Collagen For Weight Loss

Collagen is a protein that's naturally found in the body. It makes up 25% to 30% of the proteins in your body and provides structure to connective tissues, including your skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones, and blood vessels. I test for collagen supplements to help people improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, increase skin hydration, reduce bone loss, strengthen brittle nails, boost hair health, support heart health, and aid in weight loss. 

Because collagen provides significant structure to the body, it can be utilized for various purposes throughout the body when testing for collagen. Test it in capsules or powder form. There are many different kinds on the market, and they are not all made the same. Before incorporating it into your daily life, get muscle tested for it. 

Bone broth is the number one food that contains collagen, and the question is, does it work better for chicken bone broth or beef? It is best taken on an empty stomach. This way, the body can absorb more nutrients from it, especially if you are taking the capsule or powder, which can be taken with food. 

Let me now explain how collagen can help with weight loss goals:

Promotes Satiety

Collagen supplements may increase satiety, or the feeling of fullness. This could aid weight loss by reducing hunger and, consequently, the number of calories consumed in a day. Collagen might have this effect because it's a protein. According to a 2020 study, high-protein diets increase satiety hormones. They also suppress ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger. According to a 2008 study, increased protein intake can also enhance thermogenesis, the body's ability to produce heat. 

The more heat your body generates, the more calories it will burn, which can aid in weight loss. The study also notes that higher protein diets may stimulate muscle protein anabolism, "favoring the retention of lean muscle mass while improving metabolic profile."

Increase Muscle Mass

Building muscle is an essential component of weight loss. That's because muscle burns more calories at rest than fat does, increasing overall calories burned. Taking collagen supplements helps increase muscle mass. Remember, collagen is the main structural protein in your muscles. In a 2015 study involving older adults, participants with sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) completed 12 weeks of weight training. 

Half of the participants took collagen peptide supplements, while the other half took a placebo. Those who took collagen peptides experienced a greater improvement in muscle mass and strength. They also lost more fat mass than the placebo group. These results suggest that collagen supplements can support weight loss by enhancing the effects of weight training on muscle mass.

Reduces Fat Accumulation

There's some evidence that collagen may reduce the development and accumulation of fat cells. A 2019 study found that collagen from skate, a type of fish, reduces body fat in humans. The amount of fat lost was small, but it suggests potential benefits for weight loss.

Relieves Joint Pain

Collagen supplements may indirectly aid in weight loss by reducing joint pain. Healthy joints are essential for moving comfortably during exercise and daily activities. Engaging in physical activity more regularly supports weight management. 

A 2015 study found that collagen peptides may help alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in your joints wears down, leading to joint pain and stiffness. If joint pain prevents you from working out, please let us know at your next appointment so we can conduct a muscle test to see if a collagen supplement can help.

Summary

Collagen is a vital structural protein in the body that supports the skin, joints, muscles, and other tissues, and it also plays a key role in maintaining weight. By promoting satiety, boosting muscle mass, and reducing fat accumulation, collagen supplements can enhance metabolic function and support healthy body composition. Studies show collagen may also relieve joint pain, making it easier to stay active and maintain a consistent exercise routine. Whether taken as bone broth, powder, or capsules, collagen should be muscle tested for optimal results and tailored to individual health goals.