Here at Supplements Explained we get a lot of emails from skinny guys who are having difficulty gaining weight. So here’s some information for those thin guys of there to help them stack on a few pounds!

Know your body type:

The “skinny” male build is called an ectomorph. Typically this type of build is this thin, low in body fat, thin limbs, small shoulders etc. There are different ways you need to eat and train depending on your body type (see this body types article for more info). For ectos, you need a huge amount of calories to gain weight - there’s no way around it.

Calories vs training:

For skinny guys, what you consume (through diet and supplements) is far more important that what you do in the gym. This is a mistake almost all newbies make, too much training, no supplements and inadequate nutrition.

The formula for ectomorph body type is: short intense workouts + huge calories + lots of rest = growth of new muscle.

Enter: weight gain supplements!

Weight gain supplements are essential for skinny guys looking to gain. 1 weight gain shake can contain up to 900 calories, making your daily calorie requirements much more achievable than through regular protein shakes.

Weight gain supplements usually contain a good portion of complex carbohydrates (slow digesting carbs), whey protein and some fats. The ratios vary depending on brands.

Why weight gain shakes are so effective (when compared to other supplements) is all due to sheer number of calories. An average protein shake only contains 120-160 calories, where as a weight gain shake can contain up to 8 times that amount.

Some people are often scared off by the amount of calories in one shake. In general, we’re taught that having a large amount of calories in one sitting is a bad thing, and in general, that’s right. But ectomorphs have extremely high metabolisms. Processing 900 calories from a shake is easy for this body type. This is why extomorphs have such little body fat compared to other male body types.

When to use weight gainers:

There are 3 key times in the day that you need to take your weight gain shakes. Firstly, as soon as you wake up. When you’re asleep your body is not getting an nutrients for muscle repair and growth. When you wake up, your body is in a catabolic state (meaning muscle break down). You can quickly turn this around to an anabolic state (my repair and growth) by quickly having a shake containing whey protein, carbs and fats.

Secondly, post workout. This is the most important time to get nutrients, your muscles are crying our for nutrients after a heavy training session. Weight gain shakes give you protein, carbs, BCAAs and fats quickly.

Finally, before bed. You want to give your body as much nutrients as possible before you sleep. The vast majority of muscle repair is done while you’re asleep, so fuel up.

Best Weight Gain Supplements:

1. High Protein Mega Gainer
2. N-Large II
3. CytoGainer
4. ISS Gainer Matrix

Full weight gain supplements list here.

Take home points:

1. Diet and supplements are more important that training
2. You need a huge amount of calories to grow
3. Weight gainer shakes give you up to 900 calories of protein, carbs and fats
4. You should take your weight gainers morning, post workout and before bed
5. Weight gainers are considered essential for skinny guys (ectomorphs)

Good luck with reaching your weight gain goals!