A recent study unveiled at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025) and published in Nutrients suggests collagen as a safe and effective weight-loss supplement. Participants with overweight or obesity who consumed protein bars fortified with collagen lost significantly more weight compared to a control group. They also experienced notable improvements in blood pressure, waist circumference, liver health, and potentially increased muscle mass.
Details of the Groundbreaking Study
In the heart of scientific exploration, researchers from the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, conducted a 12-week randomized controlled trial involving 64 individuals aged between 20-65 years with varying degrees of overweight or obesity. All participants were provided with Mediterranean-diet-based healthy eating advice. Half of them were given chocolate-flavored protein bars enriched with collagen (each containing 10g of collagen) alongside a glass of water before lunch and dinner daily. The collagen, derived from cows, was specially treated to absorb extra water, expanding in size upon consumption.
Throughout the study, participants completed appetite questionnaires and underwent various body measurements and tests periodically. By the end of the 12 weeks, those in the collagen group had lost an average of 3kg (6.6lb), whereas the control group lost only 1.5kg (3.3lb). Systolic blood pressure dropped by 8 mm Hg in the collagen group but slightly increased in the control group. Moreover, waist circumference, BMI, and fatty liver index showed greater reductions in the collagen group. Notably, fat-free mass increased in the collagen group, suggesting potential muscle gain, while remaining unchanged in the control group.
Dr. Paola Mogna-Peláez explained that collagen's ability to expand in the stomach created a sensation of fullness, reducing hunger and promoting weight loss without muscle loss. Animal experiments further revealed collagen’s role in decreasing ghrelin levels, a hormone that stimulates appetite, and its low digestibility. No side effects were reported, and participants rated the bars highly for taste due to their sweetened dark chocolate coating.
The collagen-enriched bars are already available commercially, and the research team is currently conducting a larger trial to delve deeper into its mechanisms, especially concerning gut microbiota.
From a journalistic perspective, this study offers a beacon of hope for those seeking affordable, side-effect-free weight management solutions. It highlights collagen's potential not only in aiding weight loss but also in enhancing overall health through improved muscle mass and metabolic functions. This innovative approach challenges traditional weight-loss methods and opens new avenues for nutritional supplements in combating obesity. As further studies unfold, the true extent of collagen's benefits may become even clearer, offering a brighter future for health-conscious individuals worldwide.