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Weight Gain Supplements: How to Bulk Up the Right Way

Weight Gain Supplements: How to Bulk Up the Right Way

Posted by Leonard Shemtob on Aug 29, 2025

Gaining weight can sometimes be as hard as losing it. Whether the goal is to build muscle, recover from illness, or simply add healthy pounds, it’s important to do it the right way.

Weight gain supplements can help by providing extra calories and nutrients when eating enough food is difficult. In this article, we will explore the top weight gain supplements and share essential tips to help achieve weight goals safely and effectively.

[Related] Weight Gain Protein Powder: Our Experts' Pick for Big Gains


Quick Summary

  • Types of Weight Gain Supplements: Includes protein powders, mass gainers, creatine, and supplements to increase your hunger.
  • How Supplements Help: They provide extra calories and nutrients, making it easier to maintain a calorie surplus needed for healthy weight gain.
  • Our Top Picks Revealed We’ve reviewed and ranked the best mass gainers, protein powders, and other supplements that are proven to deliver real results.
  • Choosing the Right Supplement: Consider goals, dietary preferences, ingredient quality, and timing for best results.
  • Optimal Usage Tips: Take protein after workouts, use creatine daily, and consume mass gainers between meals or before bed.
  • Essential Tips for Success: Combine your supplement with diet and training for maximum muscle gain.
  • Our #1 Recommendation: Myogenix Critical Mass is our top pick. This all-in-one mass gainer is designed for serious results, packing over 700 healthy calories, 60g of protein, and includes 5g of creatine per serving, which matches the commonly studied daily dose to help effectively support your weight gain journey.

What Is a Weight Gain Supplement?

Weight gain supplements are products that are designed to help people gain weight by providing extra calories and nutrients, or by enhancing their appetite to allow them to increase their daily caloric intake. They are formulated to help users increase their muscle mass or total body weight in a healthy way.

Sometimes it can be hard to eat enough food to add healthy pounds, especially if someone has a small appetite or a fast metabolism. Weight gain supplements make this easier because they contain a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals all in one convenient form. It usually comes in the form of powders, shakes, or capsules.

Weight gain supplements are not meant to replace normal meals. Instead, they work as an addition to your diet to fill the gaps. Most are designed to support muscle growth, strength, and recovery, especially when combined with regular exercise.


Types of Weight Gain Supplements

Mass Gainers

These supplements provide a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats with a high calorie count. They are ideal for people who need to boost their overall calorie intake for weight gain.

Whey Protein Supplements

A fast-digesting protein that supports muscle repair and growth. It is useful after workouts or as a quick protein boost.

Creatine

Creatine helps increase muscle strength and performance by supporting ATP regeneration during high-intensity exercise. It supports muscle growth and can lead to small weight gain through increased water retention in muscles.

Carbohydrate Powders

Provide quick energy and extra calories, often mixed with protein supplementation for optimal results.

Healthy Fat Supplements

Sources like MCT oil or omega-3 can add calories and support overall health.

Vitamins and Minerals

Not directly for calories, but they support digestion, energy production, and recovery, which helps in the weight-gain process.


Benefits of Weight Gain Supplements

  • Provide Extra Calories: They offer a concentrated source of calories, making it easier to eat enough to gain weight, especially for people with high metabolisms or low appetites.
  • Boost Energy: Carbohydrates and healthy fats in supplements provide sustained energy to support workouts and daily activities.
  • Formulated to Support Muscle Growth Versus Just Adding Fat: Unlike just eating junk food, quality supplements are packed with protein. This protein is essential for repairing and building new muscle tissue after workouts, helping you gain strength and size, not just body fat.
  • Supply Essential Nutrients: They often include vitamins and minerals that support overall health, immune function, and metabolism during the weight gain process.
  • Convenient and Easy to Consume: Weight gain supplements come in tasty powders or shakes that are easy to add to a busy lifestyle without making large meals.
  • Better Recovery: Nutrients like protein, creatine, and carbs help the body recover faster from exercise.

Our Top Picks of the Best Weight Gain Supplements

1. Myogenix AfterShock Critical Mass

Myogenix AfterShock Critical Mass is a high-calorie mass gainer designed to help you hit a calorie surplus without stuffing yourself with food. Each serving delivers around 700 calories, 60 g protein, and includes about 5 g of creatine plus L-glutamine to support training and recovery.

The protein comes mainly from whey and milk isolates, which digest well for most people. The carb blend is formulated to be easier on the stomach and provide steady energy.

Myogenix also includes a specialty fat blend (“MassFat”) with sources like flax and sunflower to add calories and support overall nutrition. The formula is marketed as ultra-low lactose, aiming to reduce bloating for many users.

It also contains vitamins like vitamin D and minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium to support bone health, muscle function, and energy production. It’s built for hardgainers, athletes in a bulking phase, or anyone who can’t meet calorie needs with food alone.

Flavor options vary by store, and exact ingredients can differ slightly by flavor. Overall, it’s a convenient, all-in-one shake for gaining size when paired with strength training.

Key Benefits:

  • All-in-One Convenience: This product simplifies your nutrition by combining all the essential macronutrients and muscle-building ingredients into one convenient shake.
  • High-Calorie Formula: It provides a large number of healthy calories per serving, making it incredibly easy for hard gainers to achieve a calorie surplus and gain weight.
  • Supports Muscle Growth: The blend of protein, carbs, and creatine creates an optimal environment for muscle repair and growth after intense workouts.
  • Easy Digestion: Ultra-low lactose formula reduces bloating and discomfort.
  • Increased Recovery: Includes creatine and glutamine compounds to boost post-workout recovery.
  • Unique Nutrient Delivery: MassFat and WaxyMass drive nutrients directly to muscles for maximal benefit.
  • Healthy Energy Source: MCTs provide clean fats that support anabolic metabolism and sustained energy.
  • Enhances Performance: Ingredients like creatine and specific amino acids help improve strength and endurance, allowing you to train harder and longer.

Key Ingredients:

Critical Mass Carbs™

This blend is the primary source of calories in the supplement. It is designed to provide both fast and slow-digesting energy.

  • Maltodextrin: A fast-digesting carbohydrate that quickly replenishes your body's energy stores (glycogen), which are depleted after a tough workout.
  • Oat Bran: A source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. It digests more slowly than maltodextrin, providing a steady and sustained release of energy to prevent an energy crash.
  • Yam: Another source of complex carbohydrates that contributes to the sustained energy profile of the blend.

Critical Mass Protein Blend™

This blend combines multiple types of protein to provide a complete and lasting supply of muscle-building amino acids.

  • Whey Protein Isolate: A very pure form of protein that is digested and absorbed quickly by the body. This is crucial for fast muscle repair immediately after a workout.
  • Milk Protein Isolate: Contains both whey and casein proteins. The whey is absorbed quickly, while the casein digests slowly, providing a sustained release of amino acids for several hours.
  • Ultra Filtered Whey Protein Concentrate: A high-quality, popular form of protein that provides a balanced amino acid profile to support overall muscle growth.

Amino Stack™

This blend is focused on performance, strength, and recovery.

  • Micronized Creatine Monohydrate: A highly studied form of creatine. It helps your muscles generate energy more effectively during high-intensity exercise, leading to improvements in strength and power.
  • MagnaPower Creatine: A patented form of creatine that is bonded to magnesium. This is thought to potentially improve absorption and reduce the risk of digestive discomfort.
  • L-Glutamine: A key amino acid that plays a vital role in muscle recovery and immune function, helping your body bounce back faster from intense training.

Mass Fat™

This blend adds healthy fats to the formula, which are important for a high-calorie diet and provide a source of energy.

  • MCT Powder: A powder made from Medium Chain Triglycerides. These fats are easily and quickly digested, providing a fast source of energy for your body.
  • Creamer: Used to give the shake a smooth, rich texture and improve the overall taste.

Other Key Ingredients

  • Cane Juice Solids: A natural sweetener used to improve the flavor of the supplement.
  • Natural & Artificial Flavor: Used to create the specific flavor profile, in this case, Banana Milkshake.
  • Sea Salt: Contains important electrolytes that can be lost during exercise.
  • Sucralose: A zero-calorie artificial sweetener used to enhance the taste.
  • Xanthan Gum: A common thickener that gives the shake a desirable consistency.

Customer Reviews:

5 Star Rating Customer Review Outstanding, helps gain some mass back without any fat

“Even at age 54, this product and hard work helped me gain back 10 lbs of muscle, without adding any fat. Also tastes great and mixes easily. Highly recommended.”

-Tim

5 Star Rating Customer Review my phenix after shock

“This product I love it does and what its made for!! Good high quality protein use after each workout , and I feel good. It tastes great too!! I'd recommend this for anyone looking for a tasty and good quality protein.”

-mannie

5 Star Rating Customer Review Highly recommended

“Cookies and Cream, hands down, best tasting protein I've ever had. I bet I have tried at least 20 different kinds. It's the best. Also, some weight gainers upset my stomach, but this one doesn't. It contains chelated creatine (bonds to magnesium) rather than monohydrate (bonds with water). It is argued that this leads to better absorption and less bloating. Now I don't know if that's true, but I do know that this product didn't make my stomach hurt. I WILL take this again.”

-Big L.


2. PrimaForce Creatine-X

PrimaForce Creatine-X is a 10-type creatine complex created to cover different forms of creatine in one product. Each scoop provides 5 g from the “Deca Creatine Complex” and comes unflavored for easy stacking with protein or gainers.

The blend includes trusted creatine monohydrate alongside forms like creatine HCl, citrate, and chelated creatine. The idea is to combine solubility, absorption, and performance support across forms. With 50 servings per 250 g tub, it’s straightforward to dose daily.

Since it’s unflavored and gluten-free/non-GMO, it mixes into shakes without changing taste much. For weight gain goals, Creatine-X helps boost training performance and cell hydration, indirectly supporting muscle gain when you’re eating in a surplus. It’s a simple add-on to your mass-gaining stack.

Key Benefits:

  • Increased Strength and Power: Creatine helps regenerate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy source for muscles during high-intensity exercise, leading to greater strength and power output.
  • Enhanced Muscle Size: By drawing water into muscle cells, creatine can lead to increased muscle cell volume, making muscles appear fuller and supporting overall growth.
  • Improved Recovery: Creatine can help reduce muscle cell damage and inflammation after a tough workout, leading to faster recovery times.
  • Multi-Faceted Formula: The blend of ten different creatine types is intended to provide a synergistic effect, potentially offering better absorption and a broader range of benefits compared to a single form of creatine.
  • Enhanced Absorption: Creatine chelate is included for potential improvements in absorption and physical performance support.
  • Unflavored and Versatile: Can be added to any supplement or beverage based on user preference.
  • Safe and Tested: Manufactured with high-quality standards for purity and effectiveness.

Key Ingredients

  • Deca-Creatine Complex: Contains a blend of 10 different types of creatine. The specific forms include:

    • Creatine Monohydrate
    • Magnesium Creatine Chelate
    • CON-CRET® Creatine HCl
    • Creatine Citrate
    • Creatine Anhydrous
    • Creatine AKG (2:1)
    • Creatine Ethyl Ester HCl
    • Creatine Pyruvate
    • Di-Creatine Malate
    • Tri-Creatine Malate

Understanding Ghrelin: The Hunger Hormone

Ghrelin is a natural hormone made in the stomach and gut. It is often called the “hunger hormone” because it sends signals to your brain when it’s time to eat. When ghrelin levels rise, you feel hungry. When they drop, your appetite decreases.

For people trying to gain weight, ghrelin plays a big role. A strong ghrelin response can make it easier to eat more calories, while weak signaling may leave you struggling to feel hungry. Ghrelin doesn’t just trigger appetite—it also helps with growth hormone release and supports healthy digestion, both of which are useful during a bulking phase.


Why Ghrelin Matters for Weight Gain

Ghrelin is important for anyone trying to gain weight because it controls hunger. When ghrelin levels rise, your brain receives the signal that it’s time to eat. This natural process makes you feel hungry and encourages you to take in more calories. For people who struggle to gain weight, weak ghrelin signals can make eating enough food very difficult.

Research shows that when people lose weight, ghrelin levels increase as the body tries to get them to eat more and regain the lost weight. This natural response is the body’s way of protecting itself from starvation.

Additionally, ghrelin also supports the release of growth hormone. Growth hormone plays a role in building muscle, repairing tissues, and improving recovery after exercise. This makes ghrelin even more valuable during a bulking phase.


How Ghrelin Drives Hunger

Ghrelin is known as the "hunger hormone" because it plays a key role in making people feel hungry. It is made mainly in the stomach and released into the blood when the stomach is empty.

Ghrelin travels to the brain, especially to a part called the hypothalamus, which controls appetite. When ghrelin binds to its receptors in the brain, it activates signals that tell the body it is time to eat.

This hormone not only makes a person feel hungry but also increases the desire to seek food. It stimulates neurons in the brain that release other hunger-promoting chemicals, such as neuropeptide Y and agouti-related peptide, which boost appetite further. Ghrelin also reduces the activity of neurons that tell the brain when to feel full, helping make eating more likely.

Levels of ghrelin rise before meals, causing hunger, and drop soon after eating when the stomach stretches and fills with food. Ghrelin can even increase motivation around food, making eating more rewarding and pleasurable by affecting brain areas related to taste, memory, and reward behavior.


Our Best Picks to Improve Ghrelin Signaling

Youth GH by Vital Alchemy

1. Youth GH by Vital Alchemy

Youth GH by Vital Alchemy is a growth hormone-supporting formula designed to naturally amplify the body's production of GH and IGF-1, which are critically linked to metabolism, muscle growth, and appetite regulation.

Unlike simple sleep aids, Youth GH is formulated with ingredients like Rikkunshito that support ghrelin signaling, which can help increase appetite and reduce feelings of fullness. Its formula is engineered for those seeking to improve body composition—simultaneously supporting fat loss and lean muscle gain.

Key Benefits:

  • Stimulates Natural Growth Hormone: Enhances GH production for muscle growth and fat loss.
  • Boosts Appetite by Enhancing Ghrelin Signaling: Helps increase hunger for easier calorie intake.
  • Promotes Deep, Restful Sleep: Supports hormonal balance and physical recovery.
  • Accelerates Fat Loss: Aids in utilizing fat for energy.
  • Improves Recovery and Mood: Speeds muscle repair and promotes mental well-being.
  • Supports Lean Muscle Development: Maintains muscle mass during calorie deficits.
  • Strengthens Bones and Tendons: Encourages durable connective tissue health.

Key Ingredients:

  • Rikkunshito: Japanese herbal blend that regulates and sensitizes ghrelin receptors, increasing appetite and lean mass.
  • L-Ornithine: An Amino acid that promotes growth hormone secretion and reduces fatigue.
  • Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): Neurotransmitter improving sleep quality and balanced hormone production.
  • Mucuna Pruriens: Herb rich in L-DOPA, precursor to dopamine, supporting mood, motivation, and hormone balance.
  • Valerian Root Extract: Helps relaxation and restorative sleep.
  • L-Theanine: An Amino acid that reduces anxiety, sharpens focus, and balances stimulant effects.
  • Melatonin: Hormone regulating sleep cycles.
  • Magnesium: Essential mineral involved in energy, muscle function, and sleep regulation.
  • Zinc: Important for hormone production, immune support, and protein synthesis.
  • Vitamin B6: Supports energy metabolism and nerve health.

Customer Reviews

5 Star Rating Customer Review 5 Stars

“Comfortable side effects, and very effective results. Definitely assist in progress.”

-SINCERE

5 Star Rating Customer Review all time favorite GH booster

“ive tried a lot of supposed ****** hormone boosters to no avail. but youth gh was definitely somethin else amazing pumps, slept like a baby, and definitely noticed changes in terms of lean muscle ****** and development. used it for a full 8 weeks along with anafuse, sergeant steel, and bio-gro.”

-Trevor G.

5 Star Rating Customer Review Amazing Results

“This product really helps me sleep at night. Prior to taking the product, my might struggled with shutting down at night. When I take Youth GH one hour prior to going to bed, I am able to obtain at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.”

-Dan


Black Lion Research Androgin

2. AndroGin by Black Lion Research

AndroGin by Black Lion Research is positioned as a natural anabolic / anabolic-support formula that aims to increase muscle growth, strength, and appetite-related pathways.

The product combines a ginsenoside (Androgins) complex, a Cistanche-based GHR blend (GHR-1), and a bioavailability complex (BIO-X) to help active compounds get absorbed. Black Lion markets AndroGin as supporting protein synthesis, insulin sensitivity, and anabolic signalling — all of which can help a user gain muscle when calories are adequate.

Key benefits:

  • Anabolic signalling & muscle support: Ginsenoside complex aims to support pathways that help protein synthesis and strength gains.
  • Supports GH/ghrelin pathways: The Cistanche (GHR-1) blend is included to assist the GH axis and appetite signalling in some users.
  • Improved nutrient uptake & insulin sensitivity: Citrus bioflavonoids and EGCG help with metabolic signalling and may improve nutrient partitioning.
  • Better absorption: Piperine and the BIOx complex are added to enhance the effectiveness of the active ingredients.

Key Ingredients:

  • Androgins (Standardized Ginsenoside Complex — e.g., Rg1, Rb1, Rb2, Re, Rd, Rc) — ginsenosides are bioactive saponins from ginseng; they can support energy, insulin sensitivity, and anabolic signalling in some studies. Black Lion lists a high-concentration ginsenoside complex.
  • GHR-1 (Standardized Cistanche tubulosa extract; e.g., 30% echinacoside / 15% acteoside / 5% tubuloside) — Cistanche extracts are used in traditional medicine and modern blends to support GH axis signalling and possibly appetite/energy. In AndroGin, it’s presented as a ghrelin/GH-supportive botanical.
  • BIOx (Bioavailability complex: naringin, hesperidin, tangeretin, EGCG) — citrus flavonoids and EGCG are included to improve absorption and add antioxidant, insulin-sensitivity, and metabolic support.
  • Piperine: black-pepper extract that increases the oral bioavailability of many compounds.
  • Other micro-ingredients (capsule excipients, inactive ingredients) — used for product stability and delivery.

Customer Reviews

5 Star Rating Customer Review One of my fav supplements

“It's one of my favorite supplements for subtle energy and I seem to be gaining more muscle decently.”

-BOH

5 Star Rating Customer Review Review

“So far I’m loving it. Only been using a week or so. Will update later”

-BradM

5 Star Rating Customer Review Legit anabolic

“Androgin is now my hands down favorite supp. First week or so I mostly noticed improved sleep and recovery but after maybe 10 days strength started rising and i definitely started to fill out. Up7lbs at the end of my cycle. I highly recommend.”

-Eric V.


MassMax by Performax Labs

3. MassMax by Performax Labs

MassMax by Performax Labs is a highly advanced supplement that takes a multi-pathway approach to weight and muscle gain. Unlike simpler appetite stimulants, this product is formulated with a complex blend of ingredients designed to act on multiple systems in the body, including anabolic, androgenic, and hormonal pathways.

Its primary goal is to not only boost hunger signals by targeting the ghrelin receptor but also to enhance muscle protein synthesis and support a more anabolic state.

Key Benefits:

  • Directly Boosts Appetite: Atractylodes Lancea extract is included for its potential to support ghrelin activity and stimulate hunger, leading to a powerful increase in appetite and making it easier to eat more.
  • Multi-pathway Anabolic Support: The ecdysteroid complex (Rhaponticum/carried 20-hydroxyecdysone and related sterols) is included to support anabolic signalling and lean mass gains in a calorie-surplus context.
  • Myostatin Inhibition & Follistatin Support: High-dose (−)-epicatechin is aimed at lowering myostatin and increasing follistatin — this can remove some biological brakes on muscle growth according to early studies.
  • Supports Muscle Growth: The anabolic and androgenic complexes are designed to support muscle protein synthesis and create an optimal environment for building new muscle tissue.
  • Enhances Strength: By promoting an anabolic state and improving protein synthesis, the formula can contribute to increases in strength and power.
  • Promotes Nutrient Absorption: The BioPerine® in the formula ensures that your body can efficiently absorb and utilize all the key ingredients for maximum effectiveness.
  • Supports Fat Metabolism: Plant extracts assist in healthy fat burning while gaining lean mass.

Key Ingredients:

ANABOLIC ECDYSTEROID COMPLEX:

  • Rhaponticum Carthamoïdes Extract: A natural herb containing ecdysteroids like 20-hydroxyecdysone. These compounds are studied for their potential to support muscle growth and protein synthesis without affecting hormone levels.
  • Sodium Caprate: An ingredient included to improve the absorption and bioavailability of the other compounds in the formula.

ANDROGENIC FATTY ACID ESTERS:

  • Methyl-P-Mass™ and Methyl-O-Mass™: These proprietary compounds are fatty acid esters that are believed to support healthy androgenic activity in the body, which can be beneficial for overall muscle growth and strength.

FOLLISTATIN & NITRIC OXIDE POTENTIATOR:

  • (-)-Epicatechin: A flavonoid found in green tea and cocoa. It is studied for its potential to inhibit myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth, thereby supporting increased muscle building.
  • Camellia Sinensis (leaf) Extract: More commonly known as green tea extract, this ingredient is standardized to a high percentage of epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which supports antioxidant activity and may aid in muscle and cardiovascular health.

GH SECRETAGOGUE RECEPTOR AGONIST & GHRELIN RELEASE:

  • Atractylodes Lancea Rhizome Extract: An herbal ingredient that is a key component in this blend. It is included to act as a ghrelin receptor agonist and for its potential in supporting ghrelin receptor activity and stimulating hunger.
  • BioPerine® (Black Pepper fruit) Extract: This patented ingredient is added to significantly enhance the absorption of all the other compounds in the formula, ensuring your body can use them effectively.

Customer Reviews

5 Star Rating Customer Review Solid natural way to build muscle

“This is a decent product as far as building some muscle naturally. I didn't feel anything crazy or see any ridiculous gains in strength or size. I put some size on with this and Anafuse plus consistent training and a coloric surplus.”

-Justaguywithpecs

5 Star Rating Customer Review Max mass

“Great supplement put on some lean ***********”

-Kevin C.


How to Choose the Best Weight Gain Supplement

Define Your Fitness and Weight Goals

Your goals shape the best supplement choice

  • Goal: "I need to eat more calories. I just can't eat enough food."

    • Your Best Choice: A Mass Gainer.

    • Why: Mass gainers are calorie bombs in a shake. They are designed for people with fast metabolisms or small appetites who struggle to eat enough whole food to gain weight.

  • Goal: "I eat enough food, but I want to build more muscle and get stronger."

    • Your Best Choice: A Protein Powder.

    • Why: Protein is the building block of muscle. If your calorie intake is already good, adding a protein shake helps ensure your muscles have the fuel they need to repair and grow after a workout.

  • Goal: "I have no appetite and never feel hungry."

    • Your Best Choice: An Appetite Enhancer.

    • Why: Some supplements contain ingredients (like those in Youth GH) that work with your hunger hormone (ghrelin) to naturally increase your appetite, making you want to eat more.

  • Goal: "I want to improve my performance and get the most out of my workouts."

    • Your Best Choice: A Strength & Sports Performance Booster.

    • Why: Products like Creatine or non-hormonal activators like MassMax provide ingredients that boost your energy and strength during exercise, allowing you to lift heavier and train harder, which leads to more muscle growth.

Check Ingredient Quality and Composition

Choose supplements with natural, researched ingredients. Avoid those loaded with excessive sugars, artificial fillers, or unproven compounds. Key ingredients to look for include whey or plant-based proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats like MCT oil, vitamins, minerals, and muscle-building compounds such as creatine.

Check the Taste and Mixability

This is a small but important detail. A supplement is only effective if you actually use it. Read reviews to see what others say about the taste and how easily the powder mixes in a shaker bottle.

Consider Dietary Preferences and Allergies

If you are lactose intolerant or allergic to common ingredients like dairy, opt for lactose-free, gluten-free, or plant-based formulas. Always read labels carefully to avoid allergens and ensure the supplement fits your dietary style, whether vegan, vegetarian, or specific allergy-sensitive.


Pro Tips for Healthy Weight Gain

1. Focus on Whole Foods First

Supplements help, but real food should always be your foundation. Build your diet around calorie-dense, nutritious foods like:

  • Proteins: Chicken, beef, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, whole milk, and lentils.
  • Complex Carbs: Oatmeal, brown rice, whole-grain bread, and potatoes.
  • Healthy Fats: Nuts, nut butter, avocados, and olive oil.

Aim for 3 solid meals and 2-3 snacks throughout the day to keep a steady flow of calories and nutrients coming in.

2. Don't Skip the Protein

Protein is the building block of muscle. Aim to eat high-protein foods like chicken, eggs, beef, and other great protein sources with every meal to get all the essential amino acids needed for growth.

3. Eat in a Calorie Surplus

This is the most important rule. You must consume more calories than your body burns each day. This calorie surplus provides the extra energy your body needs to build new muscle tissue. Track your calories for a few days to find your starting point, then slowly add more calories each week to ensure steady, healthy progress.

4. Eat More Frequently and Use Bigger Plates

Eating 5 to 6 smaller meals and snacks evenly spaced throughout the day can help boost your calorie intake without overwhelming your stomach. Using larger plates may also encourage bigger portions, helping you consume more food naturally.

5. Incorporate Strength Training 3 to 4 Times a Week

Eating extra calories will make you gain weight, but strength training is what ensures that weight is muscle, not fat. Focus on compound exercises that work multiple muscle groups:

Aim to lift heavy and progressively overload (slowly increasing the weight or reps over time) to signal your body to build new muscle.

6. Get Enough Quality Sleep

Poor sleep can ruin your progress, kill your appetite, and elevate stress hormones like cortisol, which can break down muscle tissue and add to the difficulty of changing your physique. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of good quality sleep each night to support your weight gain and overall health.

7. Avoid Empty-Calorie Foods and Smoking

Steer clear of foods high in added sugars, sugary drinks, fried foods, and fast food, as they can increase fat gain and harm health. Smoking reduces appetite and body weight, so quitting can help improve weight gain efforts.

8. Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is crucial for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. However, avoid drinking large amounts of water right before meals, as it can fill your stomach and make it harder to hit your calorie goals. Try to sip water throughout the day instead.

9. Be Patient and Set Realistic Expectations

Healthy weight gain is a slow process. Aim to gain 0.5 to 1 pound per week. Gaining much faster than this usually means you’re putting on more fat than muscle. Trust the process, take progress photos to track changes in your physique, and celebrate small victories along the way.


Final Thoughts

Weight gain supplements come in many forms, including protein powders, mass gainers, creatine, and appetite enhancers. Each offers unique benefits and targets different aspects of weight gain.

Choosing the right supplement depends on individual needs such as muscle growth, calorie increase, or hunger stimulation. The supplements discussed provide a variety of ingredients aimed at supporting healthy weight gain through improved nutrition and hormone support.

These products can be integral to a structured approach toward building muscle and increasing body mass effectively.

Written and Sponsored by Leonard Shemtob

Leonard Shemtob is President of Strong Supplements and a published author. Leonard has been in the supplement space for over 20 years, specializing in fitness supplements and nutrition. Leonard appears on many podcasts, written over 100 articles about supplements and has studied nutrition, supplementation and bodybuilding. 

Leonard's articles have been published in many top publications around the web. Leonard enjoys weight training, playing basketball and yoga, and also enjoys hiking. In his free time he studies and works on improving himself. For more detailed information, visit his official blog.

FAQs: Weight Gain Supplements

A: You can if you're not careful. Supplements help you achieve a calorie surplus, which is necessary for weight gain. However, if your surplus is too large or you aren't training with weights, a significant portion of that weight gain could be fat. To prioritize muscle gain, aim for a modest surplus of 300-500 calories per day and follow a consistent strength training program.
A: Generally, yes—if you choose reputable brands and use them as directed. Always look for products that are third-party tested for purity and quality. However, it's always best to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition.
A: While they are high in calories and nutrients, weight gain supplements should be used to support your diet, not replace your meals. Whole foods provide a full range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that a supplement cannot match. It’s best to use them as a convenient way to get extra calories on top of your regular meals.