Chad Ferguson

Creatine and Carbs

These are really two topics I feel but I thought it would be better if I put them in one just to save space on the forum list. My first question will be about Creatine. I think I understand what it does for the most part, my question is can it offer me, a person who is trying to lose weight? I'm not overly overweight, I'm 6' 180 right now but I would like to be around 160 or around that area. Does Creatine offer me anything at this time/stage?

Second thing is I saw these things called carb blockers on Ebay. Now, I'm aware of Flax Seed oil which is a fat blocker if I'm not mistaken and I think it works well. Do these work as well and if so, which brand?
Thank you

Kyle McKnight

Flax Seed oil isn't a fat blocker, it's pure fat. 14g per tablespoon I believe. It's healthy fats though, good for you.

Kyle McKnight

Matt Pelham

Chris_Morris

I disagree. Creatine research has shown it to have more properties than just muscle building.

Not to mention that the more muscle tissue you have, the more calories it will burn. It is possible to gain muscle tissue and lose weight at the same time.


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Max Leung

With regards to Creatine and being underweight, I notice weight gain solely attributed to water weight if I don't work out at all. If I DO work out with free weights, I notice the muscles seem a tad bigger and harder, but in my limited experimentation the weight gain from muscle is negligible because I still need to increase my food intake. Either way, you HAVE to drink a lot of water with Creatine to reduce intestinal gas and prevent dehydration.

I'm not taking taking Creatine right now, but I really should!

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Chuck C

ah yes creatine....I cycle it. usually on and off every 6 weeks. When I am taking it, I struggle to fit into my jeans. Creatine infuses muscle tissue with water and helps protein synthesis which is attributed to any noticable weight gain. Creatine also helps some boost energy during workouts.

I must add that if you lift weights for the first time or for the first time in a long while, most people almost always lose up to 5 pounds the first week. I know I sure did when I started working with a trainer 3 years ago. After that, the average individual gains 7 lbs. of muscle per year; it's a very gradual process. So if you want to drop weight, creatine will help you in strength training in those first few weeks. Be sure to drink plenty of water.

Matt Gordon

I've got to learn to slow down and take my time while reading these headers... For a second there, I was sure this thread was labelled "Creatine and Crabs."

Frank Grimes

I agree with Max. About all Creatine is good for is adding waterweight. From my experience, the only worthwhile 'supplements' useful for losing weight are either illegal (steroids/DNP/clen) or in the process of being made illegal (ephedrine).

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Cary_H

It's been a close to a decade since I dabbled with Creatine.
I recall it enhanced your muscle's fuel reserves recovery by messing with the Kreb's cycle. (do a Google) Research around that time found it was of little value if your workouts were anything other than of short duration with high intensity.(read, weight training as it should be performed)
I have heard folks say they use it like they do any other supplement, that is in dose form with their meals. Simply a waste of money.
It needs to be loaded initially. When I was using it, the prefered method was to stick with the monohydrate form avoiding the numerous other fruity flavoured concoctions on the market. You loaded it by stirring a couple of grams into a large glass of cold water sweetened beforehand by a couple of tablespoons of sugar. This was done 4 or 5 times a day for about a week or so, and on an empty stomach.
You should see weight increases in the neighbourhood of 7 + pounds or so. If you don't, it didn't load. Once loaded it was cut back to a couple of times a day. On workout days, a hour prior to exercise.
It has to be cycled since your body gets used to it.
My first experience was the only time I saw what it claimed to offer. High endurance levels during a workout and incredible levels of muscle pump and fullness.
I have no doubt it did what was claimed, OTOH, any subsequent times I used it was nothing like the first time for me.

Sebastian

Creatine can indirectly help you lose body fat. Here's why: For every pound of lean muscle you gain, you'll burn an additional 16 calories per day. Unless you eat more to compensate, you'll lose fat as your body uses the calories in your stored body-fat for energy.

NOTE: A recent survey of creatine users found that 34 percent experienced BOTH a reduction in their body-fat level and an increase in definition or vascularity.3