Best Weight Gain Supplements: A Comprehensive Guide
Contents
- Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract By Potent Organics
- Raspberry Ketones Plus+ Advanced Antioxidant Blend with Green Tea By NatureWise
- Thyroid Support Complex With Iodine For Energy, Weight Loss, And Reducing Brain Fog By Zhou Nutrition
- 100% Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract with Superior Absorption By NatureWise
- Serious Mass Gainer Protein Powder, Chocolate By Optimum Nutrition
- Sources
Although obesity is the health issue that hits the headlines, not everyone is in the market to lose weight. A 2016 analysis found that the percentage of the world’s population who are obese had overtaken the percentage who are underweight. That doesn't mean, however, that there aren't plenty of individuals in the US who could do with putting on a few pounds.
Whether it’s just because you’re very skinny and looking to fill out a bit and can’t do so on your own, or you’re hope to gain muscle mass, many people are looking for weight gain supplements.
Food comes first. Once you've committed to eating enough calories and protein, a great supplement may help fill gaps.
It might be that your muscle definition isn't where you want it to be. It might be that you've always struggled to put on weight and are conscious of your skinny frame.
The NHS advice for underweight adults suggests adding about 300 to 500 extra calories a day, eating smaller meals more often, and doing strength training to build muscle. If you've lost weight suddenly or without trying, see a doctor first, since it can signal an underlying condition.
Keep in mind that the FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they're sold. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before trying one, especially if you take any medicines.
Read on for our honest look at popular supplements sold in this space. Only one of them is actually designed for weight gain.
Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract By Potent Organics
If you’re done some research on supplements, you’ve more than likely come across the words Garcinia Cambogia.
But do you know what it is or where it comes from?
It's an extract made from a fruit grown in Southeast Asia.
Potent Organics says its product is gluten-free and vegan.
Garcinia cambogia is marketed for weight loss, not weight gain, and it won't build muscle or detoxify your body. NCCIH says it's unclear whether it helps with weight loss at all.
There have also been numerous reports of liver toxicity in people taking garcinia cambogia products, some of them severe. It can interact with some medicines, too.
Some people list it among the best supplements to get ripped, but the evidence doesn't back that up. If you're trying to gain weight, skip it.
Raspberry Ketones Plus+ Advanced Antioxidant Blend with Green Tea By NatureWise
Next is the Raspberry Ketones Plus with Advanced Antioxidant Blend with Green Tea by NatureWise. Like garcinia, it's sold for weight loss, not weight gain, and there's little good human research on raspberry ketone.
The label lists raspberry ketones and a mix of antioxidants, including resveratrol.
You'll also find green tea extract, acai, cayenne pepper, organic kelp and mango seed extract.
The capsules are vegetarian, if you have dietary restrictions.
Thyroid Support Complex With Iodine For Energy, Weight Loss, And Reducing Brain Fog By Zhou Nutrition
Zhou Nutrition sells its Thyroid Support Complex with Iodine for energy and weight loss. It isn't a weight gain product, and thyroid problems need a doctor, not a supplement.
Brain fog, tiredness and weight changes have many possible causes. A blood test is the way to check your thyroid.
More iodine isn't better. Very high iodine intake can reduce thyroid function, and high-dose iodine can interact with thyroid medicines, according to MedlinePlus. Talk to your doctor before taking an iodine or thyroid supplement.
Zhou Nutrition's blend also lists minerals, amino acids, Vitamin B12, and zinc. It's a vegetarian, gluten and soy free, non-GMO formula.
100% Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract with Superior Absorption By NatureWise
NatureWise also makes this 100% Pure Garcinia Cambogia supplement. It's non-stimulating, but the same liver safety concerns apply to all garcinia cambogia products.
Once again, they offer a vegetarian capsule, and the formula contains no GMO’s, is vegan and gluten-free.
The label lists naturally occurring calcium and potassium.
Serious Mass Gainer Protein Powder, Chocolate By Optimum Nutrition
This is the one product on our list that's actually built for weight gain, because it adds a large amount of calories and protein.
The Serious Mass Gainer Protein Powder by Optimum Nutrition comes in a chocolate flavor. It has 50 grams of protein per serving.
You’ll also benefit from 25 different minerals and vitamins as well as creatine and glutamine!
Since this supplement comes in powder form, you can add it to a morning smoothie. It works best alongside regular meals and strength training, not as a meal replacement.
If you want to gain weight, regular meals, a mass gainer like this one, and strength training will do far more than weight loss pills. Check with your doctor if you're underweight without a clear reason.
Sources
- Healthy ways to gain weight, NHS
- Garcinia Cambogia: Usefulness and Safety, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Iodine in diet, MedlinePlus
