Supplements & Performance Enhancers / Question
Published: October 19, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hey! Wut's up! I'm 14 (my 15th birthday is a week). Anyway, I'm 6'1" and half inches. I'm 221 pounds, but actually it's weird because I look pretty thin, or thin enough at least. I belong to a gym, I have a trainer, I exercise regularly, am in 1 or 2 extra curricular sport clubs. I have been going to the gym since January 26, 2001 and except for wider, somewhat nicer figure, more energy and stuff like that, I haven't really been able to really gain big muscle and get the desired results (tighter everything, flatter stomach, basically every day wants). I'm not sure if something is wrong with me, I work out on a regular basis. I have quite recently (5 days or so) been using creatine (I have used it 3 or 4 times) and I have read your saying about it as "being a new thing and not much is known about it etc., but I found out that it worked. I have increased energy and all that when I use it. I am already tall for my age so stunting growth isn't a concern for me. Guess what I'm asking is should I continue to use it and is there any better/safer, substance/supplement I can use to get the desired results. Also is their any particular brand or just any substances that can help me reduce my weight. I am not asking for a miracle but even 10-15 pounds. Is my weight healthy, I, mean I'm pretty big but I don't look fat, my waist is 36-37". My doctor says anything under 37" is healthy. I have given you all the details I can so here is my real question; can you answer my creatine concerns and/or any other supplements that are safe? Should I change my eating habits since I do eat a lot (although I never eat junk food, portions are not really a problem, it's the frequency of my eating) Is there a safe way in which I can lose weight and still gain muscle mass, that you fine people at TeenHealthFX know of.
Signed: Big Guy With Big Concerns
Dear Big Guy With Big Concerns,
Congratulations, you're doing so many things the right way. Joining a gym, having a trainer, and even consulting a doctor about your concerns. You're on the right track. In the six months that you've been training, you have firmed up and have extra energy. These are the great positive responses you get from a good program of exercise and healthy nutrition.
Don't be worried that you are not gaining big muscle yet. At 15 years old, even though you are tall and heavy for your age, your body may not be producing enough testosterone to develop large, lean muscles or get that "ripped" look. Some guys develop their secondary sex characteristics later than others. If you don't have significant underarm, facial, or pubic hair, don't expect to develop significant muscle mass because the testosterone levels necessary to do so haven't really kicked in yet.
Creatine won't make that happen, and may actually cause you problems if you not careful. There have been NO studies of creatine involving teenagers. There is NO conclusive evidence that it increases strength or muscle mass. Creatine enters muscles but also the heart, brain and testicles. There is no information about how creatine supplements may affect these organs. We can not endorse creatine under any circumstance.
In addition, taking anabolic steroids, pro hormones, or other performance enhancing substances, often called ergogenic aids, will definitely do more harm than good, particularly at your age.
The most important thing for you to do is evaluate your exercise and nutrition. Sometimes, when athletes are training harder but not making gains, they may be over training. If you are doing intense weight training exercises with very high resistance, you should probably be limiting yourself to two to three weight workouts each week. Basically, your muscles need enough time to recover after an intense workout. If you are not over training, but still not seeing results, you may not be getting adequate protein or nutrition. You should be able to get adequate protein by eating a balanced diet. Good protein sources include chicken, fish, egg whites, lean meats, and beans. Avoid fatty foods, since they have little nutritional value. Complex carbohydrates like fresh vegetables, oatmeal, and bulky starches are better than high sugar, processed foods. It is best to eat three to five balanced meals and a few additional "snacks" that include a combination of protein and complex carbohydrate.
There is no quick fix to optimal health, performance, and an ideal physique of lean muscle with low percent body fat. It takes a combination of nutrition, weight training, and aerobic exercise. At your age, (again) TeenHealthFX suggests that you avoid creatine, stimulant substances or "fat burners" or anything that promises to be an anabolic substance. Work with your coaches, athletic trainers, personal trainers, or physicians who specializes in sports medicine to develop the most appropriate and optimal combination that works for you.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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