Changes in Fat Mass Following Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training in Adults ≥50 Years of Age: A Meta-Analysis.
Scott C Forbes; Darren G Candow; Joel R Krentz; Michael D Roberts; Kaelin C Young
Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology, 2019
Narrative reviewCC BYData current as of 25 Oct 2026
Abstract
Aging is associated with an increase in fat mass which increases the risk for disease, morbidity and premature mortality. Creatine supplementation in combination with resistance training has been shown to increase lean tissue mass in adults ≥50 years of age; however, the synergetic effects of creatine and resistance training on fat mass in this population are unclear. Creatine metabolism plays an important role in adipose tissue bioenergetics and energy expenditure. Thus, the combination of creatine supplementation and resistance training may decrease fat mass more than resistance training alone. The purpose of this review is two-fold: (1) to perform meta-analyses on studies involving creatine supplementation during resistance training on fat mass in adults ≥50 years of age, and (2) to discuss possible mechanistic actions of creatine on reducing fat mass. Nineteen studies were included in our meta-analysis with 609 participants. Results from the meta-analyses showed that adults ≥50 years of age who supplemented with creatine during resistance training experienced a greater reduction in body fat percentage (0.55%, p = 0.04) compared to those on placebo during resistance training. Despite no statistical difference (p = 0.13), adults supplementing with creatine lost ~0.5 kg more fat mass compared to those on placebo. Interestingly, there are studies which have linked mechanism(s) explaining how creatine may influence fat mass, and these data are also discussed.
Source: PubMed. Shown under the article’s CC BY licence.
Where this study is used
- Creatine monohydrate supplementation: Fat mass (Older adults) — Moderate. Counted in the grade.
Extracted values
AI-assisted extraction: each number comes with the sentence it was read from.
- Studies pooled
- 19
- Participants pooled
- 609
- Funding
- This research received no external funding.
| Field | Value | Source sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Review question | The purpose of this review is two-fold: (1) to perform meta-analyses on studies involving creatine supplementation during resistance training on fat mass in adults ≥50 years of age, and (2) to discuss possible mechanistic actions of creatine on reducing fat mass. | Show quote for Review questionThe purpose of this review is two-fold: (1) to perform meta-analyses on studies involving creatine supplementation during resistance training on fat mass in adults ≥50 years of age, and (2) to discuss possible mechanistic actions of creatine on reducing fat mass. Located at |
| Population | adults ≥50 years of age | Show quote for Populationin adults ≥50 years of age Located at |
| Intervention · Agent | creatine | Show quote |