Can protein bars fortified with collagen speed up the process of losing weight?
"Let's talk about a fascinating study that shook up the weight loss industry, y'all!"
- Researchers from Spain investigated the effectiveness of collagen as a weight loss aid.
- They split participants into two groups – one group consumed collagen-based protein bars, and the other didn't.
- The group consuming the collagen supplement lost almost twice as much weight as the control group.
In this era where obesity rates are skyrocketing, scientists are on a mission to find effective solutions to help people shed those extra pounds.
Many popular weight loss options are available, such as GLP-1 drugs, but they can be quite pricey, making them inaccessible for numerous individuals.
With this challenge in mind, the researchers decided to delve deeper into the potentially cost-effective supplement, collagen.
The study followed 64 participants, with BMI levels ranging from overweight to class 1 obesity. The participants were asked to follow a healthy diet resembling the Mediterranean diet, focusing on whole foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, healthy fats, and fish and poultry.
The test group (32 people) received a protein bar containing 10 grams of bovine-based collagen to consume twice daily, in addition to their regular meals.
The control group did not receive a placebo bar, only focusing on following the dietary recommendations. However, the control group consumed slightly more calories due to the protein bars consumed by the test group.
The participants attended several check-ups to provide weight, blood pressure, blood samples, urine samples, and fecal samples. They also filled out questionnaires regarding their food intake and appetite.
Collagen for weight loss: A winning strategy?
The study results present hope for people looking to lose weight.
Not only did the collagen group lose more weight, they showed significant improvements in cardiometabolic health.
Participants in the collagen group shed an average of 6.6 pounds compared to the control group, where participants lost an average of 3.3 pounds.
The test group experienced greater reductions in systolic blood pressure, with readings decreased by 8 mm Hg on average, while the control group saw a slight increase of 0.4 mm Hg. The test group had larger reductions in waist circumference, BMI, and body fat percentage.
While muscle loss is a concern in weight loss, the participants in the test group did not experience any significant muscle loss. To the contrary, they had a higher fat-free mass at the end of the study.
The test group reported reduced hunger and an increased feeling of fullness with their protein bars, which they continued to feel throughout the entire study.
Overall, the study makes a compelling case for using collagen supplements as a cost-effective method of enhancing weight loss.
It is important to note that some of the authors involved in the study are affiliated with the company that produces the protein bars.
Is collagen the "magic bullet" for weight loss?
Mir Ali, MD, a board-certified general surgeon, bariatric surgeon, and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center spoke with Medical News Today about the study.
"This was a good study that showed the potential benefits of protein bars with collagen," said Ali.
Ali mentioned that there may be some question as to whether the collagen itself is responsible for the weight loss.
"I am not certain that all the effects can be attributed to collagen as protein meal replacements are also beneficial for weight loss," commented Ali, who emphasized the need for further research on this matter.
When asked about any health concerns regarding collagen supplements, Ali didn't think there were major concerns for most people.
"I am not aware of any major concern with collagen supplements; perhaps a bloating sensation as collagen swells when ingested. Patients with poor gastric motility may experience more bloating, but overall, collagen appears safe." - Mir Ali, MD
Hector Perez, MD, the lead bariatric surgeon at Renew Bariatrics, also discussed the study with MNT.
"It's a promising and well-structured pilot study," said Perez. "The randomized controlled design, the use of validated tools, like DEXA, and a focus on both subjective and objective outcomes are strengths of the study."
Perez also mentioned that collagen supplements are generally safe but cautioned individuals with kidney disease to exercise caution.
"There's a theoretical concern about kidney strain in people with impaired renal function if high-protein supplements are overused, though the study's dosage (20g/day) is moderate." - Hector Perez, MD
While Perez finds the study encouraging, he warned that collagen is not a "magic bullet."
"I'd recommend collagen as a complement to a structured weight loss program, not as a stand-alone solution. I always stress that no supplement replaces portion control, physical activity, and sustainable dietary habits."
- In the quest to combat rising obesity rates, scientists are exploring cost-effective solutions for weight loss, like collagen supplements.
- A recent study, led by Spanish researchers, investigated the efficacy of collagen as a weight loss aid, using collagen-based protein bars and comparing results with a control group.
- Interestingly, the group consuming the collagen supplement lost almost twice as much weight as the control group, indicating a potential breakthrough in weight management.
- Moreover, the study found that participants in the collagen group not only lost more weight, but also experienced improvements in cardiometabolic health.
- Collagen supplements could be a promising addition to traditional weight management strategies like fitness and nutrition, providing a safer and more affordable option for some individuals.
- However, it's important to acknowledge that further research is needed to fully understand the role collagen plays in weight loss and its potential interactions with medical conditions and supplements in the realm of health and wellness.
