diff --git a/src/models/group.js b/src/models/group.js
index aac86729d5..194d164a68 100644
--- a/src/models/group.js
+++ b/src/models/group.js
@@ -52,7 +52,10 @@ var GroupSchema = new Schema({
   balance: Number,
   logo: String,
   leaderMessage: String
-}, {strict: 'throw'});
+}, {
+  strict: 'throw', 
+  minimize: false // So empty objects are returned
+});
 
 
 /**
diff --git a/src/models/user.js b/src/models/user.js
index 587bcf22d1..769d1f0450 100644
--- a/src/models/user.js
+++ b/src/models/user.js
@@ -226,7 +226,8 @@ var UserSchema = new Schema({
   */
 
 }, {
-  strict: true
+  strict: true,
+  minimize: false // So empty objects are returned
 });
 
 // Legacy Derby Function?