Mass-Gainers are a dietary supplement which have built up a lot of momentum in the gym and bodybuilding world. They have earned their spot as one of the most popular protein powders on the market, and one of the most sought-after supplements for budding young bodybuilders and gym-goers. While some are claiming to produce monstrously large muscles in only a matter of months, it's clear as to why they have gained such a fierce popularity in the supplement sphere. Everyone wants to look good, and they want to get there without all the hard work if at all possible. So can these supplements really be better than food for building those big muscles you've always dreamed of, or is it just another fad? Let's find out.
So let's talk about some of the pro's of Mass-gainers. Certainly, they are very calorie efficient, meaning they contain a lot of calories compared to the quantity you are required to consume. In this aspect, they are certainly fantastic for increasing your weight. At its most basic level, weight management works like this... If you are burning more calories than you are consuming, you will lose weight, and if you are consuming more calories than you are burning, you will gain weight. So clearly, if mass gainers can provide you with a hefty sum of calories per scoop, they will certainly help you to gain weight. Additionally, one of the fences bodybuilders have to climb in order to pack on size, is overcoming the limits of their stomach and appetite. One of the great advantages of a mass gainer is that they enable you to consume more without becoming too full, enable you to consume again sooner.
Addressing the disadvantages, first we need to look at sugar. Sugar is not the best way to add size, as this will most likely be added in fat, rather than muscle. Mass gainers usually have a large ratio of sugar in them, due to the great flavours and enormous carbohydrate quantity. The sugar in a scoop of mass gainer would most likely push you over your RDA of sugar for the day, so proceed with caution when choosing a gainer. Additionally, be sure to check whether the mass gainer has complete protein, rich in amino acids. Protein is obviously a highly necessary macro nutrient for anyone looking to purchase a mass gainer, so ensuring you get a high quality protein is essential. Finally, be careful when reading the label on a mass gainer, to seek one with a good balance of macro-nutrients suited to your needs. Some mass gainers may contain minimal protein, high sugar and limited vitamins, which makes them more like a carbohydrate powder, and in this sense redundant. Some mass gainers are fantastic, with a high protein content, wholesome carbohydrates and rich in micro-nutrients, so choose wisely.
Overall, it is very clear that mass gainers can be massively beneficial for those who struggle to consume enough calories to increase their weight via the means of whole foods. Mass gainers are a quick and easy way to get more calories, often with a nice balance of macro and micro nutrients, into your daily diet with minimal effort. In contrast, be sure to investigate the label, to assess the sugar content and quality of the nutrients to ensure that the mass gainers you're buying is of sound quality. The final verdict and advice I will provide, is that mass gainers are fantastic for weight gain if you check the label and find a good quality supplement, though, if you have the appetite for it, bulking with whole and healthy foods is always going to be more nutritionally valuable and beneficial for your health.
Toby Hone
BSc (hons) Sport and Exercise Science
