Can supplementing protein bars with collagen aid in reducing body weight?
Revised Base Article:
- Spanish scientists investigate collagen as a weight loss aid
In our ever-expanding world, the alarming number of individuals dealing with obesity is rising. As we grapple with finding effective solutions, researchers are exploring alternative options, such as collagen.
While costly GLP-1 drugs are popular in the U.S., they're often out of reach for many. Collagen, however, is relatively affordable and worth exploring as a possible weight loss aid.
Driven by this thinking, researchers embarked upon a groundbreaking study to analyze the impact of integrating collagen supplements into a person's daily diet over a 12-week period.
The researchers' findings, published in Nutrients, hold promise for the future of weight management, as they reveal that collagen supplementation can yield significant health improvements.
Collagen: More Than Meets the Eye
Collagen, a protein found in the connective tissues of both humans and animals, has garnered attention for its myriad benefits, including promoting joint health, boosting muscle mass, enhancing skin elasticity, and even aiding in digestion.
As a versatile supplement, collagen is widely available in pill and powder form, derived primarily from cows or pigs.
The researchers in this study were curious to explore the efficacy of collagen supplementation on weight loss. They sought to recruit 64 adult participants, with BMI levels ranging from overweight to class 1 obesity, who would be placed on a diet similar to the Mediterranean diet.
Meet the Test Group:
The test group consisted of 32 participants who received a protein bar infused with 10 grams of bovine-based collagen to eat twice daily, in addition to their regular meals. The control group, made up of 32 participants, did not receive a placebo bar and focused solely on adhering to the dietary recommendations.
Unsurprisingly, the control group consumed around 2000 calories per day, while the test group consumed slightly more due to the protein bars.
Throughout the study, participants attended numerous screening appointments, where they provided their weight, blood pressure, blood samples, and urine and fecal samples. They also completed questionnaires about their food intake and appetite levels.
Collagen to the Rescue
The study results paint an optimistic picture for those eager to lose weight.
Weight loss: The test group—who received the collagen supplement—lost twice as much weight as the control group, with an average weight loss of 6.6 pounds compared to the control group's 3.3 pounds.
Improved Cardiometabolic Health: In addition to increased weight loss, participants in the collagen group also experienced improvements in their cardiometabolic health, exhibiting reductions in systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, BMI, and blood sugar levels.
While muscle loss is a concern when losing weight, the participants in the test group did not face this issue. In fact, their fat-free mass increased at the study's conclusion.
Furthermore, test group participants reported feeling less hungry and more satisfied with their protein bars. These feelings of satiety persisted throughout the study, particularly during the screening appointments at months 1, 2, and 3.
Collagen: A Cost-Effective Solution
The study lends strong support to the notion of using collagen supplements as an affordable alternative for weight loss.
It is worth noting that the study has a potential limitation, as some of the authors are affiliated with the company that produces the protein bars.
The Future of Collagen
Mir Ali, MD, a board-certified general surgeon and bariatric physician, weighed in on the study's findings.
"This study showcases the potential benefits of protein bars containing collagen," Ali stated, adding that the collagen itself may not solely be responsible for the weight loss seen in the study.
"I believe more research is needed to fully understand the role collagen plays in promoting weight loss," Ali continued.
When asked about potential concerns regarding collagen supplements, Ali noted that most individuals should not be overly worried.
"Occasionally, users might experience bloating, but overall, collagen appears safe," Ali said.
Hector Perez, MD, a lead bariatric surgeon, echoed Ali's sentiments, stating, "This well-structured study holds promise, though more research is needed to confirm its findings."
Perez cautioned that while collagen supplements are generally safe, individuals with kidney disease should exercise caution, as high protein supplements may potentially strain the kidneys.
Finally, Perez urged caution, emphasizing that collagen isn't a "magic bullet."
"While collagen may aid in weight loss and improve health metrics, it’s essential to remember that no supplement takes the place of maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise," Perez concluded.
- The rising issue of obesity worldwide has led researchers to investigate alternative weight loss solutions, such as collagen.
- Collagen, a protein known for promoting joint health and aiding digestion, is being explored as a possible aid in weight loss.
- The study published in Nutrients found that collagen supplementation over a 12-week period yielded significant health improvements, including weight loss.
- In a groundbreaking study, participants who received a collagen supplement in the form of a protein bar lost twice as much weight, on average, compared to those who did not receive a placebo.
- Beyond weight loss, participants who received collagen supplements also experienced improved cardiometabolic health, with reductions in blood pressure, waist circumference, BMI, and blood sugar levels.
- Collagen supplements may offer an affordable and effective solution for weight management, particularly when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, but more research is needed to fully understand its role.
