“Collagen peptides may have a reducing effect on visceral fat content but are less effective in reducing body weight.”

Ran Watanabe, et al.. Effects of Collagen Peptide Administration on Visceral Fat Content in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

The health and wellness industry is all abuzz about collagen. Most people think of skin, or more specifically wrinkles, when they hear the word collagen. But, collagen is so much more than simply skin health!

If you are looking for the overall health benefits of taking collagen supplements, you’ve come to the right place. Our guide ‘Does Collagen Help With Belly Fat? Collagen Benefits & More!’ is going to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about adding collagen to your daily wellness regime, using collagen for weight loss, strengthening muscle tissue, and more!

The Importance of Collagen: What is it & What Does it Do? 

• 

What is collagen? Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It’s found in our connective tissues, bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen provides strength to your muscle mass as well as skin elasticity, and a host of other health benefits.

Collagen is also responsible for the formation of new bone tissue. As we age, collagen production declines which can lead to wrinkles, joint pain, and other age-related health issues.

Interestingly, collagen is not just one protein but a group of related proteins called collagen peptides. These peptides are composed of amino acids that play an important role in the body’s health and vitality. Collagen peptides are thought to have numerous benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving joint health, and supporting healthy skin, hair and nails. They are also believed to promote gut health and help heal leaky gut syndrome.

So what does collagen do? Collagen provides structure and support to our bodies. Collagen is the main reason our bodies can function. It plays a critical role in the regeneration and healing of tissues while also keeping our skin looking young and healthy.

When Does Collagen Production Begin to Decline?

Although there is no definitive answer to the question of when our bodies begin to produce less collagen, experts believe that the decline in collagen synthesis begins in our 20’s to 30’s for the average person.

Our overall health, diet, lifestyle, environmental stressors, exercise and sleep habits all impact when the onset of decline begins.

What Are the Benefits of Collagen? 

• 

We know that collagen is a necessary and vital protein that our bodies cannot function without. It really is the glue that holds our cells together.

The benefits of collagen are numerous and well-documented. Let’s take a closer look at some very specific benefits of keeping our collagen levels up through both diet and collagen supplements.

Weight Loss

Collagen peptides are the key to collagen’s potential weight-loss benefits. By helping to keep the gut lining healthy, collagen peptides may assist in the prevention of leaky gut syndrome, a condition that has been linked to obesity.

Collagen is known to help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the digestive tract. This may help to reduce calorie absorption and promote weight loss.

Collagen peptides, the basis of a quality collagen supplement, have been shown to boost metabolism and promote a healthy appetite.

But does collagen help with belly fat? Boosting your metabolism while maintaining a healthy digestive tract, can indeed lead to reduced body fat, particularly stubborn belly fat and improved overall health.

Healthy, Glowing Skin

We need to keep our collagen levels up to maintain healthy skin as we age. The benefits of collagen for our skin are numerous. It promotes healthy skin cell growth and repair, which can help to brighten dull skin and give it a more youthful glow.

Adding collagen supplements to your daily routine can help to replenish collagen levels, resulting in firmer, smoother skin because of better hydration and elasticity.

Strong Bones & Lean Muscle Mass

Collagen provides the bone matrix with strength and support, and it helps to stimulate new bone growth.

Collagen has been shown to improve lean muscle mass, which can help to prevent age-related muscle loss. It also helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which is something that often is a problem for our muscles as we age.

Strengthened Hair & Nails

• 

The proteins in specific collagen peptides help to build keratin, the main structural component of hair and nails. Collagen helps to improve circulation and provide nutrients to the cells in the scalp and nails. 

Collagen is full of nutrients that promote healthy hair growth, including amino acids, vitamins C and E, and copper. These nutrients work together to promote collagen production, which in turn strengthens the structure of the hair follicle.

These same nutrients ensure that our nails are healthy and strong, preventing them from becoming brittle and breaking easily. 

Improved Gut Health

As we age and collagen production naturally declines, we may find a deterioration of the gut lining and an increase in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) symptoms. Collagen peptides have been shown to stimulate collagen production and help to improve gut health.

Studies reveal that collagen has also been shown to support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and improve gut barrier function. These effects are believed to be due to the high glycine content of collagen, which can help to reduce inflammation.

How Does Collagen Affect Weight Loss?

There are many things that we struggle with as we age including our weight. Can collagen really play a role in our inability to lose weight? Does this mean that less collagen production could be the reason we struggle with weight gain?

Let’s take a look at what the experts have to say about collagen affecting weight loss.

Promotes Satiety

Satiety is the feeling of fullness after eating, and it’s an important factor in weight loss. Collagen peptides are said to promote satiety by slowing down the emptying of the stomach. When you feel full, you are less likely to overeat.

When taken before meals, collagen supplements are said to actually help reduce hunger and cravings, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet. 

Increase in Muscle Mass

• 

When it comes to working out, many people focus on increasing their muscle mass. While there are a variety of different ways to achieve this goal, one that is often overlooked is collagen supplementation.

Studies have shown that collagen supplementation can help to increase muscle mass and strength, while also reducing exercise-related joint pain. Also worth noting is that collagen can improve recovery time after intense workouts.

Reduce Fat Accumulation

Recently, collagen has gained popularity as a weight loss supplement. Collagen is thought to reduce fat accumulation by promoting satiety and increasing energy expenditure. Additionally, it may help to reduce the size of fat cells and prevent their growth. 

We have learned that collagen helps to regulate metabolism and control blood sugar levels. Did you know that when blood sugar levels are balanced, the body is less likely to store fat? Having a healthier metabolism also helps to ensure that excess calories are burned off rather than stored as fat.

So, does collagen help with belly fat? The answer to that question based on what the experts have to say about collagen and weight loss, would be a definite yes! 

When Am I Going to See Results?

• 

We know that there is no definitive answer as to when the decline of collagen production begins for each and every individual. The same is true for the question “when will I see results after beginning collagen supplementation?“

The answer varies due to a number of factors from overall health, lifestyle to the area of concern that is being targeted and what type of collagen supplement you are taking and more.

That being said, most people who take collagen supplements begin to notice improvements in their skin within 4-8 weeks. These improvements can include increased elasticity, reduced wrinkles, and enhanced hydration while others report seeing improvements in their hair and nails.

An increase in energy levels and stamina, as well as improved digestion are also some of the first notable signs a few weeks into collagen supplements.

For those who have added collagen to their wellness routine because of joint pain it may take a bit longer to notice that their joints are feeling better and they are experiencing less pain.

So if you’re thinking about starting collagen supplementation, don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Be patient. Allow the collagen molecules to work their magic. With consistent use, you will begin to see positive changes.

Can You Take Too Much Collagen?

You might be wondering if it’s possible to take too much collagen? Well, the good news is that you probably won’t experience any negative side effects from taking too much collagen. In fact, your body will simply excrete any excess collagen through your urine.

In rare cases, taking large amounts of collagen can lead to digestive issues such as bloating and constipation. It is wise to always begin with a lower dosage and increase gradually as needed to give your body time to adapt to the collagen peptides being introduced.

Are There Side Effects to Taking Collagen Supplements?

• 

Since many collagen supplements contain fish and seafood, those who are allergic to fish and shellfish may experience allergic reactions to collagen supplements.

Collagen is a protein that is not easily broken down by the body, and taking large amounts of it can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This can be avoided by taking a lower dosage at the onset of collagen supplementation as mentioned above.

The Bottom Line

We hope that you have found our guide ‘Does Collagen Help With Belly Fat? Collagen Benefits & More!’ quite informative. Your best defense for optimum health is being informed and knowing how to get the support your body needs. 

Be sure to check out our Health BLOG and collage product page where you will find everything you need to live out your best health! 

---