'Do weight gain supplements actually work and are they safe?'
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Q: I am tall and thin and recently decided I was going to try and build myself up a bit, so I bought a set of dumbbells and have sorta used them a bit. Now I've seen this stuff on the web, apparently it's a safe weight gain supplement for 'hard gainers' such as myself. There is also another supplement called 'muscle powder'. Do you think these things actually work and are they safe? Don't you have to be fitness freak to benefit? Will, 17 |
our online advisors reply:
It sounds like you are trying to build some muscle. Many young men try to build themselves up – what is important to remember is that it takes time to build muscle. There are indeed products that can increase bulk, but they are generally for use by adults. The products you have mentioned are safe but it is important to remember that at your age you are probably going through puberty. This is a time when emotional and physical changes take place, and you will probably continue to grow and develop in many ways.
Being thin is very common amongst boys around your age, and is not necessarily an indicator of being thin in the years to come. If you were to take products designed to increase bulk now, you might well regret this as the natural body changes take place. In other words it is possible that you could end up much bulkier than you would want.
The products do not help you to gain muscle but increase the amount of calories your body intakes in a day. If you are not training correctly you may put on weight in areas you do not want to. If you are concerned about your weight it is a good idea to visit a GP. Your doctor will be able to suggest a correct exercise programme and how to eat healthily.
Everyone has a different metabolism and body structure so it can be confusing comparing yourself to others. People with a high metabolic rate often need to increase the amount of food they eat to gain weight. The types of foods also are a large influence. Other reasons for not gaining weight can be stress or illness. Any of these and other conditions can be identified and treated by your doctor.
The following website has useful tips on starting out bodybuilding: www.bodybuildbid.com/articles/beginners/beginstartout1.html
Gaining a general understanding of fitness would probably be a good first step before you embark on a bodybuilding programme. Have a look at the fitness features on our health website for more information. Keep fit, keep calm explains how a regular exercise regime can help to manage stress. And too skint to get fit? shows how you can build up your fitness without denting your overdraft.
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