Can Women Take Creatine To Lose Weight?

Many gym enthusiasts will know about Creatine, a supplement that can enhance the performance and physique.

Creatine tops the list of supplement which is highly preferred. In spite of its popularity, certain myths still revolve around it. Creatine for women is a big question mark till now.

While men want to enhance their muscularity, women will prefer to keep their physique in shape.

This article will give you the answers for some common queries present among the women regarding the usage of Creatine.

Table of Contents

What Is Creatine?

Creatine is a type of organic acid that has got the ability to supply energy to all the cells and muscles in our body. It is generally consumed by athletes and bodybuilders to increase their muscle mass. As the energy is developed inside your body, you can be able to work out more, without getting tired very soon.

It is generally consumed by athletes and bodybuilders to increase their muscle mass. As the energy is developed inside your body, you can be able to work out more, without getting tired very soon.

Around 1800s, scientists found this compound to be present in most of the mammals. Though we have the natural ability to secrete Creatine in liver, it is not sufficient for vigorous exercises. It is also available in red meat (lamb, pork, etc.) that we consume.

The artificial form of Creatine that is used as the supplement is a white powder with no taste and odour. While Creatine Monohydrate is the commonly used substance, many other forms are also available in the market.

How Does Creatine Work?

Adenosine Triphosphate is an enzyme present in your cells to retain some energy. Creatine boosts the potential of these cells to withhold extra energy to use during intense workouts.

Once your ATP gets drained, you will feel fatigued and cannot proceed with further exercise. When Creatine is consumed, it reacts with ATP and lets you work hard and burns more fat without getting you tired easily.

The ‘kinase reaction’ happening between Creatine and ATP will be constant throughout. Once the energy in your body gets used, a new batch of energy will be generated through this reaction.

Working Of Creatine In Women

Research studies show that Creatine has got a little effect on women. This effect is less when compared to men. Creatine will not have much effect on you if you are a short- term user.

A 10- week resistance training program was used as a part of the study, in which the untrained women consumed 20gms each day for the first four days and 5gm each day for the rest of the week. When compared to the women with no consumption of the supplement, Creatine consumed women showed an improvement of 20-25% of strength during their exercises.

Some women might not have responded properly to the Creatine dosage. This is due to the muscle fiber types and different cross-sectional area sizes. This varies from one person to the other. If you have many fast twitch muscles and good cross-sectional area, then you will experience the benefits of the supplement.

Women have a smaller cross-sectional area of muscles when compared to men. Also, women have 10% of Creatine content in their body, which is more when compared to men. Hence, men are depending on external supplements.

Creatine’s Major Effects On Women

Men will experience more water retention in their body. The body water in a man will increase from 1.5Kg to 2Kg. While many of the women prefer to lose their weight, this fact about Creatine will worry them a lot.

Women might put some weight at the initial stages. It may be due to muscle gain or water retention. But as the workout increases, it will reduce easily. It is better to follow Creatine for some time before coming to any conclusions.

In order to forget about water gain, reduce your carbohydrates content when you are taking insulin.

Myths were spread that the intake of this supplement might cause kidney related problems. But none of such incidents have occurred and proved.
In fact, Creatine has shown some positive effects such as muscle hydration, reduction of muscle pain, etc.

It is said that Creatine consumption builds great muscle in men. This happens mainly due to a large amount of testosterone present in them. Creatine will turn your physique into a lean one and tightens your extra muscles.

It is also believed that Creatine will cause gastro- intestinal problems. It does not happen for everyone. It happens only when you consume in a wrong dosage level. Creatine is an osmotic substance. When it is used beyond the threshold level, it will draw excess water that will lead to such problems.

General Facts About Creatine

Creatine is not a steroid. The steroid is an alternative of testosterone.

2. If you are a vegan, you will respond well to Creatine. This supplement’s concentration is less in your diet when compared to people who consume red meat.

3. This supplement will also make the skin look softer. This is due to the water retention in cells that makes the skin look glowing.

4. You will not lose your muscles when you stop the Creatine’s intake. It may happen due to the loss of water from your muscles.

The Dosage Level

At first, loading of Creatine was believed to give a good energy. But a 5gm/day criteria is enough to keep the muscles filled with a necessary amount of energy. It can also be combined with other supplements for good results. You will experience some improvement in your physique after a month’s consumption.

Precautions To Be Followed

Kindly consult your doctor if you are diabetic, or if you are taking some anti- inflammatory drugs.

2. If you are pregnant and you need to take Creatine, consult your doctor prior to the beginning. Not much research has been made on humans. But the offspring of rats showed a positive response when the rats were given some dosage.