7 Best Weight Gainer for Women to go from Bony to Bombshell | Nutritionist Approved

This is our review of the Best Weight Gainer for Women in . 

Many people think gaining weight is easy. Eat more sugary and fatty foods, and the weighing scale will move to the right. But this is not true for everyone. 

Also, gaining weight can be tricky. It can happen across the muscles, fat, and body water. Water weight is temporary, and fluctuates according to the interplay of hormones in the body. Fat gain is unhealthy and undesirable, and can lead to health complications such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. 

What we must aim for is muscle gain. Muscles are the active tissues in our bodies that are continuously using up calories and keeping the body fit. This is called lean mass gain and is the healthiest kind of weight gain.

Over the past few years, quite a lot of women have come to me seeking help to gain weight. Although supplements specific to female weight gain have not been introduced, I have seen wonderful results with the gainers mentioned here. Each is a winner in its own right and helps in putting on weight healthily, steadily, and stably. 

Naked Mass Natural Weight Gainer Protein Powder is most definitely the best weight gain supplement for skinny girls because of its formidable calorie count of 1250 and a whopping 50g protein load. Additionally, the high BCAA and low sodium content make it the best protein powder for female weight gain.

I have listed a few more options below for women with different fitness goals. 

Best Weight Gainer for Women – Overall	Naked Mass Natural Weight Gainer
Best Protein Load Weight Gainer for Women	Optimum Nutrition GS Pro Weight Gainer
Best Lean Mass Gainer for Women	MUSCLE FEAST Oats + Isolate Protein Powder
Best Vegan Weight Gainer for Women	Naked Vegan Mass Weight Gainer
Best Weight Gainer for Women – Post-Workout Recovery	BSN TRUE-MASS Weight Gainer
Most Gut-Friendly Weight Gainer for Women	MRM Nutrition Gainer Protein with Probiotics
Best Weight Gainer for Women – Meal Replacement	Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer

Do check out the latter half of the article as I will tell you exactly what to look for when buying the best mass gainer for women and how to use it correctly. 

7 Best Weight Gainer for Women Reviewed 

Note: All nutritional facts mentioned below are for a single serving as mentioned on the product label.

Naked Mass Natural Weight Gainer – Best Weight Gainer for Women (Overall)

Naked Mass Weight Gainer Protein Powder is perfect for any woman who has been struggling with weight gain and has tried other supplements without much success since it delivers 1250 calories per serving.  

What I like best about this weight gainer supplement is that it delivers the calories without piling on the sodium (just 100mg per serving!). Sodium is an important mineral needed by the body, albeit in small quantities. Many supplements are overloaded with it, though, to enhance taste and increase shelf-life. However, excess sodium can lead to serious health issues such as high blood pressure.

Another major plus in favor of this mass gainer is the amazing amino acid profile it has. The BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acid) stack clocks in an amazing 11.5g ensuring better post-workout recovery and muscle-building.

A downer of sorts is that since the protein used here is whey, lactose-intolerant women may need to skip this supplement and opt for a lactose-free alternative. However, this protein powder is soy-free and gluten-free.

All in all, it is a wonderful product that fits the needs of women with varied health goals and vitals.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Low-sodium weight gainer	Not suited for lactose-intolerants
Great amino acid profile	Contains maltodextrin (unhealthy sugar)
Soy-free and gluten-free

Summary of Customer Reviews: 

Customers swear by Naked Mass Weight Gainer’s healthy weight-gaining capabilities and love it for its BCAA profile. However, some users have raised concerns over the addition of maltodextrin.

Optimum Nutrition GS Pro Weight Gainer – Best Protein Load Weight Gainer for Women

I like to call the Optimum Nutrition GS Pro Weight Gainer Protein Powder a “no-nonsense weight gainer”. This is because protein is the towering hero here. With a colossal protein load of 60g per serving, this mass gainer helps to pile on the muscle without the worry about fat gain.

Many supplements add heaping amounts of carbs for easy weight gain. But the catch is those excess carbs in the body are in danger of remaining unused and tend to get stored as fat. In this whey protein powder for weight gain, the carb content has been restricted to a respectable 81g. This is great at preventing unhealthy fat storage in the body.

The mineral profile of this mass gainer is also particularly impressive. With the addition of calcium, iron, and potassium, as well as trace minerals like zinc, manganese, copper, magnesium, etc., this supplement can also be used as a meal replacement. However, I would not recommend using it to swap more than one meal a day.

My only issue with this otherwise wonderful protein powder is the addition of a high amount of sodium. Women facing issues of bloating, water retention, and high blood pressure need to be vigilant while consuming this product.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Great protein load for lean mass gain	High sodium content
Lower carb content	Contains artificial flavoring
Good mineral profile

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Customers love the Optimum Nutrition GS Pro Protein Powder for fulfilling its promise of healthy weight gain. However, they do complain about its massive serving size and artificial flavor addition.

MUSCLE FEAST Oats + Isolate Protein Powder – Best Lean Mass Gainer for Women

The Muscle Feast Oats + Isolate Whey Protein Powder caught my eye because of its unique blend of ingredients. When we think of protein powders, we don’t usually think of oats being a part of them. This product has incorporated a blend of whey protein and whole oats powder, setting it apart from your typical run-of-the-mill protein supplement.

Oats are a complex carbohydrate source that also contains a modest amount of protein, zero cholesterol, and is high in fiber. A complex carbohydrate this pure and clean prevents blood sugar spikes, ensuring a steady, slow, and sustained release of energy throughout the day.

Not a conventional weight gainer, this product caters more toward lean mass gain. With a restricted amount of calories and a good protein load, this protein supplement works well for women who are looking to gain muscle rather than just putting on weight.

The formula is pretty straightforward with no added frills of minerals or vitamins. They have used high quality whey derived from grass-fed, antibiotic-free animals and boast of a low-sodium content.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Ideal for lean muscle gain	No micronutrient profile
Infused with oats for steady blood sugar release	Not suited to lactose-intolerants
Grass-fed, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free whey protein used
Low sodium content

Summary of Customer Reviews:

The Muscle Feast Oats + Isolate Powder is loved by most users for its capacity to keep them full for longer hours and for using premium ingredients. However, mixability issues have been reported because of the presence of oats.

Naked Vegan Mass Weight Gainer – Best Vegan Weight Gainer for Women

If you are a hard-gainer AND have vegan preferences, chances are that you must be finding it really tough to zero in on a good protein powder. The problem is that most vegan protein powders have unnecessary and unhealthy additives and flavoring to enhance the taste. Further, the amino acid profile leaves a lot to be desired.

Naked Vegan Mass Gainer Protein Powder is a wonderful exception. With a whopping calorie load of 1230 and a phenomenal 50g protein delivery per serving, this supplement is a godsend for vegans.

The protein is derived from yellow peas and organic brown rice that have been sourced from local, small farms in the USA. Also because they have blended two protein sources together, the formula is able to provide the complete amino acid profile to the user. 

Being a plant-based product, this mass gainer is zero on cholesterol, adding to the healthy benefits. 

However, because yellow pea protein is involved, the sodium content is on the higher side, although not extremely high (290mg). A vegan with blood pressure issues should consume this product with caution. I am also not thrilled with the amount of sugar in the product (24g). 

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Ideal for vegans	Sodium content on the higher side
Complete amino acid profile	Higher sugar content
GMO-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and certified kosher

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Users love the Naked Vegan Mass Gainer for its clean, vegan formula and protein delivery. However, many have expressed concerns about the sugar content. Some users have also experienced mild digestive upset in the initial days of consumption.

BSN TRUE-MASS Weight Gainer – Best Weight Gainer for Women (Post-workout Recovery)

Many women have more than one goal in their journey towards fitness. But consuming more than one supplement may not be a viable option for many. BSN TRUE-MASS Weight Gainer Protein Powder helps achieve 2 goals with one supplement.

With 700 calories per serving, this supplement is an excellent choice for women looking to gain weight through muscle. It provides substantial calorie gains with a good protein load, and is easy on the carbs and fat. 

Along with this, it also packs 10g of BCAA and 20g of EAAs (Essential Amino Acids) per serving. With an impressive amino acid profile, it successfully doubles up as a great post-workout recovery shake. This makes it one of the best weight gainers in the market. 

The formula, however, is not soy or gluten-free and contains artificial flavoring. So people with allergies need to be cautious about this one. 

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Good BCAA and EAA specifications	Not soy-free or gluten-free
Can build lean muscle	Contains artificial flavors
	Contains maltodextrin

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Customers are happy with BSN TRUE-MASS’s weight-gaining and muscle-building results. They also love its high blending capacity. However, some users have expressed disappointment over the addition of artificial flavors and maltodextrin.

MRM Nutrition Gainer Protein with Probiotics – Most Gut-Friendly Weight Gainer for Women

A big chunk of protein powder users have a major and valid complaint. They experience digestive upset, bloating, and gas issues after starting a high-protein supplement.  This happens because the gut takes time to get adjusted to the high amount and quality of protein provided per serving.

The makers of the MRM Nutrition Gainer seem to have successfully overcome this very issue by including digestive enzymes and 10mg of probiotic, gut-friendly microbes. Besides improving digestion, probiotics also help in improving immunity and boosting skin health.

They have also made the formula more interesting by including both, fast and slow-digesting proteins and carbs. Fast-digesting nutrients give an instant spike of energy, while slow-digesting nutrients give out more steady and sustained energy that lasts for hours. 

Since this mass gainer packs only 350 calories, I would recommend adding fruit and some nuts while making a shake. This will make the shake more calorie-dense and gain-friendly.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Contains probiotics for better digestion	Not suited for lactose intolerants
Balanced formula with slow and fast-digesting macros	Contains maltodextrin

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Users recommend MRM Nutrition Gainer Protein for its gut-friendly formula and easy digestibility. However, some users are unhappy with the taste and addition of fillers.

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer – Best Weight Gainer for Women (Meal Replacement)

A lot of my female clients face a tough time when told to consume a high-calorie meal. This is because some don’t have the time to cook these meals, while others find making high calorie meals only for themselves difficult. 

This is where a meal replacement supplement comes in handy. It helps bridge the gap in such situations because it provides the required amount of calories and nutrients with the least effort.

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer fits the bill perfectly. It has one of the most complete formulae, with a healthy balance of macros and micronutrients. A combination of 50g of protein and micronutrients like iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, and copper rounds off the formula well.

It also has the added advantage of including creatine monohydrate and L-glutamine in its formula. While creatine is formidable when it comes to muscle health, L-glutamine is a winner in tissue repair and gut health.

If there was one aspect of the formula I had a problem with, it would have to be the sodium content. With 570mg per serving, this is one of the highest sodium-serving formulae in the market. So, blood pressure watchers should stay away from this product.

It is also important to remember that meal replacement shakes shouldnt be your only source of nutrition throughout the day. You should try and get most of your calories from whole foods and limit the use of these only to once a day. 

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Excellent micronutrient profile	Very high sodium content
Addition of creatine monohydrate and L-glutamine	Contains fillers like maltodextrin
Great meal replacer	Not suited to vegetarians/vegans

Summary of Customer Reviews:

Users swear by Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass’s weight-gaining abilities, and muscle building and recovery powers. However, they are not happy with the presence of maltodextrin and other fillers.

Why do skinny women need to take weight gainers?

Many women find it very difficult to put on weight. Weight gainer supplements help skinny women meet their daily calorie goals without adding the burden of cooking and eating 2-3 extra meals.

Below are the main reasons why women need to take weight gainer:

Body doesn’t support weight gain

A lot of women naturally have ectomorph bodies, so their body does not support weight gain or muscle building. They are organically slim, have low muscle mass, and find it easier to lose rather than gain weight because they have faster metabolism. 

Eating large meals is a challenge

For some women, eating more food is a challenge in itself. They have modest appetites and are able to eat only small portions at one go. So, a weight gainer supplement is an easy way to introduce more calories in a smaller quantity.

For fitness enthusiasts or bodybuilding competitors

Today, many women desire more toned bodies, a more substantial physique, and visible muscle. They may want this to boost their athletic performance, bodybuilding competitions or just as fitness enthusiasts. Mass gainers give them the required number of calories and macros without the time-consuming task of actually eating those many calories through food.  

How do I choose the right weight gainer?

Here’s what you need to know when choosing a weight gainer for females:

Protein to Carb ratio

To gain healthy weight and muscle mass, the proportion of protein and carbohydrate must be present in the correct ratio. 1:3 to 1:5 are considered ideal ratios for building muscle. This means that for 1 part of protein in the formula, 3 to 5 parts of carbohydrate is considered ideal pairings.

Quality of Fat

Choose mass gainers that contain more ‘good fat’ like unsaturated fats and MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides). They serve as quality fuels to build lean mass.

Check for Sugars

When a product says ‘added sugars’, it actually means ‘added empty calories’. So while all products are not sugar-free, you can go for those whose sugar content falls below 6g per serving.

Check Supplement Facts

All mass gainers differ, whether it is calories per serving, macros, added supplements like creatine or glutamine, or fillers. Check the nutritional facts and choose the one that suits your current needs. Also, keep an eye on potential allergens like maltodextrin. If you are allergic to it, it is best to avoid the gainers that contain it.

Go for micronutrients 

Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) play a vital role in building immunity and help in channelizing energy levels. So if you are into workouts, micronutrients are a must in your supplement.

How to Use a Weight Gainer?

While it may be relatively easy to choose a mass gainer to suit your needs, the challenge is how to incorporate it into your daily diet and regimen.

Here are some points you need to keep in mind:

Evaluate your current diet

Use pen and paper for this. Write down your current food habits, timings of meals, and what you usually eat at each meal. This will help you understand the best time and manner in which you can include the mass gainer in your diet.

Food is still your primary source of energy

Whichever weight gainer you select, remember that nothing can replace actual food. Try to fulfill the maximum amount of calories you need through whole foods. Use the mass gainer as a means to “supplement” your natural food diet.

Start with half a serving first

Most mass gainers have been designed and created keeping the higher caloric needs of men in mind. Women may not need the entire serving all the time. Start with consuming half a serving of the supplement first, and let your body get used to this new addition. You can increase the serving size as you ease into the product and based on your long-term goals.

Experiment with time

Understand the time that suits you best to consume the supplement. Many women find it most convenient to have the supplement as part of their breakfast, especially after a rigorous workout session. However, this may not hold true for all. Try having the mass gainer at different times to understand the time that works best for you.

Conclusion

Mass gainers are an easy, convenient and achievable way to gain weight healthily. While there aren’t any specific products for female weight gain on the market, the best protein powder for weight gain according to me is Naked Mass Natural Weight Gainer Protein Powder. This is because of its high-calorie delivery, excellent protein content, and low sodium load. 

FAQs

What should a woman do to gain weight healthily?

Eating in a moderate calorie surplus and regular strength training is the ideal way to ensure healthy weight gain. This calorie surplus can be achieved through high-quality protein derived from food, supplemented with a good mass gainer. Consider pre-workout supplements like the best pre-workout with creatine to amp up your strength training.

Is it safe to take mass gainer supplements?

Yes. If the supplement is selected keeping your health goals in mind and consumed in the quantity mentioned on the product label, mass gainer supplements are safe and healthy to consume. I would recommend looping in your nutritionist for a more guided strategy.

Are there any side effects of mass gainers?

If the mass gainer is consumed as per specifications mentioned on their label, chances of side effects are minimal. Initial discomfort in the form of digestive upset, bloating, gassiness and acidity may be observed as the body is getting used to the supplement. 
I would recommend you to ease into the product by starting with half a serving daily, and then gradually increase to the full serve.

How much protein should a woman consume in a day?

According to studies conducted by Harvard Medical School, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight [1]. Hence, for a woman averaging 135 pounds, her daily protein requirement would approximately be 50g. This, however, can vary by a few grams depending on the current health status and activity level of the woman.

You can check out the best lactose-free protein powders and best soy-free protein powders to help meet your daily protein requirement.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting the consumption of any supplements. Always check the label before purchasing a product for potential allergic reactions.