A Brief Guide On How To Use Collagen Peptides For Weight Loss

If you struggle with losing weight, you’ve probably looked into various supplements to kickstart your metabolism. You might have also asked “how to use collagen peptides for weight loss?”

One of the latest weight-loss trends is taking collagen. People add powders to their soups and smoothies or grab a bottle of collagen water off the shelf.

Collagen is a protein found naturally in the body and is responsible for numerous functions. Collagen peptides are the building blocks of collagen and are available in supplement form. 

What are collagen peptides, and how can they help with weight loss? This guide will tell you everything you need to know to get started with collagen peptides for weight loss.

What is Collagen Peptide Protein?

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins used by your body, instrumental in strengthening your tendons, bones, muscles, skin, and connective tissue. It’s produced naturally in our body, but that production tends to drop off as we age. 

Natural sources of collagen protein include animal ligaments, cartilage, and bone marrow. Since we don’t generally consume those parts in our western diet, scientists have developed supplements.

Collagen is a complicated structure with over 1,000 amino acids per protein molecule. Our cells know how to break it down when it’s found naturally in the body, but when it’s taken as a supplement, we need to make it easier to digest. 

Collagen peptides, also called hydrolyzed collagen, are this broken-down protein form. Peptides are the building blocks of collagen.

When we ingest peptides, especially in liquid form, our digestive system can break them down, so it’s easier to get to all parts of your body. This is why collagen powder added to water or smoothies is most effective.

How Does Collagen Help With Weight Loss?

While no magic pill will safely help you lose weight or avoid any weight gain, a combination of healthy eating and movement will get you closer.

Adding collagen peptides may help you get there a bit faster. Here are some benefits of supplementing with liquid collagen.

Collagen Peptides May Increase Satiety

Many diets focus on cutting calories, which may leave you feeling hungry. Protein is one of the building blocks of a healthy diet and something your body craves.

Since collagen is a protein, it can produce that feeling of fullness and help you stick to your healthy meal plan. 

Collagen May Boost Energy Expenditure

Thermogenesis is the energy required to digest food. Proteins require more energy to digest than other nutrients.

As collagen is a protein, supplementing with collagen may increase thermogenesis, leading to increased metabolism and weight loss.

Collagen Peptides Can Reduce Overall Calorie Intake

If collagen peptides create a feeling of fullness and use more energy to digest, it reasons to say that perhaps you won’t feel strong hunger pangs between meals. This can lead to less impulsive eating and allow you to make healthier food choices.

Cravings and overeating are often signs of low blood sugar. Collagen contains an amino acid called glycine, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. 

Collagen can also help reduce inflammation in your body as it is high in antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory nutrients.

When your body feels better, it craves suitable types of foods. In that way alone, collagen can potentially make you feel better.

What to Look For in Collagen For Weight Loss

Many collagen supplements on the market make grandiose claims for quick fixes. More than just being trendy, collagen for weight loss is backed by scientific studies.

Collagen peptides can lower levels of body fat and body mass. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right one for you.

Type

There are 28 different types of collagen in your body, all serving different functions.

Collagen types 1, 2, and 3 are the most common and, thus, are most often found in supplements. Each type supports different functions in the human body.

• Type 1 supports our skin, ligaments, and tendons
• Type 2 supports our joint health and is found in bones and cartilage
• Type 3 supports our gut and helps in wound healing

Type 3 is the best option for weight loss. It increases metabolism, burns fat, and helps prevent wrinkles and cellulite.

Source

Read the ingredients list and ask questions about composition. Collagen supplements are often made from animal sources such as cow, horse, pig, or fish bones and tissues.

If you are a vegan, you might look for collagen boosters that encourage the body to produce its own collagen or stick to a balanced diet with plenty of protein.

A dietician or nutritionist can give you advice if you follow a strict diet.

Potential Allergies

Check supplement labels carefully if you have known allergies or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Many add extra ingredients to improve palatability.

Potential allergic reactions include hives, eczema, and wheezing. Stop taking supplements if you experience any bothersome reactions, and see your healthcare provider.

The good news is that there are many supplements on the market; if one does not work, another one might.

Potential Side Effects

Collagen supplements are considered safe to use by most individuals, but there can be side effects.

Some experience bloating, gas, or constipation, but these often can be relieved by adjusting the dose or taking your supplements with food.

Try taking supplements at different times of the day to alleviate some symptoms.

Flavor

Collagen supplements come in unflavored or flavored varieties; you should choose the one that works for your intended use.

Be wary of those that add artificial ingredients, added sugar, or carbs, as these are often empty calories.

But if taking a flavored collagen supplement encourages you actually to use it, they are available.

How Do You Take Collagen For Weight Loss?

It’s up to you as to what type of supplements you take and at what time of day.

Some take supplements in the morning for extra energy, and some take them at night to encourage a good night’s sleep.

Check the fine print for the supplement’s intended use, recommended dosage, and side effects. 

Collagen Peptide Supplements

For weight loss, look for collagen peptides containing hydrolyzed collagen and type 3 collagen. This type is easily digested in your body and will be transported to your cells, which can provide maximum benefit.

Collagen supplements come in pills, powders, and liquids. The best type of supplement is one that is easy to take. Some people are happy popping a pill with their meal.

Others like to mix the powder into their morning smoothies. Liquid collagen packets can be consumed anytime with no preparation.

Some collagen peptides for weight loss contain added sugar or carbs for taste. Be aware of these empty calories or choose supplements without them.

Natural, Collagen-Rich Foods

Like most nutrients, some foods provide collagen as well. Include eggs, chicken, beef, fish, nuts, and seeds as part of your healthy diet. These protein-rich foods provide natural collagen that is easy for your body to absorb and use. One of the most popular ways to add collagen to your diet using natural food sources is bone broth. 

Collagen-Enhanced Mineral Water

One of the easiest ways to supplement with collagen is collagen-enhanced mineral water.

There are two options: add collagen powders to your water or purchase ready-made bottles. These waters are readily available on the shelf due to the current popularity of collagen and come in either plain or different flavors.

Some also contain electrolytes or other nutrients that are good for you. Drinking collagen water keeps you hydrated and provides a bioavailable way for collagen to enter the body and get to the cells.

How Long Will it Take For Collagen Peptides to Start Working?

Collagen peptides affect people in different ways. Studies are inconclusive regarding how much and how fast collagen is absorbed into your body. Age, general health, and dietary choices affect how the body absorbs and uses collagen.

Genetics may also play a role, as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure.

The best thing to do is start a regimen of regular collagen supplements (or food sources) and see what happens.

If your joints feel better, your appetite is suppressed, and you generally feel better, it works for you. If not, you can give it some more time or choose a different supplement. 

Remember that lasting weight loss is a slow and steady process. Collagen can be effective, but only when paired with healthy lifestyle changes.

Before, during, and after taking any supplement, make sure you are feeling your best physically and mentally. If not, contact your healthcare provider. 

Final Thoughts

Signs of collagen deficiency include skin elasticity issues, joint pain, and problems with digestion. A collagen peptide supplement may solve many problems and help you lose weight.

Choose your collagen peptide supplement carefully. The market is flooded with various collagen supplements; not all meet strict standards. Rest assured that our supplements are made from the highest quality organic ingredients. 

Feel free to visit our library of articles and explore our product page for more information about collagen and supplementation in general.

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