Weight Gainers
Shop our range of weight gain supplements, featuring shakes, foods, spreads, and bars designed to support your bulking up ambitions.
Shop Weight Gainers at Myprotein
Weight gainers are high-calorie supplements designed to help those looking to increase their daily calorie intake. Packed with protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients, these formulas provide a convenient way to meet higher energy demands without having to consume large volumes of food.
Whether you're an athlete working to build mass, someone with a naturally fast metabolism, or simply finding it challenging to eat enough throughout the day, weight gainers offer a practical solution. Available in powder form, they mix easily into shakes that can be taken between meals or post-workout.
Who Weight Gainers Are For
Weight gainers suit anyone needing to increase their calorie intake to support their goals. Athletes in a bulking phase often turn to these supplements to ensure they're consuming enough energy to fuel training and recovery. Those with fast metabolisms who struggle to gain weight through food alone find weight gainers particularly useful.
They're also popular among gym-goers working to build size and strength, as well as individuals returning from illness or injury who need to restore lost weight. The high-calorie content makes them ideal for anyone who finds it difficult to eat enough solid food to meet their energy requirements.
When to Use Weight Gainers
Many people take weight gainers between meals to boost their daily calorie intake without interfering with regular eating patterns. Post-workout is another popular time, as the combination of protein and carbohydrates provides nutrients when your body needs them most.
Some prefer weight gainers first thing in the morning as a quick, calorie-dense breakfast option, whilst others use them before bed to ensure a steady supply of nutrients overnight. The timing depends on your schedule and when you find it most convenient to add extra calories to your day.
Weight Gainer Benefits
Convenient Calorie Boost
Weight gainers deliver a significant number of calories in a single serving, making it easier to reach your daily energy targets. This is particularly valuable when you're struggling to eat enough solid food or need quick nutrition between activities.
Protein for Muscle
These formulas contain substantial amounts of protein, which contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass1. Combined with resistance training, this protein content supports your body composition goals.
Carbohydrates for Energy
The carbohydrate content provides fuel for training and daily activities. Many weight gainers use a blend of fast and slow-release carbs to deliver sustained energy rather than quick spikes.
Added Vitamins and Minerals
Quality weight gainers often include essential vitamins and minerals to support overall nutrition. This helps ensure you're not just adding empty calories, but nutrients that contribute to normal bodily functions.
Popular Picks
Looking for a comprehensive formula? Weight & Mass Gainer Blend delivers over 380 calories per serving with 31g of protein and a blend of carbohydrates. It's designed to support those working to increase their size and includes added vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition.
FAQs
What are weight gainers?
Weight gainers are high-calorie supplements formulated to help increase daily energy intake. They typically contain a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with added vitamins and minerals. These powders are designed for mixing into shakes that provide substantial calories in a convenient, easy-to-consume format.
How do weight gainers differ from protein powders?
The main difference lies in calorie content and macronutrient ratios. Weight gainers contain significantly more calories per serving, typically 300-1000+ calories, with higher amounts of carbohydrates alongside the protein.
Standard protein powders focus primarily on protein content with minimal carbs and fats, usually providing 100-150 calories per serving. Weight gainers are designed for mass building, whilst protein powders are more versatile for various goals including weight maintenance or fat loss.
Who developed these weight gainer formulas?
Myprotein's expert nutritionists developed these formulas, drawing on years of sports nutrition experience. The team created balanced blends that deliver high calories alongside quality protein and essential nutrients, tailored to meet the needs of those working to increase their mass.
How should I use a weight gainer supplement?
Mix the recommended serving size with water or milk in a shaker or blender. Most people take weight gainers between meals, post-workout, or as a breakfast option. The exact timing depends on your schedule and when you need additional calories.
Start with the suggested serving size on the packaging and adjust based on your goals and how many extra calories you need each day. Some prefer to split servings throughout the day rather than taking a full dose at once.
Can I use weight gainers alongside regular food?
Absolutely. Weight gainers are supplements designed to complement your regular diet, not replace it. They're most effective when added to balanced meals throughout the day, filling the gap between what you can eat and what you need for your goals.
Continue eating nutritious whole foods and use weight gainers as a convenient way to add extra calories without having to prepare additional meals. Think of them as a practical tool in your overall nutrition strategy.
What's the difference between mass gainers and weight gainers?
The terms are often used interchangeably, both referring to high-calorie supplements designed to help increase body weight. Some brands distinguish between them based on calorie content, with "mass gainers" sometimes containing more calories per serving than "weight gainers," but there's no industry-standard definition.
What matters most is the specific formula's macronutrient profile and total calorie content rather than the name. Check the nutrition panel to ensure the product matches your calorie and protein requirements.
How many calories do weight gainers typically provide?
Weight gainers vary widely in calorie content, from around 300 calories per serving up to 1,000 or more. The amount depends on the serving size and the formula's concentration of carbohydrates and protein.
Choose a product based on how many extra calories you need daily. Someone requiring 500 additional calories might prefer a moderate formula, whilst those struggling to gain weight might opt for higher-calorie options.
What's the protein content in weight gainers?
Protein content typically ranges from 20g to 60g per serving, depending on the formula. The protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass1, which is important when you're working to build size rather than just adding weight.
Look for weight gainers that provide at least 25-30g of protein per serving to ensure you're getting adequate amounts alongside the carbohydrates. The protein source matters too, with many quality formulas using whey protein concentrate or blends.
What type of carbohydrates are in weight gainers?
Most weight gainers contain a blend of simple and complex carbohydrates. Common sources include maltodextrin, oats, and other grain-based carbs. Some formulas use exclusively slow-release carbs, whilst others include faster-digesting sugars for immediate energy.
The carbohydrate blend affects how quickly you digest the shake and how sustained your energy feels. Check the ingredients list to understand which types of carbs the formula uses and whether they align with your preferences.
How do I choose the right weight gainer?
Consider your calorie requirements first. Calculate how many extra calories you need daily beyond your regular food intake, then choose a weight gainer that helps bridge that gap. Also consider the protein-to-carbohydrate ratio and whether you prefer a formula with added vitamins and minerals.
Taste and mixability matter too, as you'll be consuming these regularly. Many brands offer sample sizes, allowing you to try before committing to a larger tub. Read product descriptions carefully to ensure the formula matches your specific goals and dietary preferences.
1. Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.
1. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.