Most of us have been there: we start the New Year with good intentions, vowing to finally lose those extra pounds that have been creeping up on us for years. We hit the gym, cut out carbs, and juice our way towards our goal weight. But then, life happens. The kids get sick, work gets busy, and before we know it, we've fallen off the wagon and into a bottomless abyss of Cheetos and self-loathing. Sound familiar?
The truth is, losing weight is hard. Really hard! And even when we do manage to shed a few pounds, keeping the weight off is often even harder. And most of us are dealing with that eternal struggle. In fact, according to a recent survey, about 45 million Americans go on a diet each year in an attempt to lose weight. But where do you even start?
With a profusion of diet plans and fitness programs out there, it's hard to know which is right for you. Some people swear on calorie counting, while others focus on increasing their activity levels. And even if you do find a strategy that works, how do you stick with it? Losing weight is a challenge, but it's not impossible.
Remember, if you're taking the right approach toward weight loss, the numbers on the scale will budge. Today we will discuss an approach that will help you massively kick off those pounds, and we call it collagen!
Related Article: Ten Weight Loss Tips to Swear By!
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein found in the connective tissues of our bodies, including the skin, muscles, tendons, and bones. It's responsible for giving these tissues their strength and elasticity. In fact, collagen makes up about 30% of the protein in our bodies and is the most abundant protein in mammals.
While we think of collagen as something that keeps our skin looking young and supple, it's essential for the health of all our connective tissues. Without collagen, we would be unable to move or even hold our bodies upright.
Proper collagen formation requires high-quality protein and vitamin C in your diet. Since ensuring a proper diet is often challenging to keep optimal collagen levels in your body, collagen supplements come in as a handy solution. These are made up of animal bones and tissues that help rebuild collagen levels in our bodies. The types of collagen supplements for weight loss include:
- Gelatin - Gelatin is the cooked collagen that is made by heating the collagen for an extended period to form smaller proteins.
- Hydrolyzed - Hydrolyzed collagen is made from animal bones and connective tissue broken down into smaller peptides. The body easily absorbs this type of collagen.
- Undenatured - This kind of collagen remains in its intact form.
Collagen supplements are readily available in various forms. You can get them in the form of pills, gummies, powder, or liquid.
These are often used to reduce the signs of ageing as its production declines in our early 30s. That's when we start to see wrinkles and sagging skin.
And while it's known to almost everyone, a lesser-known and researched benefit is weight loss. Replenishing our collagen levels don't just play a critical role in bringing back the foundation of youth but also shedding off extra pounds. Keto Collagen supplements for weight loss can also work exceptionally to boost energy levels, strengthen the immune system, and repair muscles. So, if you wish to take your health up a level, this is the key.
Can Collagen Help With Weight Loss?
While we are all well aware of collagen's role in keeping our skin firm and bouncy, its benefit for weight loss often goes unnoticed. Let's have a closer look at how collagen benefits may help indirectly with weight loss:
Increases Muscle Mass
Muscle mass contributes significantly to weight loss. Since muscle is more metabolically active than fat, it burns more calories at rest. Therefore, by increasing muscle mass, collagen can help boost your metabolism and promote weight loss. In addition, collagen also helps prevent muscle wasting, which can further contribute to weight loss.
A 12-week study on older individuals with age-related muscle loss concluded that adults who took collagen peptide supplements experienced enhanced muscle mass. This group also witnessed a higher loss of fat mass in comparison to the placebo group.
Related Article: Guide to Maintaining Muscle Mass in a Calorie Deficit - 7 Tips to Follow
Promotes Satiety
Collagen supplements for weight loss promote satiety, meaning you feel fuller for longer after eating. As a result, you are less likely to snack between meals or overeat at mealtime.
Studies suggest increased protein intake can lead to thermogenesis, increasing satiety and caloric expenditure. These diets also influence muscle protein anabolism which translates to lean muscle retention.
Another study reported gelatin to be effective in curbing hunger pangs 44% more than casein. So if you're looking forward to keeping junk away, collagen supplements can help. At the same time, it's worth noting that supplements alone can't fulfil your protein needs; you will have to increase your overall protein intake.
Related Article: 5 Absolute Ways to Deal With Hunger Pangs During Your Weight Loss Journey
Relieves Joint Pain
Joint pain is one of the most common complaints among those struggling with their weight. A 2015 research shows that collagen peptides can manage osteoarthritis, which is the wearing down of cartilage. This causes stiffness and pain in joints.
Carrying around extra weight puts added stress on our joints, leading to pain and inflammation. But collagen supplements have been shown to relieve joint pain and improve mobility. This can help you stay active and make it easier to lose weight.
Reduces Fat Accumulation
We all know that one of the vital elements of weight management is preventing fat accumulation in the first place. And that's where collagen comes in. Collagen supplements help prevent fat absorption, leading to better weight management.
A 2018 animal study found out that collagen peptides from skate (a type of fish) reduced obesity in mice. The researchers established its link with increased fat metabolism and reduced fat accumulation.
Similarly, another study reported that collagen peptides hold the potential to reduce fat cell size and weight gain in rats.
Other than this, collagen is known to have several other benefits. It can:
- Improve Skin Elasticity
- Reduce Bone Loss
- Better Nail Health
- Boost Hair Health
- Support Heart Health
Are Collagen Supplements Safe?
When it comes to supplements, there's always the question of safety. And with collagen supplements, we're talking about putting something into our bodies that we don't naturally produce. So, are collagen supplements safe?
Overall, there isn't a lot of research on the subject. And what research there is lacks clarity. However, there have been reports of side effects like fullness, heartburn, and bad taste in the mouth. Additionally, collagen supplements are not regulated by the FDA. This means that the agency can't precisely state how safe or effective they are.
But that's not all. It's also possible that collagen supplements may contain heavy metals, allergens, microbial contaminants, and different doses than what's listed on the label. So it's tough to know what you're getting when you take a collagen supplement. And that's why it's essential to talk to your doctor before taking anything new - especially something as potentially risky as a collagen supplement.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to take collagen for weight loss?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on your individual goals and schedule. If you are trying to lose weight, you may want to take collagen in the morning before breakfast to jumpstart your metabolism.
To maintain weight, you may want to take collagen before or after your workout to help repair and rebuild muscle tissue. And if you are trying to gain weight, you may want to take collagen at night before bed to help your body recover from the day's activities and prepare for the next day.
2. What is the best collagen for weight loss and cellulite?
The Keto collagen supplement by DMoose is one of the best choices that you can opt for. It doesn't only complement your weight loss diet but also improves your immune system and energy levels and supports healthy digestion. Plus, it's available in both chocolate and vanilla flavours. So, get your hands on the bottle now!
3. How much collagen should I take for weight loss?
Follow the suggested use mentioned on the supplement. DMoose suggests taking one scoop of collagen with 8-10 ounces of water anytime throughout the day.
4. Should I take liquid or powdered collagen supplements?
Whether looking for the best liquid collagen supplements or powdered ones, it always boils down to your preference. For convenience and ease of use, liquid collagen may be the way to go. A powder supplement may be the better choice if you want a more concentrated supplement that dissolves easily.
Bottom Line
So, does collagen help with weight loss? There's no definitive answer, but it certainly seems like it could be beneficial. Collagen supplements can help boost metabolism, curbs hunger pangs, and prevent joint pain. These effects could lead to reduced body fat and improved overall health.
Additionally, collagen is a highly absorbable protein, so it can help promote muscle growth and repair. This can lead to increased calorie burning and quick weight loss. Of course, more research is needed to confirm these effects, but the potential is there. So if you're looking for extra help in your weight loss journey, collagen may be worth a try!
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Article Sources
- Zdzieblik, Denise, et al. “Collagen Peptide Supplementation in Combination with Resistance Training Improves Body Composition and Increases Muscle Strength in Elderly Sarcopenic Men: A Randomised Controlled Trial.” British Journal of Nutrition, vol. 114, no. 8, Oct. 2015, pp. 1237–45. Cambridge University Press, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114515002810.
- Hochstenbach-Waelen, Ananda, et al. “Single-Protein Casein and Gelatin Diets Affect Energy Expenditure Similarly but Substrate Balance and Appetite Differently in Adults.” The Journal of Nutrition, vol. 139, no. 12, Dec. 2009, pp. 2285–92. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.109.110403.
- Kumar, Suresh, et al. “A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomised, Clinical Study on the Effectiveness of Collagen Peptide on Osteoarthritis.” Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, vol. 95, no. 4, Mar. 2015, pp. 702–07. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.6752.
- Woo, Minji, et al. “Anti-Obesity Effects of Collagen Peptide Derived from Skate (Raja Kenojei) Skin Through Regulation of Lipid Metabolism.” Marine Drugs, vol. 16, no. 9, Aug. 2018, p. 306. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.3390/md16090306.
- Chiang, Tsay-I., et al. “Amelioration of Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Obesity by Collagen Hydrolysate.” International Journal of Medical Sciences, vol. 13, no. 11, Oct. 2016, pp. 853–57. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.7150/ijms.16706.
