Today, protein powder is an incredibly popular supplement around the world. Everyone from gym rats and athletes to those just wanting to maintain a healthy lifestyle has heard about protein shakes. However there is a very generic question that stays the same, “Does protein powder make you fat or gain weight?” Which protein powder is best for weight gain without side effects?
This question will be widely covered in the following article. We will also cover:
Table of Contents
What is Protein Powder?
Protein powder is a nutritional supplement that is created by extracting protein from whole food source such as milk, egg, soybean, pea, rice or hemp. People generally mix the powder with water, milk, or smoothies.
An essential macronutrient that is necessary for:
- Building and repairing muscles
- Supporting metabolism
- Producing enzymes and hormones
- Supporting the health of hair, skin, and nails
For individuals unable to consume their protein requirements via natural food sources, protein powder offers an easy solution to the shortfall.
Will using Protein Powder cause you to gain weight?
To put it simply, and to clear this up once and for all: Protein powder is NOT fattening on its own.
When you eat more calories than your body is able to burn, you gain weight ( fat). Like I said, protein powder provides only protein (and maybe a few other calories from carbs or fat, depending on the brand). You will lose fat if you are in a calorie deficit and you will gain weight if you are in a calorie surplus — but that weight might be muscle.
Key Points:
Fat gain does not occur simply as a result of protein.
If you consume protein shakes and do not eat the excess calories, you are not going to instantly turn into some fat-ass.
Excess calories = weight gain.
Those calorie-carrying protein shakes can also go wrong if they don’t end up being burned off — and guess what, body fat it is.)
Protein + exercise = lean muscle; The Science Behind Fittype
Any weight that you will be gaining through protein shake while working out will be in the form of muscle mass rather than fat.
Therefore, the protein powder is not a product “which fatten” — it is a resource to make you fill the needs of protein in your body.
Who Should Take Protein Powder?
Not everyone needs protein supplements. However, there are groups of people who can profit from:
Athletes & Gym-goers:To achieve quick recovery and muscle gain.
Group of men and women with high activity: laborer, runner or sports player.
People on a vegetarian or vegan diet — who do not eat enough protein from plants
Older people: For the conservancy of muscle wastage related betterment.
People with Low Body Weight: Who are unable to reach calorie and protein intake solely from food.
Is Protein Powder Beneficial for Weight Gain?
Yes — but only if you know how to use them.
For this basic reason, if you need to increase healthy weight, if you happen to are a bit of underweight, protein powders are a part of your meals plan. However, you have to tie them with a calorie dense dietary regimen. For example:
For me I would drink a protein shake but use whole milk instead of water.
Use peanut butter, bananas, or oats to make your shake a more calorie-dense snack.
Supplements such as protein shakes after a meal or workout are great for increasing overall intake.
Here when used along with high energy dense foods, protein powder serves as a weight gain supplement.
Types of Protein Powder
Types of protein powders -there are many protein powders available on the market. Each has its benefits:
Whey Protein
Source: Milk
Ideal for post-training recovery and fast-absorbing protein
Rich in essential amino acids.
Best for muscle building.
Casein Protein
Source: Milk
Slow-protein low GI, makes you feel fuller for a long time.
It releases amino acid in a slow and steady manner and can be beneficial overnight.
Plant-Based Protein
Source: Pea, soy, rice, hemp
Vegetarians and lactose-intolerant folks will appreciate it too!
More palatable for certain individuals.
Egg White Protein
Source: Egg whites
A great source of protein with low in fat and cholesterol free.
Okay for anyone with a dairy allergy.
Collagen Protein
Source: Animal bones and tissues
Provides dermal, hair and general joint benefits.
Benefits of Protein Powder
Supports Muscle Growth
A must-have for athlete, bodybuilders, and gym freaks.
Helps in Weight Management
Fills you up faster, making you less likely to eat certain foods for longer.
Boosts Recovery
Repairs muscles after exercise.
Strengthens Hair, Skin, and Nails
Especially with collagen protein.
Convenient & Time-saving
More convenient to prepare versus preparing high protein meals.
Dangers of Low-Tech Protein Powders
However, many inexpensive powders in the market are adulterated with steroids, sugar or toxic chemicals. These can cause:
Kidney and liver damage
Digestive issues (bloating, gas, diarrhea)
Hormonal imbalance
Long-term health risks
For this reason, it is always best to purchase quality protein powders from reputable manufacturers.
which protein powder is best for weight gain without side effects?
Choose mass gainers or protein powders with added carbohydrates and carbohydrates if you have the goal of gaining weight.
Some good options are:
Includes specially designed Prohance Powder for Weight Gain for thin people.
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass – Have one of the best-sellers on mass gainers.
Our top pick: MuscleBlaze Weight Gainer – Budget-friendly Indian brand.
BSN True Mass – Balanced calories for Put on weight
Ensure Plus – usually prescribed to seniors or patients in recovery
Prohance Powder for Weight Gain
Prohance– It is a very common nutritional supplement used in India. Not just a protein powder; but a complete nutrition formula to cover for:
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Healthy fats
- Vitamins & minerals
It is commonly suggested for those can not gain weight, people who just get over illness and aged people without nutrition. With an adequate diet, Prohance can help gain weight healthily.
Safe use of protein powder
Always speak to a doctor or dietitian before starting.First, there are 2 basic principles that one should know before going further.
Usage Directions in accordance with manufacturing recommendations (Most often 1–2 scoops/day)
Pair it with good diet — Protein shakes are not a meal replacement.
Get a lot of water to build kidney functioning.
Stay away from dirt-cheap or obscure brands.
Final Score: Can Protein Powder Make You Gain Weight?
Protein powder in itself does not make you gain weight.
You can only lose or gain (muscle or fat) if your total calorie intake is greater or lesser than what you burn. When properly utilized, protein powders are a safe and effective method of helping with muscle growth and recovery, or simply adding healthy weight.
For the underweight, combine protein shakes with foods supersaturated in calories. Have protein shakes but without adding high-calorie ingredients if you want to remain lean.
Hello everyone, I am Md Habibullah Sheikh a registered Pharmacist with 6 years of experience in Clinical, Community, and corporate pharmacy. I have worked for HLFPPT, Gauripur Hospital, Reliance Retail Pharma (Netmeds) as well and Now working for Zota Health Care as a Senior Pharmacist. We, In Health Easy Fitness, share trustable health education, tips & awareness to help people find the best health choice. Always talk to a doctor before taking any kind of Health issue Decision.
