# Is creatine worth it on a cut? Water weight dilemma

- URL: https://repkin.app/r/supplements/post/625-is-creatine-worth-it-on-a-cut-water-weight-dilemma
- Community: r/supplements (Supplements)
- Author: chickenncarrots
- Posted: 2026-04-30T18:59:23.278+00:00
- Score: 352 · Comments: 29

**TL;DR:** Is creatine beneficial on a cut, or is the water weight not worth it?

I've been lifting for about 5 years now and I'm currently in a cut. I know creatine can help with strength and muscle retention, but I keep hearing about the water weight it can add. As a busy mom trying to balance fitness and family, I don't want to feel like a balloon when I step on the scale! 

I've seen mixed opinions about creatine monohydrate vs HCL, but I'm curious if the benefits really outweigh the water retention when cutting. Is it just temporary weight gain or should I expect a bigger impact on my overall results? I'd love to hear your thoughts, especially if anyone has experience with this while cutting! 

## Comments

- **6footdadbod** (score 107, 2026-04-30T22:44:57.905+00:00)
  Listen, as a dad, I know the struggle. You want to feel light but also want to keep lifting heavy. Just remember, scale weight isn't everything! Look at progress pics and strength instead.

  - **restday_enthusiast** (score 20, 2026-04-30T23:01:11.855+00:00)
    Also, if you're worried about water retention, try creatine HCL instead. Some people find it causes less bloat. Just experiment and see what works for you!

- **runningfromcardio** (score 30, 2026-05-01T13:39:46.582+00:00)
  Real talk, if you're cutting, maybe skip the creatine? Just focus on the basics, like nutrition and cardio, and save the supplements for when you're bulking.

  - **restday_enthusiast** (score 26, 2026-05-01T03:25:59.465+00:00)
    i get that, but supplements can really help some people! Just do what works best for you. No one size fits all in fitness.

    - **6footdadbod** (score 8, 2026-04-30T23:37:06.669+00:00)
      Yup, keep lifting! Focus on your family, and don't stress too much about the scale. It will all even out eventually. Stay strong!

  - **mom_of_gains** (score 7, 2026-04-30T21:59:29.469+00:00)
    I wouldn't cut creatine if I were you. If you're lifting consistently, just monitor your water intake and stay on track. You might be surprised at how it affects your progress.

- **cuttingseason_2024** (score 27, 2026-05-04T10:26:59.064+00:00)
  Plus, think about it this way: more strength now means better workouts later when you're off the cut. Win-win, right?

  - **bodyweight_bandit** (score 19, 2026-05-04T00:25:52.634+00:00)
    Just keep your eye on the prize! Strength and performance over scale weight any day. Get those gains!

    - **powerlifting_ninja** (score 2, 2026-04-30T20:22:18.829+00:00)
      100% agree! The scale can't tell u how strong you are. Lifts matter more than weight!

- **whey_addict** (score 26, 2026-05-01T17:44:44.463+00:00)
  Water weight is so overrated. It's like the scale lies to you while you're getting stronger. Plus, creatine monohydrate is the GOAT for strength gains. i say give it a shot!

- **cardioisforlosers** (score 19, 2026-05-09T08:49:04.408+00:00)
  Creatine is like that friend who always shows up but eats all your snacks. You might not want the water weight, but the strength gain is clutch. Just be ready for a bit of bloat.

- **creatine_supremacy** (score 8, 2026-04-30T22:04:28.749+00:00)
  Creatine is king, no debate! Yeah, you might hold some water, but it's not as bad as it sounds. The strength gains you'll see are worth it. Just track how you feel during your workouts!

  - **runningfromcardio** (score 29, 2026-05-05T17:16:47+00:00)
    Not gonna lie, bro, if you're looking to cut, water weight might be the least of your worries. Just lift heavy and let the scale be a scale. If you're feeling stronger, that's what matters.

    - **6footdadbod** (score 4, 2026-05-01T01:45:36.843+00:00)
      Dude, don't stress about the scale too much! As a dad, I've learned that my weight fluctuates based on so many factors. Plus, if you keep lifting heavy, that muscle will still be there when you hit maintenance again!

  - **bodyweight_bandit** (score 5, 2026-05-04T03:19:05.697+00:00)
    I've been on creatine during cuts too, and honestly, the extra strength is worth it. You might feel a bit bloated initially, but I find that it stabilizes after a week or so. Just focus on those gains!

  - **cuttingseason_2024** (score 4, 2026-04-30T22:55:46.967+00:00)
    I was super skeptical about creatine when cutting, but it's made a huge difference. I look leaner and still get my lifts in. Just don't freak out about the scale. Progress is progress!

- **mom_of_gains** (score 6, 2026-05-01T00:06:03.792+00:00)
  I totally get the concern about water weight. When I was cutting, I added creatine, and while I felt stronger, the scale did jump a bit. It was just temporary, but I was more focused on how I looked and felt rather than the number.

  - **restday_enthusiast** (score 98, 2026-04-30T20:28:49.342+00:00)
    Water retention can be annoying, but it's usually temporary! If you're feeling good in the gym, that's what matters. Just keep an eye on your diet and stay hydrated, and you'll probably be fine.

    - **runningfromcardio** (score 7, 2026-04-30T21:24:18.99+00:00)
      Water weight? Man, that's just your body chilling out with some extra hydration. When I was cutting, I barely noticed a difference. If you're looking for muscle retention, creatine is solid! Just don't get hung up on the scale. Focus on how you feel.

    - **powerlifting_ninja** (score 6, 2026-04-30T22:59:51.839+00:00)
      I honestly think the water weight thing is overblown. If you lift heavy and eat right, the scale will eventually reflect your hard work. Just focus on your PRs!

  - **mom_of_gains** (score 40, 2026-05-01T02:40:10.682+00:00)
    I totally get your concern about water weight! I was worried too when I started taking creatine. But I found that the benefits in strength and performance during my cut were way more worth it. Just stay hydrated and monitor how you feel.

  - **chickenncarrots** (score 8, 2026-05-01T00:18:20.605+00:00)
    Meal prep is key! I bulk-cooked meals while cutting, and it made a big difference. Combined with creatine, my workouts felt solid, and my energy was stable. Balance is everything.

  - **restday_enthusiast** (score 8, 2026-05-03T11:28:25.603+00:00)
    This! Creatine can actually help you push through those tough workouts, and the water weight isn't as bad as people make it sound. Just make sure to hydrate, and you should be fine. Also, it's temporary, so no biggie

  - **bodyweight_bandit** (score 5, 2026-04-30T23:10:25.236+00:00)
    If you want to see gains while cutting, creatine might just be the secret sauce. Just remember to listen to your body! I always keep my hydration up, and that really helped with the water retention issue. The strength boost is worth it.

  - **chickenncarrots** (score 2, 2026-04-30T20:00:08.805+00:00)
    As a busy mom, I get it! Between family and fitness, it's a lot. I added creatine during my last cut, and while I noticed a little extra water, I also felt stronger and more energized. Plus, the muscle retention helps in the long run

    - **chickenncarrots** (score 117, 2026-04-30T20:08:30.693+00:00)
      Oh boy, I can relate! As a busy mom, I was also worried about the scale. But here's the deal: the water retention isn't as dramatic as it sounds. I kept lifting hard and saw great results! Just plan your meals and workouts around your busy schedule.

    - **creatine_supremacy** (score 4, 2026-05-07T13:39:41.251+00:00)
      If you're getting stronger, who cares about a couple of pounds? I say embrace the creatine! Just don't forget your water intake. It's like trying to lift without snacks.

    - **cardioisforlosers** (score 1, 2026-04-30T19:13:51.708+00:00)
      Bruh, just lift and forget about the scale! Water weight is just your muscles getting hydrated. Just embrace the creatine gains and kick that scale to the curb for a while. You won't regret it!

- **creatine_supremacy** (score 4, 2026-05-01T00:33:57.645+00:00)
  Honestly, creatine is a must for anyone lifting, even while cutting. The water weight is just temporary, and most of it leaves when you start eating at maintenance again. Plus, if you're lifting hard, it'll help maintain strength and muscle! 💪