Does collagen cause weight gain? Everything you need to know

Collagen has become a staple in beauty and wellness routines. Powders, capsules, drinks: it's everywhere. But one question often comes up – does collagen cause weight gain?

Some people fear that consuming collagen will lead to weight gain or an increase in cellulite. Others, on the contrary, see it as a support for weight loss and skin firmness.

This article helps you understand the real link between collagen and weight gain, drawing on science and the expertise of Biocyte, a pioneering brand in beauty nutritional supplements. We'll explore what collagen is, its role in the body, and how to incorporate collagen supplements into your routine without worrying about your figure.

Collagen is an essential structural protein found throughout our body. It represents approximately 30% of the total protein in the human body . Its main function is to ensure the cohesion, elasticity, and strength of tissues: skin, tendons, bones, cartilage, and muscles.

• Within the skin , it maintains firmness and suppleness.
• In the joints , it protects the cartilage and ensures mobility.
• In muscles and bones , it contributes to tissue strength and regeneration.

There are several types of collagen, the main ones being:

• Type I : the most abundant, present in the skin, tendons and bones
• Type II : essential for cartilage and joints
• Type III : present in organs and blood vessels

Collagen is found in certain foods such as bone broth, fish, meat, and eggs. However, the amount naturally present in our diet is often insufficient. This is why collagen supplements , like those offered by Biocyte, can help address this natural deficiency and boost your collagen levels .

Collagen isn't a weight-loss ingredient per se. However, it can support a balanced metabolism. Indeed, it's a pure protein , low in fat and sugar, which can increase feelings of fullness.

Several studies have shown that collagen proteins can help reduce feelings of hunger , thus promoting better management of food portions.

Furthermore, collagen supports the preservation of muscle mass, especially when combined with diet or exercise. Maintaining muscle mass allows you to burn more calories at rest, which indirectly contributes to weight loss .

This is one of the most widespread misconceptions. Collagen does not cause weight gain. It is a low-calorie protein: about 4 kcal per gram, like all proteins. Therefore, it is not an excessive source of calories.

If some people experience weight gain, it may be due to:

• collagen products enriched with sugar or additives
• of an overall dietary imbalance
• or simply a change in calorie intake linked to other factors (stress, sedentary lifestyle, etc.)

Pure collagen, without additives, does not lead to any increase in fat mass . On the contrary, it can help stabilize weight when used as a substitute for other protein sources that are higher in fat or sugar.

Cellulite results from an accumulation of fat under the skin, combined with a loss of elasticity in the connective tissue. Collagen plays a key role in the structure and firmness of the skin .

Clinical studies have shown that collagen supplementation can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of cellulite. It therefore does not promote cellulite; it can even help diminish its appearance thanks to its firming and hydrating effects.

If you would like to learn more, we invite you to read about the before and after effects of collagen on the skin.

Incorporating collagen into your daily routine is simple and can be done in several ways. Foods rich in collagen include:

• bone broths
• lean meats
• fish (especially the skin)
• eggs

However, the bioavailability of this dietary collagen remains limited. Hydrolyzed collagen supplements (in powder, capsules, or drinks) are more easily absorbed.

Collagen can be a valuable ally in a weight loss program . It helps to:

• Preserving muscle mass, especially during periods of calorie deficit
• Supporting satiety by prolonging the feeling of fullness
• Maintaining toned skin, even during rapid weight loss

When included in a balanced diet, collagen contributes to better metabolic balance. Combined with a high-fiber diet and adequate hydration, it can be an effective aid in slimming without compromising skin health. Usingcollagen for joint health is also beneficial for supporting intense exercise or reducing joint discomfort and progressive stiffness.

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• Shigemura Y. et al., Journal of Medicinal Food , 2014 - Effects of collagen hydrolysate ingestion on skin and body fat
• Proksch E. et al., Skin Pharmacology and Physiology , 2014 - Oral collagen peptides improve skin elasticity
• Iwai K. et al., Food Chemistry , 2005 - Digestion and absorption of collagen hydrolysates
• Bolke L. et al., Current Medical Research and Opinion , 2019 - Collagen peptides and metabolic health