Does Collagen Lead to Weight Gain? Separating Fact from Fiction

Collagen is an essential component for healthy skin, bones, and joints. It makes up about thirty percent of the protein in our bodies, functioning as a kind of “glue” to hold it all together. Over time, collagen production slows, leading to sagging or wrinkled skin and uncomfortable joints.

Certain foods can help produce collagen; these include eggs, chicken, fish, bone broth, and leafy greens. None of these are particularly high in calories. Adding something like liquid collagen to your diet is a more effective way to boost this vital element and is calorie-free. In short, collagen doesn’t cause weight gain.

Understanding Collagen: What Is It and Why Do We Use It?

Collagen is a form of protein that helps hold our body together – literally. It helps form the connective tissue that keeps skin and muscles firm, and our joints more elastic and comfortable. As we get older, our bodies don’t make as much of the stuff naturally, so we may want to supplement that decreased level to maintain skin, joint, and bone health. A collagen supplement can also help hair and nails stay strong and look great.

Collagen supplements are derived from the connective tissue in animals like cows, pigs, and chickens, or they can come from fish scales (such as Kolla Health’s premium liquid marine collagen). The body breaks the supplement down to amino acids that then help generate the kind of protein that supports muscle tissue. 

They come in three forms: liquid, powder, and capsules.

Types of Collagen: Liquid, Powder, and Capsules

Collagen supplements come in liquid, powder, and capsule form. Each form of collagen is typically hydrolyzed, which means the collagen protein has already been broken down into peptides that are easy to absorb.

The powder and capsule forms are convenient but take longer to be broken down and utilized in the body. Liquid collagen is absorbed faster.

Can Collagen Cause Weight Gain? The Science Explained

Collagen is a form of protein. In fact, natural collagen makes up about 30 percent of the protein in our body. Collagen supplements are meant to help the body better produce and use collagen since it slows down as we age. Collagen supplements are also low or no-calorie.

Powders and liquid supplements may be mixed with food or beverages. Of course, if you regularly mix them into high-calorie foods, those foods may cause weight gain. But blame it on the hot fudge sundae and not the collagen.

As a form of protein, collagen helps you feel fuller so you may not snack or eat as much.

And because a collagen supplement can support joint health, movement becomes easier and more comfortable. This helps you get back into exercise.

What Happens to Collagen in Your Body? A Quick Breakdown

Collagen supplements are “hydrolyzed,” meaning that their protein has been broken down into smaller peptides. Peptides are amino acids that are easily absorbed and help create new tissue.

Collagen and Calories: Should You Be Concerned?

No. Collagen supplements are low or no-calorie. As a form of protein, they may help you feel fuller longer so you won’t eat as much. And they support a healthy metabolism. 

Common Myths About Collagen and Weight Gain

The science shows that collagen supplements don’t lead to weight gain. The myths around them may stem from two things. First, because collagen plumps out skin tissue, your face may appear to have gained volume. That’s just healthier hydration that keeps skin plumper and less saggy.

Collagen supplements also support healthier muscle mass. Because muscle weighs more than fat, a better muscle mass may “read” as gained weight. In truth, the number on the scale may be higher, but muscle appears leaner than fat on your body. And a greater muscle-to-body-fat ratio is better for your health overall.

Does Collagen Impact Metabolism or Fat Storage?

As a source of protein, collagen helps you maintain a healthy metabolism. Because it also helps build and maintain muscle mass, it makes your body burn fat more efficiently.

Benefits of Collagen for Overall Health and Wellness

Collagen impacts your body in so many helpful ways. It creates the connective tissue – the literal “glue”-- that helps hold skin, joints, bones, and muscles together. But it can also help strengthen your gut lining and even improve sleep by supporting the production of serotonin.

Because natural collagen production slows down as we get older, collagen supplements can help recapture smoother skin by producing new cells. It also results in healthier hair and nails, and joints that are more elastic and aren’t as achy. As a protein, it supports your muscles and even helps in increasing bone density over time.

The Role of Protein in Collagen Supplements

Collagen supplements are derived from various protein sources such as animals or fish, but those are broken down into amino acids that can be easily absorbed. Then the body uses those amino acids to create just what the body needs to build new collagen – which is in and of itself, a protein.

How to Choose the Right Collagen Supplement for Your Goals

Choosing the right collagen supplement starts by knowing what you most want or need it for. Most people choose a supplement to benefit skin, hair, and nails; studies show that it’s particularly effective in that department and shows the fastest results (an average of six to eight weeks). Liquid collagen is absorbed into the body the fastest.

Collagen supplements are also helpful in maintaining or improving joint health. If that’s your concern, opt for a supplement derived from bovine connective tissue. If stronger hair is high on your list, a supplement that derives from a blend of different sources will work best.

In every case, it’s important to know that the supplement has been tested and certified by a third party to ensure purity and effectiveness. Kollo Health’s premium liquid marine collagen is the market leader in the UK, with over 40 industry awards.

Separating Fact from Fiction: Real Causes of Weight Gain

The main cause of weight gain is simply taking in more calories than you burn each day. Your metabolism can be affected by certain medications, age, or lack of exercise.

A collagen supplement can help in several ways. First, because it’s a protein, adding a supplement to your diet can make you feel fuller, longer. It also supports your metabolism by helping maintain or build muscle mass which helps burn fat stores more efficiently.

Because collagen supplements help in joint health, that can make it easier to engage in more calorie-burning activity with less discomfort.

Tips for Incorporating Collagen Without Weight Concerns

Collagen supplements like Kollo Health premium liquid marine collagen are either no-calorie or very low-calorie. In powder or liquid form, supplements can be easily blended into foods or beverages. Mix with water or juice, add it to a smoothie, stir it into soups, sauces, or even a hot drink. Collagen supplements are odourless and tasteless; because they’re a protein source, they may help you feel fuller for longer.

In and of itself, they won’t add any additional calories to your diet.

Top Tips for Using Collagen Without Overeating

As a source of protein, collagen helps you feel satiated and fuller for longer. In short, adding a collagen supplement to your diet will help you enjoy less of your favorite foods. Of course, it’s always important to focus on a sensible, balanced diet.

Conclusion

For a healthy body, collagen is important in so many different ways. From radiant skin to healthier joints, muscles, and bones, collagen plays a very big role. Because natural collagen production slows as we age, adding a collagen supplement pays off. 

Collagen is an important form of protein, which can help you feel fuller for longer. It also helps with metabolism and healthier muscle mass to burn fat more efficiently. All of the studies around collagen supplements have shown that they do not cause weight gain. In fact, they may help you control or lose some weight.