Supplementing protein bars with collagen may aid in weight reduction.
Let's Chat About the New Collagen Study
A recent study by Spanish researchers dives into the effectiveness of collagen as a weight-loss aid.
Yo, here's the lowdown on a brand new study that's sparking excitement in the wellness world! Researchers in sunny Spain recently published a study oncollagen, a protein found in connective tissue, and how it might help folks lose some extra pounds.
First off, it's all too common to see folks struggle with weight issues in the US, and scientists are always on the hunt for ways to help us slim down.
Now, you may have heard of fancy drugs like GLP-1, but they can be awfully pricey for plenty of folks. So, these researchers decided to take a look at a more affordable option: collagen supplements.
The Skinny on Collagen
Collagen isn't just a vitamin for your braids—it's a protein that can do wonders for your joints, muscles, and even your skin. Collagen supplements, often sourced from cows or pigs, are available in pill or powder form and are cheap compared to some other weight-loss solutions.
But can it help us shed those pesky pounds? That's what this study wanted to figure out.
Collagen vs Control: 12-Week Showdown
The researchers gathered 64 volunteers with a BMI ranging from overweight to class 1 obesity. These participants were given a healthy eating plan-slash-shopping list similar to the Mediterranean diet, famed for its emphasis on fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
The participants were split into two groups:
- The Collagen Crew: These happy campers received protein bars twice per day. Each bar had 10 grams of collagen from cows, adding up to 20 grams of collagen daily.
- The Control Group: This group stuck to the health plan but didn't get any protein bars.
The control group ended up eating a bit more each day since they didn't have the protein bars to fill them up. Everyone attended multiple check-ups where they weighed in, had blood and urine tests, and squeezed out some stool samples. They also answered questionnaires about their food intake and hunger levels.
Time to Weigh In: Collagen Wins!
The results are in, and they make a strong case for collagen supplements as a possible weight-loss aid. Here's the damage:
- The collagen group blew the control group out of the water, losing an average of 6.6 pounds compared to the control group's 3.3-pound loss over 12 weeks.
- The collagen peeps also saw improvements in bad blood pressure (systolic) with an average drop of 8 mm Hg. The control group, on the other hand, experienced a slight increase of 0.4 mm Hg.
- The groups had different changes in other health metrics, like waist circumference, BMI, and body fat percentage.
- It's worth noting that both groups had an increase in muscle mass, so the collagen group didn't lose any muscle while shedding fat.
- What's more, the collagen group reported feeling less hungry and more satisfied throughout the study, and this continued into months 1, 2, and 3!
So, what gives? Does collagen work miracles? Not quite.
Some experts raise questions about whether the collagen itself is the weight-loss game-changer or if the protein in the bars is responsible for the weight loss. But, they agree there's definitely potential, and more research is needed.
Collagen Safety
While some folks have freaked out about collagen causing problems, it seems pretty safe when taken correctly. Side effects might include a bloated feeling, but other than that, it's generally A-OK for most people. Those with poor stomach motility might experience more bloating.
The Takeaway
Collagen shows promise as a relatively affordable solution for weight loss, but it's definitely not a "magic bullet" that'll take care of everything without putting in the work. As always, stick to a healthy diet, get plenty of physical activity, and consult with your doc before adding any new supplements to your routine.
Eager to give collagen a try? Effective or not, it has plenty of benefits for your skin, joints, and muscles. So go ahead, chug that once-a-day collagen smoothie!
- This new study from Spanish researchers centers around collagen's potential role as a weight-loss aid, offering an affordable alternative to pricier weight-loss solutions.
- Collagen, a protein found in connective tissue, is known for bolstering joint and muscle health, as well as improving skin quality.
- The researchers split 64 volunteers, all with BMI ranging from overweight to class 1 obesity, into two groups for a 12-week trial.
- The collagen group consumed protein bars containing 20 grams of collagen daily, experiencing an average weight loss of 6.6 pounds over control group's 3.3-pound loss.
- Besides weight loss, the study found that the collagen group saw improvements in blood pressure, physical fitness indicators, and appetite control.
- Researchers have expressed doubts about whether the collagen itself is responsible for the weight loss, suggesting the protein in the bars possibly plays the key role, demanding further investigation.
