Does Whey Protein Cause Weight Gain?

A calorie surplus causes weight gain. When you take in more calories than you expend, you gain weight. The opposite is true for weight loss. A calorie deficit causes weight loss. Thus, no food can be responsible for weight gain or weight loss. It’s all about this equation.

No, whey protein itself does not cause weight gain. Whey protein is thought to cause weight gain because it is the choice supplement for weightlifters, bodybuilders, and athletes for its muscle mass properties but whey protein alone cannot cause weight gain. Now, you very well can use whey protein to gain weight if that is your goal, but you can also use it to lose weight. At Nutrition Zone we carry different blends to suit your needs.

For instance, if weight gain and muscle building is your priority, Body Fuse’s Enormass might be right for you. Blends formulated for weight gain, muscle building, and strength and endurance, purposely have more carbs and calories in them. If you’re wondering whether a weight gainer or whey protein is right for you, consider the fact that in order to gain weight, you must increase muscle mass and fat. This can be done safely by gaining one to two pounds per month.

One pound = 3500 calories so to gain weight, you’ll need to add 500 calories to your diet every day. If you’re looking to lose or maintain your weight, try Body Fuse’s low-fat, low-carb Lean Protein supplement to keep you satiated and only use the recommended serving size. Whether you’re looking to gain, lose, or maintain weight, protein can easily be added to your diet. Because it is a powder, it can be incorporated into any food or drink, smoothies, coffee, and oatmeal to name a few.

Because increasing muscle mass is part of any weight gain program, protein will always be associated with weight gain but that is entirely dependent on how much you consume. To gain weight, have about 0.7 grams of protein per pound of body weight. From there, you may go higher if your calorie intake will allow it. To maintain or lose weight, taking the daily serving of your specific blend will still give you the benefits of lean muscle mass and stave off unwanted cravings that fill you with empty calories and leave you feeling defeated.

Now that we’ve got that squared away, let’s debunk two of the most common misconceptions about taking whey protein.

Misconceptions about taking whey protein

“Whey protein causes belly fat”

Whey protein does not cause belly fat. Genetics, gender, and age determine where gained weight is distributed on your body. The midsection is the easiest place to put on weight and the hardest place for it to come off.

“Protein shakes make you gain weight if you’re not working out”

Protein shakes do not make you gain weight if you’re not working out. In fact, a protein shake may help you stay full, so you end up eating less. The only way a protein shake would make you gain weight would be if you’re not expending more calories than you are putting in but that could be said about anything you consume. Remember the golden rule: calorie intake > calories expended = weight gain; calorie intake < calories expended = weight loss.

Benefits of whey protein

Whey protein benefits fitness enthusiasts and those just trying to get a little healthier alike. Whey protein promotes muscle building, muscle growth, and protein synthesis and decreases recovery time during and after exercise. Whether you’re lifting dumbbells or out jogging, whey protein fuels your body with energy and nourishes your body with amino acids so you can get the most out of your workout.

At Nutrition Zone, we want you to achieve the best results in your fitness program. We offer a wide range of protein blends tailored to your individual goals. Whether you want to gain muscle mass and weight or maintain or lose unwanted weight, both can be accomplished by buying protein powder online. We offer free shipping for orders over $150 and discounts and coupon codes to subscribers.