Does Collagen Help With Weight Loss?

Collagen has become one of the most talked-about supplements in recent years, praised for its benefits to skin, joints, and overall wellness. But beyond these benefits, some people are now wondering if collagen could play a role in weight loss. While it’s not a fat-burning miracle, collagen products may offer indirect support for those trying to manage their weight. From promoting fullness to preserving muscle mass, let's explore how collagen fits into a healthy weight loss plan.

There are a number of ways collagen powder can indirectly support weight loss, the first being by helping manage appetite control. Collagen is a protein, and consuming more protein can help increase the feeling of fullness, reducing your desire to eat and potentially lowering your calorie intake. Feeling satiated can reduce cravings and prevent overeating, leading to an easier weight loss journey. We also offer energy bars & protein bars, which are perfect for feeling full throughout the day.

Furthermore, given collagen's role as a protein supplement, it can help build muscle mass. Collagen contains amino acids that are important for building and maintaining muscle mass. Although building muscle may not seem related to weight loss, more muscle can help increase your metabolism, which leads to more calories burned even at rest. Having a higher daily expenditure, thanks to the increased muscle, means that losing weight will be easier and faster, or you have the choice to increase your calorie intake, making the weight loss journey easier while maintaining the same rate of fat loss.

Finally, collagen supports joint health, which, similar to building muscle, can indirectly aid users on their fitness journey. By having stronger joints, you can stick better to your workout routine, reduce injury and maximise performance, all of which will help in the burning of calories and loss of weight. 

One of the best aspects of collagen powder is its versatility; it can be taken with any drink, hot or cold, or even sprinkled or mixed with food. However, for those looking to optimise their use of collagen powder for weight loss, we recommend taking this supplement either in the morning or before meals. Some people find that collagen helps reduce appetite before breakfast and keeps them full for longer. A trick we recommend would be to mix it with your morning coffee for an energising start to the morning that is packed with protein and combines the satiating effect of collagen with the natural appetite suppressant found in caffeine. We have a full guide on when is the best time to take collagen, which goes into great detail about how collagen can benefit you at different times.

For those who prefer to have it later in the day, taking this supplement before a meal can reduce appetite, leading to smaller portion sizes, or alternatively, it can be taken in the evening to reduce the urge to snack. 

When taking collagen, it is recommended to take 1 heaped tablespoon (10g) to get the full benefits. Whether individuals decide to take it all at once or split their amount across the day is up to them. If individuals are looking to reduce cravings, then splitting the supplement across multiple smoothies or hot drinks can help. However, it is just as beneficial to take it in one go. You can try adding protein powder to your smoothies, too, which is a great way to add more protein into your diet.

Collagen does not cause weight gain. However, there are some short-term and long-term differences it can have on your body, which may seem counterintuitive. Firstly, for some users, collagen can cause increased water retention, which may increase their weight. This, however, is temporary and goes away with consistent use. Secondly, as we have previously mentioned, collagen can aid in muscle growth. If users are able to see significant muscle growth, then this can be reflected in the scales as weight gain. It is important to recognise this, however, as a benefit and not to confuse muscle gain with fat gain, as it will reflect the same on the scales but much differently to your overall health. To learn more, you can visit our 'Does Collagen Help With Weight Loss' blog piece.

Despite collagen not being a direct weight loss supplement, it can support your goals by promoting satiety, maintaining lean muscle mass, and aiding joint health for consistent exercise. It works best as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle rather than as a standalone solution. Whether you’re looking to manage your appetite or recover better after workouts, collagen can be a useful addition to a well-rounded weight loss strategy.