Does taking glucosamine cause weight gain?
Disease description:
I heard that taking glucosamine does not cause weight gain, but I actually gained weight after taking glucosamine supplements! I would like to ask, does taking glucosamine actually cause weight gain?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Shuai
Simply taking glucosamine alone will not cause weight gain. However, when glucosamine is consumed in the form of supplements, it may potentially lead to weight gain.
Glucosamine, simply put, is a type of amino sugar, classified as a monosaccharide, and is commonly used for repairing joint cartilage. Glucosamine does not synthesize adipose tissue but rather contributes to collagen protein synthesis. From a nutritional perspective, glucosamine has very low caloric content and virtually contains no fat. Therefore, simply ingesting glucosamine does not directly lead to weight gain.
However, when glucosamine is present in supplement form, it may potentially cause weight gain. This is because some calorie-containing ingredients might be added to the supplements. Taking large amounts of glucosamine supplements in addition to regular diet without reducing intake of other foods may lead to weight gain.
Therefore, if you want to avoid noticeable weight changes after taking glucosamine supplements in moderation, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise. Individuals who need to take glucosamine long-term should do so under the guidance of a physician.
