Is Belly Fat Dangerous?

Collagen peptides have been shown to support us on the road to glowing skin and buttery joints. There has been increasing interest in taking collagen protein to help with weight loss, in particular, that stubborn belly fat. But is this really true?

Putting weight on the abdominal section is a concern for many, and not just in regard to appearance. According to Harvard Health, the visceral fat (around your organs) produces proteins that trigger inflammation. This is a risk factor for heart disease and other chronic conditions, and researchers are actively searching for a solution. Can supplementing collagen help to reduce fat around your middle?

What Are Collagen Peptides?

A collagen peptide supplement is a protein, generally in powder form. It is taken either from a bovine (cow) source or a marine (crustacean) source. Collagen, when taken orally, provides peptides that our body can use to build and repair tissues.

Our own body produces collagen to give strength and elasticity to all connective tissue. If a person is very active or their ability to produce collagen is compromised, supplementation can be very beneficial. More recently, studies have shown great success for weight loss while taking collagen, especially around the belly area (Park et. al., 2023).

Can Collagen Protein Help You Lose Belly Fat?

There is promising evidence that collagen supplements can help with belly fat loss, but only when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. Collagen supports weight loss indirectly by:

• Increased Satiety:
  Collagen can help you feel fuller for longer, which can lead to reduced overall calorie intake. 
• Muscle Building:
  By supporting muscle growth, collagen helps increase your body's fat-free mass, contributing to a healthier body composition. 
• Gut Health:
  Collagen has been shown to influence the gut microbiome, as healthy bacteria reduce cravings and inflammation. 
• Reduced Inflammation:
  Some research indicates collagen can help reduce inflammation in connective tissues, which may support overall metabolic health (Brandao-Rangel MAR et. al., 2022).  

It is not a magic fat burner, but a supportive tool for your weight management plan. If you’re curious to learn more about how to boost your metabolism for fat loss, have a look at our blog here. 

Who Would Benefit From Taking Collagen?

Collagen is gold for healthy skin, joints, and reducing inflammation. Consider adding a quality collagen to your stack if you:

• Struggle with fat loss
• Have mobility issues
• Have compromised joint health
• Have a connective tissue disorder (HEDs or EDs)
• Suffer from pain/inflammation

Taking collagen has you covered for a protein with anti-inflammatory benefits. For an extra stimulation to burn calories and boost your metabolism, consider combining it with the PC Laboratories 3-step system. It works by:

• Step 1: Burn more calories and increase energy
• Step 2: Achieve more efficient fat burning
• Step 3: Target stubborn fat stores 

Is It Worth Taking Collagen?

Collagen has been tried and tested extensively over the years and is a safe way to include more protein in your diet. The potential benefits that make it worth trying include:

• Skin hydration and elasticity
• Reduced joint pain and stiffness (like osteoarthritis) 
• Gut health
• Muscle mass

It is important to remember that collagen is not a full-spectrum protein, as it is missing the amino acid tryptophan. It is important to include Tryptophan-rich foods like poultry, dairy and legumes in the diet.

For the best quality collagen protein, you can’t go past ProBurn Protein. It is made with BODYBALANCE™ collagen protein peptides, a German-engineered protein specifically formulated for muscle tone and weight loss. It also has synephrine, green tea, MCT Oil and Acetyl-L-Carnitine for better fat burning and appetite control. 

FAQs

1. Can collagen really help with weight loss?

Collagen won’t melt fat away, but it can help your weight loss plan stick. It supports lean muscle, curbs cravings, and keeps you fuller for longer. 

2. Does collagen target belly fat?

No supplement can spot-reduce belly fat, but collagen supports overall fat loss by preserving muscle and boosting metabolism.

3. When’s the best time to take collagen?

Anytime works! Many take it in the morning or post-workout for muscle recovery and satiety benefits.

4. Will collagen make me bulky?

Not at all! Collagen helps build lean, toned muscle, not bulk. Think more definition, less jiggle.

5. How long before I notice results?

Most people start to see changes in skin, joints, or body composition in 6–8 weeks with consistent use.

References

Park J, Kim M, Shin H, Ahn H, Park YK. Low-Molecular Collagen Peptide Supplementation and Body Fat Mass in Adults Aged ≥ 50 Years: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Clin Nutr Res. 2023 Oct 31;12(4):245-256. doi: 10.7762/cnr.2023.12.4.245. PMID: 37969940; PMCID: PMC10641330.

Brandao-Rangel MAR, Oliveira CR, da Silva Olímpio FR, Aimbire F, Mateus-Silva JR, Chaluppe FA, Vieira RP. Hydrolyzed Collagen Induces an Anti-Inflammatory Response That Induces Proliferation of Skin Fibroblast and Keratinocytes. Nutrients. 2022 Nov 23;14(23):4975. doi: 10.3390/nu14234975. PMID: 36501011; PMCID: PMC9736126.

Taking aim at belly fat, Harvard Health Publishing, 2024. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/taking-aim-at-belly-fat