The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: **Protein Bars with Collagen Linked to Greater Weight Loss, New Study Finds** A recent study has found that protein bars enriched with collagen may help people lose more weight compared to those who do not consume these bars[1][2][3][5]. **Study Design and Groups** Participants in the study followed a healthy diet modeled after the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing whole foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, fish, and poultry[5]. One group received protein bars containing 10 grams of bovine-based collagen to eat twice daily with their meals, while a control group simply followed dietary recommendations without receiving the bars[5]. **Key Weight Loss Results** After 12 weeks, the collagen bar group lost significantly more weight—an average of 6.6 pounds—than the control group, which lost 3.3 pounds on average[1][2][3][5]. This weight loss was achieved even though those eating protein bars consumed slightly more overall calories[5]. **Improvements in Cardiometabolic Health** Beyond weight loss, the group consuming collagen bars showed multiple improvements in health metrics. Systolic blood pressure in the test group dropped by an average of 8 mm Hg, whereas the control group saw a slight increase[1][5]. There were also bigger reductions in waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and fatty liver index among those eating the collagen bars[1][3][5]. **Muscle Mass Maintained** One common concern with weight loss is losing muscle. This study found that participants in the collagen group maintained higher fat-free mass—suggesting muscle was preserved as they lost weight[1][3]. This outcome occurred despite no additional exercise[3]. **Decreased Hunger and Lasting Fullness** Participants who ate the collagen protein bars reported feeling less hungry and more satisfied throughout the three-month study. This increased feeling of fullness, or satiety, lasted consistently at each screening[1][3]. **How Might Collagen Bars Work?** Experts suggest collagen's effects may result from its properties in the stomach, helping people feel fuller. Additionally, collagen is slow to digest and can reach the large intestine, where it feeds gut bacteria believed to produce compounds associated with healthy weight and metabolism[3]. **Study Limitations** Some of the study authors were affiliated with the company that produces the collagen-based bars, which is an important consideration when evaluating the results[1]. **Conclusion** The findings present encouraging evidence that adding collagen-enriched protein bars to a healthy diet can boost weight loss and improve measurements related to heart and metabolic health. While further independent research is needed, collagen supplements could become a simple, cost-effective aid for weight management[1][5]. Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9