Study to measure effectiveness of Gucomannan in weight management

Chepstow, Wales
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Summary

Quick overview: Overall, Lipozene is a moderate appetite suppressant and might work for weight loss for some people if used as a part of a holistic weight loss program, diet & exercise! This diet pill works only by one mechanism or line of action - appetite suppression by making stomach feel full by fiber. However, appetite suppression and weight loss in general is not that simple. So, while lipozene is good at using fiber for weight loss and blocking fat (using glucomannan), it lags behind in using other ingredients that provide energy, like thermogenic metabolic boosters. Some users have reported fatigue, weakness and intestinal side effects. Currently, PhenQ , HourGlassFit & Instant Knockout are the leading the race of best glucomannan/fiber based supplements for weight loss. Instant Knockout glucomannan also comes with an optional compatible meal replacement option, called Instant Knockout glucomannan System. Check out full list of fiber/glucomannan based fat blockers & diet pills.

Introduction

 

Fat & Carb blockers are a group of supplements and food components that, put simply, block carbs and fats from being absorbed in the body. Natural supplements like Lipozene, Glucomannan (Konjac root), Chitosan, Benefiber, Skinny pill and some otc pharmaceutical products like Xenical (Orlistat), Acarbose (carb blocker) etc. fall into this group of fat blockers. They work by different mechanisms and usually claim to be fast acting weight loss products.

Lipozene is a similar weight loss pill that has gained a lot of attention & very actively marketed across various marketing channels – TV, internet, print etc. Lipozene is sold by a company called “Obesity Research LLC.” The ads featured Holly Robinson Peete, Rodney Peete.

Glucomannan (a water-soluble polysaccharide that is considered a dietary fiber) is a substance in Lipozene and it is the main active ingredient. It comes from the root of a plant called Konjac.

PhenQ and Instant Knockout glucomannan are some alternatives to Lipozene, and are natural fat blockers based on Nopal fiber and glucomannan respectively. They also combine Chromium with fiber (glucomannan/nopal) to intensify weight loss.

Refer to full list of top rated best fat blockers.

What is Glucomannan?

 

Glucomannan (a water-soluble polysaccharide that is considered a dietary fiber) is main ingredient in popular weight loss products like Lipozene, Instant Knockout etc.

It comes from the root of a plant called Konjac. Glucomannan comprises 40% of the dry weight of the elephant yam, found in Southeast Asia.

Glucomannan, the active ingredient in Lipozene, can absorb up to 200 times its weight in water. (That is, one gram of glucomannan can absorb up to 200 grams of water). Take a guess on its viscosity and water absorption– if you empty one glucomannan capsule into a small glass of water, the entire thing turns into a gel.

These unique properties of glucomannan are believed to cause weight loss in people using Lipozene through appetite suppression and giving a feeling of being full. There have been many scientific theories and explanations as to why fiber works for satiety & weight loss.

Its other health benefits include controlling cholesterol, treating constipation and potentially useful in Type 2 diabetes.

Glucomannan is also available as a stand-alone supplement, in drink mixes and is also added to food products, such as pasta and flour. It is also the main ingredient in shirataki noodles and also available as standalone supplement from companies like NOW Foods, Nature's way, SOLGAR, Nutriway etc. sold at GNC, Vitamin shoppe, Walgreens, CVS etc.

Does Lipozene work?

 

Lipozene is a popular fat blocker whose “potential” weight loss benefits come from Glucomannan. The main reason Lipozene and glucomannan(konjac root) got many of the consumers' attention, is because of the weight loss claims.

Lipozene works by absorbing water in the stomach and slowing the digestion of food, which sends signals to the brain that you’re full. There have been many scientific theories and explanations as to why fiber supplements like Glucomanna/Konjac root extract/Chitosan etc. work for weight loss.

Some double-blind tests implementing combination of Glucomannan and a calorie restricted diet have been successful, but there still isn’t enough convincing proof regarding Glucomannan and fat loss. 

A systematic review and meta-analysis done by doctors at University of Connecticut acknowledged a slight benefit of consuming glucomannan for five weeks. Here, people ingesting glucomannan supplements like Lipozene only dropped an additional 1.5 pounds over 5 weeks in comparison with those taking a placebo—or about 0.3 pounds per week.

Lipozene Cost

 

·         Walmart - $19.88 (Lipozene Maximum Strength Weight Loss Supplement, 1500 mg, 60 capsules)

·         CVS - $28.79

·         Walgreens - $19.99

·         Target - $19.89

·         Riteaid - $24.99

·         Lipozene.com - $14.45 (with Buy 1 Get 1 free offer)

·         Amazon - Check Prices

 

Lipozene weight loss mechanism

 

Its main job is to help you consume less food (suppress your appetite like Phentermine), although working via different mechanism than Phentermine. It claims to reduce the capacity of your stomach, by filling it up with natural bulking/swelling fiber, that swells with water consumption and has zero calories.  

The idea is your brain thinks you don’t have any additional room for food, you no longer feel hungry & consume less.

Interesting concept, but in reality, it isn’t that simple. Your brain is too smart to get fooled by “fiber”. “Obesity” is a complex phenomenon and several body systems work in tandem to create the body weight you have.  

In reality, there’s so much going on in your body that you cannot “fix” yourself by eating less. Basically, what these pills do is try to cause you to eat “less food.” However, whether it works and works for good is something very unpredictable and that’s why there are mixed user reviews.

Pros & Cons

 

Pros of Lipozene (glucomannan fiber supplements) for weight loss

 

·         It takes up space in the stomach which causes one to have a feeling of fullness (satiety), thereby making the person eat less

·         It delays emptying of the stomach, resulting in increased satiety post-meals. However, it may lead to constipation

·         Like other soluble fibers, it has the potential to block fat from getting absorbed in the body

·         Glucomannan fiber is also prebiotic. This means that it feeds the healthy bacteria that colonize the intestines.

Cons of Lipozene supplement for weight loss

 

·         The claim that since your brain thinks you don’t have any additional room for food, you no longer feel hungry is little flawed. Your brain, whose primary task is your survival is too smart to get fooled by “fiber”

·         It’s a weak appetite suppressant

·         Mixed user reviews

·         There is strong probability that this konjac root powder supplement will cause fatigue and weakness. Because people won’t feel good and low in energy, it is not a diet pill that most people would stick to for long term

·         You’ll begin gaining whatever small amount of weight you lose, once you stop taking this pill and may even end up having more body weight because your body’s defensive mechanisms are triggered.

·         Glucomannan (konjac root powder) comes with side effects like bloating and constipation

·         With the increasing number of scams, FDA has been actively warning the consumers against using these kinds of pills that are promoted as fat/carb blockers. The role of dietary fiber and fiber is known to be beneficial to overall health and anti-aging, but it’s not something that will result in dramatic weight loss.

Lack of thermogenic ingredients

 

The best diet pills have diverse ingredients that work via multiple mechanisms, and appetite suppression is just one of the mechanisms.

There are many hormones and neurotransmitters that mobilize the brain and body for action and activities and create a systematic balance of fat and muscle in the body needed for survival. They also provide the appropriate signals to brain and the body’s cells whether you should feel hungry/tired or full/satisfied/energetic. Lipozene doesn't have those kinds of ingredients.

After comparing with other products in the market like Instant Knockout, PhenQ etc., we can see that Lipozene is merely acting on your “physical” system and is not as effective as psychopharmaceuticals that can change the entire body’s chemistry from the inside out.

Refer to full list of top rated best fat blockers.

Side effects of Lipozene (glucomannan powder) for weight loss

 

While most scientific tests on glucomannan recorded no severe side effects, some studies observed participants suffering from gastrointestinal distress, including bloating, increased gas, and diarrhea, which is rather common when people suddenly increase their fiber intake.

So, some Lipozene users have reported the above-mentioned side effects. Some side effects may be worse if the person does not drink enough water along with the glucomannan, as the fiber is highly absorbent and may take water from the body. Lipozene may also reduce the absorption of certain medications.

Lipozene (Glucomannan) positive reviews & weight loss success stories

There are some positive user reviews for Lipozene.

One user review on Lipozene says - "I bought this product 2 weeks ago from today. I must admit the results were phenomenal. I am only 19 and weighed 206. I've been taking this product, and I am happy to admit I lost 17 lbs in these 2 weeks. This product DOES work. I see others that say otherwise, but sorry to break it to anyone but NO PILL is a miracle pill. To achieve a goal you will have to work a little bit. I'm not saying go all out and become exercise person of the week. But move more than you do, and change your eating style, and you will get fabulous results. " Amazon user review

I was initially skeptical after reading the reviews here 3 months ago, but thought it’s not a huge investment, it’s worth a shot. I’m glad I took the chance. Three months later, I’ve lost the 20 lbs I needed to lose. I’ve experimented with a lot of diet supplements — even Rx drugs like Phen-Fen. Nothing has worked as effectively as that until now. Lipozene maximum strength formula capsules’ amorphophallus konjac is solely an appetite suppressant, meaning there’s no boost in your metabolism. That means two things: no jitters and it works much more slowly. While I lost 30 lbs in 30 days on Phen-Fen (I know!), it took me 90 days to reach 20 lbs. with Lipozene. But a slower weight loss is both healthier and more enduring. Here’s the reality, though. You need to be paying attention. You have a responsibility in this. You’re not gonna lose a thing if you think you’re going to pop 2 Lipozenes and just eat thinking it’s going to burn the food and fat for you. I think a lot of people on this page believed that. It doesn’t alter your brain, and it doesn’t burn fat. It expands in your system much like fiber. As it does that, you have to pay attention to the signals telling you when you’re full. To me, after 30 minutes, the Lipozene feels like I’ve eaten half a bagel. Is that enough to fill you up at dinner? Of course not. But starting a meal feeling like you've eaten half a bagel is a great way to eat less of it! And that’s how Lipozene will work for you.  Amazon user review

 

Lipozene negative user reviews

 

Absolutely no effect on my hunger. I bought it specifically to minimize hunger and have not experienced any changes. I work out and eat sensibly and practice intermittent fasting, and these pills have not helped in any way. Perhaps I'm not the target demographic for this product, but I will not be repurchasing, and I suggest you don't waste your money either. – Amazon review

I've been taking lipozene for about 2 weeks, I take 4 pills a day, 30 min before lunch and dinner. I must say this did not help me lose any weight what so ever. I'm really disappointed this product did not work for me. I 5'3 and weight 165; by no means am I fat but i was trying to lose about 10 to 20 pnds. I'm very fit and healthy eater, I workout everyday for an hour. I do crossfit, boxing, cycle, and go to the gym. I don't know what went wrong and why it didn't work for me but this was my experience with it. It didn't make me feel sick or send me to the bathroom. I had no bad side effects what so ever. Oh well I'm glad I just bought 1 bottle instead of buying the package deal. . – Amazon review

 

Where to buy Glucomannan/konjac fiber supplements for weight loss?

The best Glucomannan/fiber supplements in the market are Instant Knockout, & PhenQ, especially the Instant Knockout  glucomannan System which are better than most run-of-the-mill glucomannan fiber supplements available on ecommerce sites like Amazon.com, eBay etc. which would be second best. For consumers looking to intensify weight loss effects of fat blocking fiber ingredients, product like PhenQ might be best option as it combines fat blocking fiber with other thermogenic and appetite suppressing ingredients.

 

Lipozene vs Alli (Xenical/Orlistat),

Alli (Xenical/Orlistat) etc. are pharmaceuticals that act as fat absorption blockers respectively. They are not natural/herbal supplements like Glucomannan fiber based Lipozene. The pharmaceuticals in general tend to be stronger and also come with more side effects than their natural counterparts Lipozene & PhenQ. Lipozene is a herbal diet supplement falling outside of FDA reviewing while clinical trials demonstrate that Alli is both effective and stable and the results are clearly visible after a short time period.

Can I take Lipozene & Alli together?

 

Although experts don't recommend mixing weight loss medications with similar medications, there seems to be no danger in mixing Lipozene with Alli. However, it is essential to note that there are no proven studies carried out to promote the same and only anecdotal evidence exists for potential benefits of taking Lipozene & Alli together.

Lipozene vs Acxion

 

Lipozene is an over-the-counter dietary supplement containing glucomannan, a fiber that may help reduce appetite, while Acxion is a prescription diet pill containing phentermine, an appetite suppressant. the weight loss effects of Lipozene are primarily due to calorie restriction resulting from reduced appetite, rather than any specific fat-burning or metabolism-boosting properties.

Additionally, the scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of Lipozene is limited, while Acxion works by stimulating the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that reduces hunger signals and increases feelings of satiety, and is typically prescribed for short-term use in combination with lifestyle modifications, such as a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, to help with weight loss in individuals who are obese or overweight.

The choice between the two would depend on factors such as your specific weight loss goals, overall health, and whether you have a prescription from a healthcare professional. It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss medication or supplement.

Lipozene alternatives: Other fiber supplements for weight loss

PhenQ, Instant Knockout, Cheat Meals (with glucomannan & white kidney beans), Benefiber are some of the best fiber supplements for weight loss available. Although glucomannan and other soluble fiber supplements are a good alternative, most consumers need to focus on diet based on whole plant foods combined with a multi-ingredient weight loss supplement like PhenQ that has other ingredients besides fiber. Lipozene has only one ingredient – konjac root powder! Refer to full list of top rated best fat blockers.

What are the Best glucomannan (konjac root) fat blocker/appetite suppressant supplements for weight loss?

 

1. Instant knockout Cut pills

Review: Instant Knockout Cut has become a huge hit among professional fighters, athletes, bodybuilders looking to get shredded, comes with optional meal plan in Instant Knockout glucomannan System. From cutting down fat in time for weigh-ins to staying lean all year round for their training, IK Cut with its ingredients - Glucomannan, caffeine, L-Theanine and green tea as their go-to fat burning and energy product. Apart from IK, we also recommend PhenQ, a nopal fiber based weight loss product.

2. HourGlassFit

Review: HourglassFit Fat Burner supports weight loss in women by incorporating a range of pure and unadulterated ingredients, including herbal extracts, minerals, and vitamins available over the counter. It places a strong emphasis on enhancing body nutrition. The formula includes unique components like 5-HTP, which impacts the serotonin hormone, as well as other appetite suppressants like chromium, capsimax, and glucomannan, all working together to promote weight loss.

This supplement delivers an immediate surge of energy both before and after intense workouts while effectively curbing your calorie intake by suppressing hunger. It significantly reduces your appetite, giving your stomach the illusion of being full for an extended period. Moreover, it aids in mood stabilization, helping you overcome emotional eating tendencies.

3. GNC Total Lean chitosan with glucomannan

Review : GNC Total Lean Chitosan with Glucomannan is scientifically formulated to help promote a feeling of fullness and encourage colon health. Users claim that it fills them up between meals and they are definitely less hungry when they use it. However, it doesn't help with weight loss much without exercise. Experts recommend drinking enough water with it, to help you stay feeling full longer.

4. Nature's way Glucomannan

Review : Nature's way glucomannan is a Vegetarian; Gluten-Free, Non-GMO supplement that expands in your stomach and you won't feel hungry for another 3-5 hours. Most consumer reviews seem to be positive claiming it makes them feel as if you just ate a meal and can be used to help with any fasting diet without much side effects as these pills are just fiber and harmless.

5. Nutricost Glucomannan

Review: Nutricost Glucomannan serves one of the highest quantities of glucomannan Konjac Root extract- 1,800mg of Glucomannan Per Serving (600mg Per Capsule) in a 60 Servings Bottle for about $14. Most user reviews claim that it helps with appetite suppression, however at higher doses, some people may experience mild side effects, such as nausea, bloating, flatulence, soft stools or diarrhea.

6. Glucomannan plus (with Chromium)

Review: Glucomannan Plus™ is a clinically proven high fiber weight management supplement which swells in the stomach to safely and naturally assist weight loss. It also contains green tea extract & chromium to further assist with weight loss.

7. Glucomannan complex

Review: Glucomannan complex comes with Garcinia Cambogia Powder, Green Coffee Bean Extract, Green Tea Extract etc. and has good number of positive reviews. Customers report it reduces hunger & snacking helping them lose a few pounds. And these pills come with no calories and are very high in fibre giving your digestive system a kick in the right direction.

8. Now foods glucomannan 3000mg

Review: Now foods glucomannan 3000mg is a decent glucomannan weight loss supplement with many positive user reviews, that does not necessarily make you lose lot of weight, but it allows you to feel full while on a reduced calorie diet.

Other honorable mentions - Nature's love glucomannan, Nature essential Glucomannan, Solgar Glucomannan, Zein pharma, EatLittle glucomannan xanthan and sodium alginate.

Lipozene vs Skinny pill

“Skinny pill” ads claim its popularity shot after getting featured on Shark tank as a fiber pill for weight loss and after getting many positive user reviews. High on the list of its ingredients are Garcinia Cambognia, Raspberry ketones, Green coffee bean extract, fad ingredients that have been endorsed by “America’s favorite doctors”. However, these claims from products like Skinny pills, Pharmapure sugar blocker dietary supplement etc. & other fiber based pills are quite questionable and unverified.

Lipozene vs Hydroxycut?

While Hydroxycut products generally contain thermogenic & metabolism enhancing ingredients, Lipozene works primarily as an appetite suppressant. If you are contemplating either of them, it's a good idea to go for PhenQ, which is thermogenic, metabolism booster and appetite suppressant - all in one.

Can Lipozene burn belly fat?

According to experts "SPOT" fat reduction is a myth and you have to lose weight throughout your body, to also make you lose weight at the spots you want, like the abdomen area. However, consuming a weight loss supplement like Lipozene and combining with belly fat reduction exercises like HIIT and crunches might give you quicker results.

How long after being on Liopzene (Glucomannan) do you see results?

For most consumers, on average, it may take about 2-3 months of regular consumption for any visible benefits. Taking Lipozene alternatives which combine glucomannan with other fat burning ingredients might work faster for weight loss.

What are best natural fat blocker pills that work?

PhenQ, Instant Knockout, Cheat meals are best otc fat blocker/soluble bulking fiber supplement pills that work and act as viscous fiber supplements, similar to glucomannan. Other supplements that work similarly include guar gum, chitosan, and bean pod (Phoseolus vulgaris).

How much weight can you lose with glucomannan?

According to one 2007 British Journal of Nutrition clinical study, individuals who took glucomannan and psyllium husk combination supplement lost close to 10 pounds in 16 weeks compared to 1.7 pounds lost in the placebo group.

Lipozene vs MetaboUp

MetaboUp Plus is an all-natural energy boosting, thermogenic weight loss supplement that works to increase your energy and boost your metabolism while Lipozene is primarily an appetite suppressant that makes you feel full by water-absorbing expanding fiber called Glucomannan. MetaboUp Plus contains ingredients like Green Tea Leaf Extract (50% polyphenols), Guarana Seed Extract (22% caffeine), Caffeine, Oolong Tea Leaf etc. thereby helping your body to lose weight by increasing your body's ability to burn calories. Another thermogenic supplement like MetaboUP is PhenTabz.

Lipozene vs Plenity

Plenity is a FDA-cleared weight loss product that works physically to fill up your stomach, and make less space available to fill with food. Both Lipozene and Plenity have similar mechanisms of working but have different ingredients. Plenity is a blend of two ingredients- cellulose (a natural, soluble fiber that is found in fruits, vegetables, and grains) and Citric acid. On the other hand, Lipozene's primarily ingredient is glucomannan. After consuming Plenity, the Hydrogel absorbs up to 100 times its own molecular weight in water, similar to the way Lipozene's glucomannan works.

Lipozene vs Relacore

Lipozene acts more actively by suppressing the amount of fat that your body absorb from your food. On the other hand, Relacore is a mood balancer diet supplement that helps to reduce stress, hence preventing you from getting fat. Its ingredients are Magnolia Bark, Passion Flower, Niacinamide, Panax Ginseng, and Pinellia.

Lipozene (Glucomannan) vs Metamucil (Psyllium husk)

Glucommann and psyllium both outperform other fiber supplements for weight reduction. Both are soluble bulking fibers, forming a bulky mass after consumption. The main difference between Lipozene (glucomannan) and Metamucil (psyllium) is their source. Glucomannan is derived from the root of the konjac plant, whereas psyllium husks are taken from the Plantago ovate shrub.

As they are both good options for soluble fiber for weight loss, glucomannan and psyllium husks have a variety of well-known traits. They share similar properties and determining which one is right for you will depend on your individual set of circumstances. While glucomannan is well studied for its positive effects on weight loss, healthy cholesterol & blood sugar, Psyllium husk has been mostly used for management of chronic constipation & IBS. However, similar to glucomannan, psyllium, while absorbing liquid can also help give you a feeling of being full and may help you lose weight. Like glucomannan, Psyllium is good for your heart and blood sugar levels too.

Lipozene (glucomannan) vs Chitosan – Which is better natural fat blocker

Chitosan is a processed form of chitin (naturally occurring biodegradable fiber), is more soluble, but non-digestible dietary fiber and is mainly composed of glucosamine chains and is popular ingredient in some fat & carb blocker weight loss pills. When consumed, its network of large molecules binds to toxins, fats, and cholesterol in the gut. These get eliminated from the gut and removed with the stool.

Chitosan is made from the exoskeletons of shellfish, so people with shellfish allergies should avoid chitosan while Lipozene is made up of glucomannan. Glucomannan seems to have more positive user reviews than Chitosan.

Lipozene(Glucomannan) vs meratrim?

Meratrim is a weight loss supplement that combines extracts of two medicinal metabolism boosting herbs - Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana. While Lipozene contains glucomannan. Both the supplements have been studied for weight loss results. Apart from some side effects & negative user reviews, both Lipozene and Meratrim, in general have positive reviews.

Best Chitosan with Glucomannan for weight loss?

Cheat Meals and GNC total lean chitosan with glucomannan are best supplements that combine chitosan and glucomannan in a diet pill. However, we recommend Instant Knockout over them.

Does glucomannan and psyllium husk work for weight loss?

There haven't been much clinical studies on taking glucomannan and psyllium husk together for weight loss. However, individually, both glucomannan and psyllium husk have been studied for weight loss potential, for example, this one for psyllium husk and this one for glucomannan.

Bottomline on Lipozene (Glucomannan)

Consumers not willing to plan to diet and exercise won't see much benefits from taking Lipozene, Glucomannan or fat/carbs blockers like Chitosan. Trying to include it as a part of some serious weight loss program, exercise, and diet, may help mildly! Lipozene (glucomannan) works only by one mechanism or line of action - "appetite suppression" by making stomach full by fiber.

However, appetite suppression and weight loss in general is not that simple. Besides, many users have reported fatigue, weakness and intestinal side effects. Typical Fiber supplements & tablets in the market like Glucomannan fiber(konjac)/Chitosan or other herbal over-the-counter fat blockers are usually too weak appetite suppressants/metabolism boosters to deal with complex hormonal dynamics of obesity.   

Also, it is crucial to remember that many glucomannan and chitosan supplements, amorphophallus konjac weight loss pills, capsules in the market haven't been tested for safety and dietary supplements are typically unregulated.  

The links contained in this article may result in a small commission if you opt to purchase the product recommended at no additional cost to you. This goes towards supporting our research and editorial team and please know we only recommend high-quality products. It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss medication or supplement.

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