Does Collagen Make You Gain Weight? Debunking the Myth

Nobody wants to go around looking pudgy and bloated. The idea of gaining weight, no matter how small the amount, can be enough to make us feel anxious and concerned. So it is natural to wonder if taking supplements like collagen could affect our weight in any way. But does collagen actually make you gain weight?

With its popularity rising due to its many positive effects on skin and bone health, understanding whether collagen is safe for use without risking unwanted results is essential for those considering adding this supplement to their daily regimen.

In this blog, we will look deeply into the link between collagen and weight gain. So, let’s dive in!

What is Collagen?

Before we go any further, it is crucial to understand what collagen actually is. Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the human body, accounting for nearly one-third of our total protein composition. It is a major component of skin and other connective tissues, such as cartilage and tendons. 

Collagen is often described as the glue that holds our body together. It is made up of the amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine, in a unique triple-helix structure that gives it its strength and resilience.

What is the Role of Collagen in the Human Body?

Collagen has many important roles in the human body, such as:

• Supporting the structure of skin, bones, and ligaments
• Providing elasticity to tendons and joints 
• Increasing tissue regeneration
• Acting as a protective barrier against environmental toxins
• Enhancing the body’s natural healing process

Read more: 7 Benefits of Collagen for Skin.

Does Collagen Make You Gain Weight?

The short answer is no; collagen does not make you gain weight. In fact, collagen may help you in weight loss by keeping you fuller for longer and curbing unhealthy cravings. 

As mentioned before, collagen is rich in the amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine. These amino acids can help to regulate metabolism, leading to improved digestion and better absorption of nutrients. Also, collagen can help reduce inflammation, which may benefit those trying to lose weight, as inflammation can slow down the metabolism.

But here is the twist!

While collagen may not make you gain weight on its own, it is possible to gain weight when taking collagen. This is because many collagen supplements contain other ingredients, such as sugar or fat, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. Also, some people use it to gain lean muscle mass.

Collagen supplements are also often advertised as meal replacements or snacks that can be used to replace regular meals. If you replace too many meals with collagen-based products, then this can lead to weight gain. 

In short, you must understand what you are consuming and not replace too many meals with collagen-based products.

What are the Types of Collagen?

As we have already discussed that collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, it is not surprising to find out that there are actually different types of collagen. These different types of collagen can be found in different parts of the body, such as skin, bones, joints, and tendons.

The five most common types of collagen are:

Type I: This type is the most abundant, making up 80-90% of the collagen in our body. It is found in the skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

Type II: This type is mostly found in cartilage and the vitreous humor of the eye.

Type III: Organs, muscles, and arteries contain this type of collagen.

Type IV: This type is found in the layers that line body cavities and cover organs.

Type V: This type is found in the placenta and hair follicles.

Read more: Collagen and Better Liver Health.

Does Collagen Level Drop with Age?

Yes, it does. Studies show that as we age, our body’s natural collagen production naturally decreases. Natural collagen in our body breaks down over time, and this process is accelerated by factors that can include smoking, stress, poor diet, and excessive sun exposure. In the case of women, they experience low collagen levels after menopause. This decrease in collagen production leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, joint pain, and other signs of aging.

What are the Signs of Low Collagen?

The signs of low collagen peptides can be very subtle, and they might not even be noticed until it is too late. Here are some of the most common signs that your collagen levels may be low:

• Dry skin
• Joint pain
• Wrinkles
• Low bone density
• Poor digestion
• Weak hair and nails
• Cellulite

How to Increase Collagen Levels?

Here are a few simple ways to help increase the amount of collagen in your body:

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Everything starts with a proper diet. Eating foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, kale, and bell peppers, can help increase collagen production. Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen by activating the enzymes that are responsible for breaking down proteins. 

And, of course, you will need fats as well because they are part of a healthy diet. Consuming foods that contain healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and salmon, can also help support collagen production.

Take Collagen Supplements

The most recommended way to increase your collagen levels is by taking a supplement. Collagen supplements come in different forms, such as capsules, liquids, and powders. The most popular is the Marine Collagen Supplement by NutriNZ.

Unlike other collagen supplements, this supplement is sourced from an all-natural source – New Zealand’s pristine coastal waters. It contains the same 20 types of amino acids that are found in the body, helping to nourish and hydrate the skin, hair, and nails. Its grains are also much smaller than what is found in other brands, allowing for faster absorption by the body.

This supplement is an excellent source of collagen that helps strengthen and repair joint and bone health while also improving skin elasticity, muscle tissue, and other signs of aging. So, collagen supplementation with this natural supplement could be the best choice to avoid unwanted weight gain.

Exercise Regularly

With regular exercise, you can improve the appearance of your skin and reduce the signs of aging. Exercise helps to promote collagen protein production by providing oxygen and nutrients to the cells in your body. 

Not only will regular exercise help to increase collagen production, but it can also help to boost your overall health and keep you feeling energized and youthful. Also, it is a great way to stay in shape and keep your body looking its best.

Limit Processed Foods

Processed foods are filled with empty calories and artificial ingredients, which can have a negative effect on our bodies. Nowadays, we are used to having everything fast, but it is important to remember that processed foods are not harming our bodies. Try to limit your consumption of processed and sugary foods as much as possible, and opt for fresh, natural options to help support collagen production.

These are some of the best ways to increase collagen levels and keep your body looking its best.

Read more: 8 Natural Supplements for Detoxing Your Body.

Conclusion

So, does collagen make you gain weight? After going through the discussion, it can be concluded that collagen does not directly make you gain weight. Rather, collagen plays an important role in supporting overall health, helping to maintain strong joints, improving skin elasticity, and reducing the signs of aging. That’s all we have for now on the relationship between collagen and weight gain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does collagen make it hard to lose weight?

While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, it is important to note that collagen supplements can contain additional calories that may contribute to weight gain if not consumed in moderation. However, if you are following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, consuming collagen supplements may not significantly impact your ability to lose weight.

Q: What are the side effects of taking collagen?

Collagen supplements are generally considered safe and have few side effects. Some people may experience mild digestive issues such as nausea, bloating, or heartburn. Additionally, taking too much collagen may interfere with your body’s absorption of other nutrients, so it is important to stick to the recommended dosage and speak with your doctor before taking any supplements.

Q: Does collagen help reduce wrinkles?

Yes. Collagen is an important component of skin, and as we age, our bodies naturally produce less and less of it. Taking collagen supplements can help reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and keep your skin looking healthy and youthful.