Spanish Researchers Uncover Collagen Supplement That Could Potentially Double Weight Loss Results
In the relentless search for budget-friendly and efficient weight loss methods, Spanish researchers may have discovered an intriguing substitute to expensive drugs: a straightforward collagen supplement. Recent clinical research indicates that incorporating collagen into one’s diet could markedly improve weight loss results, in addition to offering extra health benefits such as lowered blood pressure and enhanced body composition.
A fresh study, shared at the esteemed European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025) and published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients, revealed that participants consuming collagen-infused protein bars lost twice the weight compared to those who did not. This research provides renewed hope for individuals pursuing safe, natural, and economical strategies in their weight management efforts.
Collagen: An Innate Appetite Suppressant
Collagen, a protein that is abundant in skin, bones, and connective tissues, is already recognized for its positive effects on skin elasticity and joint health. However, its potential influence on appetite control is less well-known. According to the study’s principal investigator, Dr. Paola Mogna-Peláez from the University of Navarra in Pamplona, collagen may encourage feelings of fullness through a distinctive water-absorbing action.
“Collagen’s ability to expand when it absorbs water positions it as a strong candidate for enhancing satiety,” Dr. Mogna-Peláez stated. “This suggests that individuals might feel full quicker and eat fewer calories, thus supporting weight loss without the reliance on potent medications.”
In the study, the collagen supplement was provided in the form of chocolate-flavored protein bars that swelled in the stomach, aiding participants in feeling satisfied and curbing snacking or excessive eating.
The 12-Week Study: An Overview
The study consisted of 64 adults aged 20 to 65, all classified as overweight or obese. Participants were split into two categories:
– A control group adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet.
– A test group maintaining the same diet but consuming two collagen-enriched protein bars daily (10 grams of collagen per bar), along with water, 30 minutes prior to lunch and dinner.
By the conclusion of the 12-week study, the collagen group achieved double the weight loss of the control group (3 kg versus 1.5 kg), despite similar caloric intake.
Additional Health Benefits Detected
The collagen group experienced various benefits beyond weight reduction:
– More significant decrease in waist circumference (2.8 cm vs. 2.5 cm)
– Decreased systolic blood pressure (an 8 mm Hg drop compared to a slight rise in the control group)
– Greater reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI): 1.2 points vs. 0.78 points
– Enhancements in liver enzyme levels, indicating better liver function
– Increase in fat-free mass, suggesting potential muscle retention or growth
These findings are particularly noteworthy as they imply that collagen could aid not only in weight loss but also in cardiovascular health and muscle maintenance—vital components of long-term well-being.
Understanding the Mechanism: Hormonal and Gut Influences
Researchers propose that the reason behind collagen’s efficacy may be complex. The swelling in the stomach from the protein bar slows gastric emptying, prompting earlier and more prolonged sensations of fullness.
Additionally, blood analyses indicated that participants consuming collagen had elevated levels of leptin—a hormone known for reducing appetite—and decreased levels of ghrelin, a hunger-stimulating hormone. These hormonal changes might further aid in sustainable appetite regulation.
Animal experiments conducted by the same research team supported these conclusions. In rodent trials, collagen ingested prior to meals resulted in consistently lower food consumption and weight increase.
Moreover, researchers are investigating how collagen may affect gut microbiota, the collection of bacteria in the digestive system known to influence weight management. While this aspect of the research is still unfolding, early results appear promising.
Flavour, Convenience, and Safety
A key highlight of this intervention was its high compliance rate. Participants rated the flavor of the collagen bars an average of 8.8 out of 10, making them an enjoyable addition to daily routines—an important factor when considering long-term dietary changes.
More encouraging is the safety profile. No study participants reported adverse effects during the trial, highlighting collagen’s reputation as a low-risk supplement that aligns well with most dietary choices.
An Economical Alternative to Weight Loss Medications?
As popular anti-obesity treatments like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) continue to dominate headlines—often accompanied by steep costs and side effect reports—this research offers a persuasive, more affordable option. Collagen supplements are already widely accessible and priced much lower than prescription medications.
“Collagen is easy to locate, familiar to consumers, and lacks the risks associated with many weight loss pills,” Dr. Mogna-Peláez noted. “Given its low cost and an expanding body of supporting evidence, collagen could revolutionize community-based weight management initiatives.”