Hydrolyzed collagen may inhibit weight gain during menopause

In a woman's life, during menopausal transition (pre-menopause to perimenopause) and menopause, significant hormonal fluctuations occur, with decreasing estrogen levels significantly affecting her physiological properties, consequently contributing to a series of medical conditions, including obesity. Menopause is frequently associated with an increase in visceral fat, which is perceived around the waist and abdomen and involves local organs, tissues, and muscles. Far beyond aesthetic concerns, this fat causes hypertension and the worsening of the lipid profile, which can lead to metabolic syndrome and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

It has already been established that an increase in protein intake improves satiety. Among dietary proteins, hydrolyzed collagen has been clinically indicated as an effective appetite suppressant, aiding in weight loss. Thus, scientists from Taiwan tested the hypothesis in animals that collagen supplementation — already evidenced as beneficial for skin, joints, bones, hormonal balance, among others — can alleviate menopause-induced obesity.

Twenty-four rats were divided into 4 groups to receive: ovariectomy (OE) in groups 2 to 4, i.e., the removal of both ovaries, with the uterus remaining, to imitate human menopause, and (group 1) sham/placebo surgery. Groups 1 and 2 received sterilized water, and groups 3 and 4 received sterilized water containing 1.25mg/mL and 2.5mg/mL of hydrolyzed collagen, respectively. The body weight of the animals was measured daily at a specific time.

After 12 weeks, the OE groups (2 to 4) gained weight (menopause), compared to group 1 (P

Furthermore, the study found that supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen insignificantly affected dorsal fat levels, total serum cholesterol and triacylglycerol, as well as glucose, calcium, and phosphorus.

The authors of the study, published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences, declared no competing interests regarding their study and conclude: “Our study provides evidence that collagen supplementation can attenuate body weight gain and decrease the size of enlarged adipocytes. Our results also indicate an insignificant change in blood lipid, calcium, phosphorus, and glucose levels. Thus, collagen supplementation can complement an anti-obesity protocol with minimal secondary effects in menopausal women.”

Study: Chiang TI, et al. Amelioration of estrogen deficiency-induced obesity

This content is part of Clínica Revitalize's commitment to translating science into accessible clinical practice — without losing rigor or depth.