Does collagen make you put on weight?

Collagen is the main protein in the skin, representing 80 to 85% of the dry weight of the dermis. This large structural protein is a polysaccharide, a natural carbohydrate of the glycosaminoglycan family. An almost complete protein, it is made up of 19 essential amino acids. This molecule is either composed mainly of Glycine and Proline plus 17 amino acids in lesser quantities, or of Glycine, 17 amino acids and Hydroxyproline.

We talk about collagen, but it would be more accurate to talk about collagens. Today we know 29 of them, 12 of which are expressed in the skin. Depending on their structure, size and role, these different collagens perform different functions in the body and are classified into several types. The most abundant in the human body are collagen types 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Collagen forms the basis of our connective tissues such as bones, skin, tendons, cartilage and blood vessels. It is even found in the corneas of our eyes, our gums and our internal organs. It plays an essential role in cell adhesion and communication between keratinocytes, and therefore in the overall cohesion of the epidermis.

Collagen also plays a key role in bone density and in the health, flexibility and strength of our joints. Present in the cartilage matrix of our joints, it helps to absorb shocks and maintain mobility.

Over the years, our bodies become less efficient at synthesising collagen, and both the quantity and quality of our collagen decline. External factors such as exposure to UV rays, a diet too rich in sugars, smoking, alcohol and lack of sleep accelerate these ageing processes.

Collagen food supplements can make you feel better by partially compensating for the age-related decline in collagen and by stimulating our natural collagen production.

Among the various sources of collagen, marine collagen is reputed to be one of the most easily assimilated by our bodies, due to its structure and amino acid composition, which is close to that of human collagen.

It is more difficult to find sources of collagen in sufficient quantities in our diet. The best known is the famous bone broth recommended by naturopaths. A diet rich in vitamin C, vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 also encourages the natural synthesis of collagen.

According to a number of recent studies, collagen could be a slimming ally, helping you to lose weight. These studies offer an answer to the question: does collagen make you slim? They provide us with clues as to the physiological mechanisms that lead to slimming through collagen supplements.

A study carried out on the oral intake of collagen extracted from the skin of the Okamejei kenojei fish demonstrates a positive effect of marine collagen on weight loss. The study reveals that taking 2g of collagen a day for 12 weeks prevents the accumulation of fat and regulates lipid metabolism. It highlights the fact that taking collagen peptides helps to burn fat and prevents lipid storage, at unchanged calorie levels and equal levels of physical activity, between a test group of adults supplemented with collagen and the other test group who did not consume collagen.

Another study shows that collagen peptide supplements improve muscle strength and resistance to exercise. This is because collagen is rich in glycine, which plays an important role in creatinine metabolism and therefore promotes the supply of energy to muscle cells and recovery.

What's more, a collagen treatment also promotes healthy joints. Marine collagen prevents the breakdown of collagen in cartilage and helps to compensate for the natural decline in collagen associated with ageing.

Finally, a study has highlighted the satiating action of collagen and its positive impact on reducing food intake. As part of a slimming diet, collagen supplements may therefore prove useful in preventing food cravings and limiting daily calorie intake.

Further studies are needed to prove the benefits of collagen as a slimming food supplement on a larger scale. However, these recent studies suggest that collagen could be a good ally for eliminating excess kilos, helping to burn and release fat, promoting a feeling of satiety and moderating food intake, while presenting no health drawbacks.

Collagen is sometimes recommended as part of a high-protein diet to help you feel full. Discuss this with your doctor or nutritionist, as this type of diet is not necessarily balanced for the body and can acidify the organism. A balanced diet combined with regular exercise is still the most effective way of maintaining a healthy weight.

Does collagen make you put on weight? The answer is no! As we saw above, recent studies have highlighted the beneficial action of collagen on weight loss. These studies show that marine collagen food supplements prevent the accumulation of fat and promote healthy lipid metabolism.

The protein intake generated by collagen peptide supplements is beneficial for building lean muscle mass to the detriment of fat mass, as part of regular, moderate to intense sports activities. Muscle builders looking to increase their muscle mass can therefore benefit from collagen supplements.

See also: Our advice for successful weight gain.

At around 4 Kcal per gram, a collagen food supplement provides a maximum of 40 Kcal per day (for 10g of collagen), which is negligible in an adult's daily calorie intake. The proteins contained in collagen can also contribute to the feeling of satiety and prevent hunger pangs. So collagen supplements do not encourage weight gain, on the contrary.

As part of a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and regular exercise, marine collagen can promote lean muscle mass and help you maintain a healthy weight.

First of all, cellulite is a subcutaneous fatty distribution that affects more than 90% of women. Cellulite is an absolutely normal and natural phenomenon, unrelated to being overweight. Its causes can be hereditary, hormonal (oestrogen in particular), circulatory or linked to lifestyle. It is a natural fat storage mechanism in women, with a preferential distribution of fat on the hips, buttocks, thighs and stomach. After the menopause, cellulite can become more visible as a result of skin slackening.

To reduce and prevent cellulite, all natural solutions that drain and firm the skin will be beneficial.

Marine collagen supplements help prevent the appearance of cellulite by preventing skin slackening and improving skin elasticity. By stimulating the body's own collagen production, taking marine collagen improves skin firmness and reduces the factors that lead to the appearance of orange-peel skin. Cellulite is also less visible on firm, toned skin.

In addition, there are a number of essential oils with draining properties for eliminating adipose or aqueous cellulite. The natural active ingredient caffeine also has lipolytic properties that help to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Generally speaking, there are few contraindications to collagen supplements, and marine collagen in particular. When there is excess collagen, the body eliminates it.

At the recommended doses, taking marine collagen does not affect the liver or kidneys.

The main dangers of collagen supplements could come from the quality and origin of the supplement chosen. Always pay attention to the origin of the collagen in your product. Its quality depends on the way the animals are reared and the manufacturing process. Always choose collagen supplements that give you maximum guarantees of sustainable, ethical and ecological farming methods. In the case of marine collagen, to avoid a high concentration of heavy metals, choose collagen from sustainable and responsible aquaculture, as is the case for the Aroma-Zone marine collagen food supplement.

However, as with any food supplement, it is essential to follow the recommended dosages to avoid any risk of overdosing, and to guarantee the quality and traceability of the collagen, which complies with European regulations. We should also remind you that the use of food supplements should be reserved for adults in good health. In the case of specific pathologies, always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.