Do whey protein make you gain weight? (2023)

Does whey protein make you gain or lose weight?

Taking whey protein is a great way to increase your protein intake, which should have major benefits for weight loss. Studies have shown that replacing other sources of calories with whey protein, combined with weight lifting, can cause weight loss of about 8 pounds (3.5 kg) while increasing lean muscle mass ( 35 ).

White explains that if you add protein powder to your diet without changing the rest of your meals to accommodate the added calories, you could very well start gaining weight, says Jim White, R.D., ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios.

Simply adding a whey protein shake to your typical diet can promote weight gain. If you drink a 250-calorie whey protein shake on top of what you'd need to maintain your weight, you would gain weight at a rate of slightly more than a half-pound per week.

Increased dietary protein is one effective strategy. For example, increased whey protein ingestion with and without exercise training is associated with enhanced weight loss, body composition and subjective hunger in overweight and obese individuals.

Too much protein can add weight

Remember, while protein contains fewer calories per gram than fat does (4 calories versus 9), those calories still add up. And when you consume more protein than your body needs, those protein calories are stored as fat.

Protein contains 4 calories per gram — the same as carbohydrate — and could lead to weight gain, including belly fat, if you over consume it.

MuscleBlaze Beginner's Protein contains Whey as the only source of protein to let every beginner train harder & better. Whey Protein has a richer amino acid profile and is absorbed faster than other protein sources. Get 5.5 g of EAAs comprising 2.6 g of BCAAs in each serving.

and Warnings. When taken by mouth: Whey protein is likely safe for most adults when taken appropriately. High doses can cause some side effects such as increased bowel movements, acne, nausea, thirst, bloating, reduced appetite, tiredness, and headache.

The best time to take whey protein is within 1 hour of finishing your workout to help the recovery of your muscles. However studies show the repair and regrowth of the body can take up to 48 hours. This is why it's seen as optimal to take between 20g to 30g of whey protein at any time of the day.

What is whey protein good for?

Muscle building: Muscles love protein, especially complete proteins like whey. “Whey protein contains branched-chain amino acids, a specific type of amino acid that helps with muscle building,” Smith says. Wound healing: The amino acids in whey protein help repair skin and tissues from wounds or surgery.

Another of the benefits of taking whey protein on an empty stomach is that it is a form of liquid nutrition which is easily digested and absorbed. Having a protein shake before you perform a workout can give you a good source of energy without the discomfort of an overfull or bloated stomach.

However, how much whey protein per day is required depends on the physical activities and fitness goals of a person – whether male or female. Generally, the daily intake of protein for men is 56 grams and for women, it is 46 grams. This is mainly due to the calorie intake which is more for men than women.

A skinny guy should take whey protein powder if they want to add lean mass but reduce the potential to gain fat along with it. Whey protein can help you gain muscle by boosting your daily protein intake, which is important because sufficient protein intake is necessary for muscle gain.

Carbs and high-fat foods: Healthy foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates and high in fiber, such as bananas, oats, quinoa, blueberries, sweet potatoes, cheese, and dark chocolate, can help you gain weight. Energy-rich foods: Energy-dense foods fuel your body and can help you put on pounds in a healthy way.

Gaining Weight with Shakes

To incorporate protein shakes into this formula, add two shakes per day, for a total of 524 calories, in excess of your regular diet. If you maintain a nutritious, balanced diet, you should gain about one pound of body weight per week.

It is safe to drink protein shakes every day, but be sure to obtain the majority of your protein and other foods from whole food sources. Without whole food sources, you'll be missing out on other valuable nutrients that are vital for health and supporting your workout performance and recovery.

Whey protein can be an excellent addition to your weight loss diet if you're trying to gain muscle, increase strength and lose significant amounts of body fat, including excess belly fat.

Whey Protein Can Boost Fullness Quickly

It contains all the essential amino acids and is absorbed quickly in the body ( 31 ). Whey protein has been linked to some impressive benefits, including greater weight loss, improved satiety and better body composition ( 32 , 33 ).

Does too much protein turn to fat?

Excess protein consumed is usually stored as fat, while the surplus of amino acids is excreted. This can lead to weight gain over time, especially if you consume too many calories while trying to increase your protein intake.

A scoop of whey protein consists of 80 to 110 calories with no or low carbs and fat. So, it is preferable to take protein with water instead of milk if your goal is losing weight or gaining lean muscle mass by minimizing the intake or carbs, fat and hence calories which will help to achieve better results.

It is commonly advised to take a maximum of 2 scoops of protein powder per day, which is equivalent to around 50 grams of protein. A scoop of whey protein isolate is typically one serving and may be enough for your protein needs. However, we always recommend following the serving instructions of your supplement.

Some people may be allergic to whey protein

Because whey protein comes from cow's milk, people with a cow's milk allergy can be allergic to it. People with a cow's milk allergy are typically advised to avoid milk products such as whey protein (10).

Consumption of whey protein can lead to depletion of good bacteria in your gut and can increase bad bacteria which may cause stomach pain, constipation and gas. Your body may even find it difficult to digest dairy products or dairy proteins naturally.

Usually, it takes up to 6 weeks for whey protein to show results.

You can eat a meal with your protein shake or shortly after that. Just make sure to consume protein, carbohydrates and some fat within one to two hours after working out.

Conclusions: Supplementation with whey protein, combined with RT can increase muscle mass with no effects on muscle strength. Whey protein supplementation may alter body composition in favor of additional fat free mass with no significant changes in body fat.

What does whey protein do for females?

Whey protein powder is a milk-derived protein source that may benefit women looking to lose weight, gain muscle and enhance strength.

Whey protein helps to boost your natural production of collagen and elastin, which helps to make skin more plump and combats slackness. And there's something reassuring about good bounceback, no? It also instantly smooths out the appearance of fine, dry lines and wrinkles—and over time, you'll see them actually reduce.

Whey protein can be an excellent addition to your weight loss diet if you're trying to gain muscle, increase strength and lose significant amounts of body fat, including excess belly fat.

Replacing meals with protein shakes may help you lower your daily calories, which can help you lose weight. But in time you'll need to start eating solid food again. Eating solid food may cause excess weight to return if you don't make smart food choices.

While some small studies have shown whey protein to be more effective for weight loss than soy and other plant-based proteins, other small studies show no real difference. As such, individual lifestyle factors may be more important than the type of protein when it comes to weight loss or other desired outcomes ( 36 ).

Whey Protein Can Boost Fullness Quickly

It contains all the essential amino acids and is absorbed quickly in the body ( 31 ). Whey protein has been linked to some impressive benefits, including greater weight loss, improved satiety and better body composition ( 32 , 33 ).

Some research suggests that whey protein might cause gastrointestinal discomfort. However, there's limited data on the possible side effects of high protein intake from a combination of food and supplements. Don't use whey protein if you have an allergy or sensitivity to dairy products.

Usually, it takes up to 6 weeks for whey protein to show results.

Some examples of protein-rich foods include chicken breasts, fish, Greek yogurt, lentils, quinoa and almonds. Adding protein to your diet has been linked to weight loss, even without exercise or conscious calorie restriction.

Can I drink 2 protein shakes a day?

To be clear, there is no hard-and-fast rule about drinking protein shakes, and having too many of them in one day likely won't have any long-term detrimental effects. For most people, anywhere from one to three protein shakes per day should be plenty to help them meet their nutritional needs.

Protein powders are generally recognized as safe, although you may experience digestive side effects if you consume large amounts of protein powder. If you're lactose intolerant or otherwise sensitive to lactose, dairy-based protein powder may lead to stomach upset, bloating, and gas.

The best time to take whey protein is within 1 hour of finishing your workout to help the recovery of your muscles. However studies show the repair and regrowth of the body can take up to 48 hours. This is why it's seen as optimal to take between 20g to 30g of whey protein at any time of the day.

Whey protein has a reputation for helping bodybuilders bulk up, but this popular supplement can do more than add to your muscle mass. In fact, whey protein may help with weight loss and optimize your overall health, such as by lowering high cholesterol.

However, how much whey protein per day is required depends on the physical activities and fitness goals of a person – whether male or female. Generally, the daily intake of protein for men is 56 grams and for women, it is 46 grams. This is mainly due to the calorie intake which is more for men than women.

Guava. Guava is one of the most protein-rich fruits around. You'll get a whopping 4.2 grams of the stuff in every cup. This tropical fruit is also high in vitamin C and fiber.

If you want to lose weight, aim for a daily protein intake between 1.6 and 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (. 73 and 1 grams per pound). Athletes and heavy exercisers should consume 2.2-3.4 grams of protein per kilogram (1-1.5 grams per pound) if aiming for weight loss.

The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person who weighs 165 pounds, or 75 kilograms, should consume 60 grams of protein per day.