Does Ashwagandha Really Cause Weight Gain? Here’s the Science

Abstract Summary

Objective
Assess whether ashwagandha supplementation leads to measurable body weight increases in human populations.

Context
Adaptogens like ashwagandha impact cortisol, a hormone tied to fat storage and appetite. Traditional use included both strength building and stress relief, creating mixed interpretations about weight.

Methods Used

Approach
Participants received daily doses (300–600 mg) and were monitored for changes in weight, body fat, and muscle mass.

Data Collection
Findings show ashwagandha may increase muscle mass in resistance-training contexts, sometimes with slight overall weight gain. In stressed individuals, improved appetite regulation occasionally led to modest weight changes.

Researchers' Summary of Findings

Impact on Health
Potential muscle-supporting effects are beneficial for athletes or underweight individuals. Minimal evidence suggests harmful fat gain.

Health Implications
Ashwagandha is not inherently a weight-gain agent but can support body composition improvements in combination with lifestyle changes.

Sustainability
Cultivation practices increasingly emphasize organic and fair-trade farming, which supports ethical supplement development.

DOI
10.4103/ijpsym.IJPSYM_498_17