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Fact checked by Mark Johnson

Trying to decide whether or not mass gainers are bad is a question that many people ask, particularly those looking to bulk up. After all, companies often market mass gainers to help people gain weight and build muscle.

There’s a debate about whether or not mass gainers are beneficial. Some people claim they are nothing more than empty calories, while others believe they can help in certain situations. In this blog post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of mass gainers.

So, are mass gainers bad? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. It ultimately depends on your individual goals and how you are using mass gainers.

If you eat a healthy diet and work out regularly, you probably don’t need a mass gainer. However, if you are trying to bulk up and have trouble eating enough calories, then a mass gainer can be helpful.

What Are Mass Gainers?

Mass gainers are supplements designed to increase muscle mass. They contain high concentrations of protein and calories to fuel muscle growth, which can help people who are trying to gain weight or put on lean muscle mass.

In addition to protein, they typically contain carbohydrates and fats. These nutrients work together to provide energy to the body, necessary for muscle growth.

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Mass Gainers Pros

Mass gainers have become increasingly popular, particularly among bodybuilders and athletes. There are a few reasons for this:

They Can Help You Meet Your Protein Needs

When it comes to protein, quality is just as important as quantity. That’s why mass gainers can be a helpful tool for people looking to build muscle.

Mass gainers typically contain other nutrients like carbs and fats. These nutrients make them an ideal option for people who have trouble meeting their daily protein needs through diet alone. In addition, mass gainers often contain a blend of different types of protein, which can help promote muscle growth and recovery.

For instance, the fast-digesting properties of whey protein make it ideal for post-workout recovery, whereas casein protein digests slower and can provide a steady stream of amino acids all day long. So if you’re looking to bulk up, a mass gainer can be a great way to help you meet your protein needs.

They Can Increase Calorie Intake

One of the biggest pros of mass gainers is that they can help you increase your calorie intake without eating large amounts of solid food. This benefit is ideal for people trying to gain weight, as it can be challenging to eat enough calories when eating whole foods. In addition, mass gainers are often easier to digest than whole foods, which can be helpful if you have trouble digesting large meals.

Easy To Use

Mass gainers are a convenient way to increase your calorie and protein intake. They are easy to mix with water or milk and can be taken with you on the go. You can also add them to smoothies or other recipes to boost the nutrient content.

What Supplements Should I Use to Bulk Up?

Mass Gainers Cons

You should be aware of some downsides to mass gainers before using them.

They Are Often High in Calories

One of the main cons of mass gainers is that they are often high in calories. High calories can be a problem for people who are already overweight or obese, as it will cause them to gain even more weight quickly. In addition, due to their high-calorie content, mass gainers (see also ‘The Best Way to Use a Weight Gainer For Bodybuilding‘)  can also lead to weight gain when misused.

They Are Often High in Sugar

Another downside of mass gainers is that they are often high in sugar. The sugar content can cause blood sugar levels to spike, leading to energy crashes and cravings. In addition, too much sugar can lead to weight gain and other serious health problems.

Stomach Upset

Mass gainers can also cause an upset stomach. Since they are high in protein and calories, they can be difficult for the body to digest. In addition, mass gainers often contain ingredients that can cause bloating and gas.

Sleep Problems

Another potential downside of using mass gainers is that they can cause sleep problems. Some mass gainers contain high amounts of caffeine, which can interfere with sleep. Additionally, mass gainers’ high calorie and protein content can make it difficult to fall asleep.

Lack of Clarity Concerning Ingredients

There is often ambiguity about their ingredients. For example, many mass gainers contain fillers and artificial ingredients that can cause side effects. Many people overestimate the protein content of mass gainers, meaning you may not be getting as much protein as you think.

6 month body transformation

Can You Gain Mass Without Mass Gainers?

Yes, you can gain mass without using mass gainers. It is possible to build muscle without any supplements at all. Here are a few tips to help you do it:

Eat Enough Calories

To gain mass, you need to eat enough calories. This means eating more calories than you burn, which will allow your body to store them as fat. You can eat more meals throughout the day or by eating larger meals. Examples of high-calorie foods to include in your diet are:

  • Whole milk
  • Peanut butter
  • Banana
  • Avocados
  • Eggs
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Oils

Including these foods into your diet will help you increase your calorie intake, which is necessary for muscle growth.

Eat a Balance of Proteins, Carbs, and Fats

Another important factor in gaining mass is eating a balance of protein, carbs, and fat. Protein is essential for building muscle, while carbs are essential for energy. Fat is also necessary for hormone production and other vital functions.

Lift Heavy Weights

Lifting heavy weights is also essential for gaining mass. This is because it breaks down your muscles, which allows them to grow back bigger and stronger. Try to lift weights that are challenging for you and focus on compound exercises that work for multiple muscle groups.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is vital for gaining mass. Your body grows and repairs itself during sleep. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep per night and try to get to bed early so you can get a full night’s rest.

When Should You Use Mass Gainers?

bulking up

If you are struggling to gain mass, you may want to consider using a mass gainer. This is especially true if you eat a balanced diet and lift heavy weights but are still not seeing results.

The best time to take mass gainers is immediately after your workout. During this time, your body will be able to use the nutrients in the mass gainer to repair and rebuild your muscles. At the same time, the calories and protein in the mass gainer will help your body bulk up.

How To Use Mass Gainers To Avoid Side Effects

There are a few things you can do to avoid the potential side effects of mass gainers. First, read the label carefully and only use mass gainers that are high quality and free of fillers and artificial ingredients.

Second, start with a small dose to see how your body reacts and only increase the amount you use if you tolerate it well.

Third, only use mass gainers occasionally and not as a meal replacement. Occasional use will help your body digest the mass gainer more easily and reduce the risk of side effects.

Finally, drink plenty of water when taking mass gainers to avoid dehydration.

How To Choose a Mass Gainer

When choosing a mass gainer, it’s important to consider your goals and how you plan on using them. For example, if you are trying to gain weight, you’ll want to look for a mass gainer that is high in calories and protein.

If you are trying to build muscle, you’ll want to look for a mass gainer high in protein and containing other nutrients like carbs and fats.

It’s also essential to choose a mass gainer that contains high-quality ingredients and is low in sugar. You’ll also want to ensure that the mass gainer you select is suitable for your body type.

Wrapping Up

So, are mass gainers bad? There are both pros and cons to using mass gainers. They can be a convenient way to increase your calorie and protein intake. Still, they are also high in calories and sugar. If you are already overweight or obese, you should avoid using mass gainers. There are other ways to gain mass, such as eating a balanced diet and lifting weights.

If you are struggling to gain mass, you may want to consider using a mass gainer. But make sure to choose one that is high quality and free of artificial ingredients. Start with a small dose and only use mass gainers occasionally. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

What are your thoughts on mass gainers? Do you think they are bad, or have you had success with them? Let us know in the comments below!

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Resources

https://www.wm.edu/offices/sportsmedicine/_documents/sleep-manual

https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jgs.13386 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1526952310002308 

https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00007256-199112050-00004 

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02640414.2011.574722 

https://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr/Fulltext/2010/07000/Fueling_the_Vegetarian__Vegan__Athlete.00013.aspx

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