods. Eat foods that pack a punch without filling you up too quickly. Things like high-calorie shakes can be a lifesaver.
- Incorporate liquid calories. As we just said, liquids, such as protein shakes and smoothies, can be super useful. Drinking calories is easier than eating them. Just make sure this is not your every meal.
- Prioritize post-workout nutrition. You’ll usually have an increased appetite after a tough workout. Take advantage by eating a nutritionally dense meal right after.
- Be patient. It takes time to adjust to the increased caloric intake. You can’t hop on a 6,000-calorie diet overnight.
- Eat what you love. If you can’t stand chicken breast – don’t force yourself to eat it. Eat steaks or tuna instead. Make healthier burgers. Add your favorite fruits to oatmeal. Eat what you love, and your appetite will follow.
Conclusion
Creatine is an incredible supplement that can help you build muscle, increase strength, and even maintain muscle mass during a cut.
However, there’s no concrete evidence to suggest that it directly affects appetite.
The increased hunger you might experience while taking creatine is more likely a result of the body’s increased energy demands during intense training sessions.
So, enjoy the benefits of creatine without worrying about it making you excessively hungry!