Supplements Why You Don’t Want to Use Lipozene By Jill Corleone, RD Jill Corleone, RD Jill is a registered dietitian who's been writing about nutrition, health, and fitness for more than 20 years. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 02, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Medically reviewed by Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT is a New York City-based telehealth registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition communications expert. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Adah Chung Fact checked by Adah Chung Adah is an occupational therapist, working in the area of pediatrics with elementary students with special needs in the schools. Her work as an occupational therapist includes: home health, acute care, chronic care, seating and positioning, outpatient rehab, and skilled nursing rehab. Learn about our editorial process Print Tassii / Getty images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Is Lipozene? What Does Research Say? Possible Side Effects or Drawbacks Alternatives Frequently Asked Questions More than $2 billion—that’s how much Americans spend every year on weight loss pills. After all, losing weight is hard. Who wouldn’t want a little help? But weight loss supplements tend to make big promises without a lot of research to back up their claims. One such example is Lipozene. This popular weight loss pill contains a “natural active ingredient” that claims to help you lose weight without the need to follow a strict diet. Unfortunately, weight loss supplements like Lipozene are not very effective when it comes to weight management and can be costly—and dangerous. Here, we introduce you to Lipozene and provide what you need to know including why you should avoid using it. What Is Lipozene? Lipozene is a dietary supplement promoted to help with weight loss. The main ingredient in the supplement is a proprietary blend of amorphophallus konjac from konjac root. Or, glucomannan, which is a soluble fiber. According to the makers of Lipozene, the active ingredient in the supplement helps you feel full faster and stay full longer so you eat less and lose weight. However, there may be some risks with taking the supplement. For instance, it can cause digestive issues or get lodged in the esophagus. Glucomannan expands in water, so there's a slight risk that when taken in tablet form it can create a blockage in your esophagus. Other issues such as loose stools, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort are possible side effects of this supplement. Additionally, taking weight loss supplements can contribute to diet culture and potentially lead to disordered eating. Diet culture is the belief that weight and shape are more important than health. This pervasive belief can lead to disordered eating, such as labeling foods as good and bad or that food is something you have to earn. If you or a loved one are coping with an eating disorder, contact the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline for support at 1-800-931-2237. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. What Does Research Say? When it comes to weight loss, the research on the active ingredient in Lipozene—glucomannan—is mixed, but most studies find it ineffective. It may, however, help improve cholesterol and blood sugar numbers. Here is what you need to know about Lipozene. Weight Loss Glucomannan is a water-soluble indigestible fiber that absorbs water as it moves through your digestive tract. It’s theorized that this low-calorie fiber helps with weight loss by replacing other higher calorie foods and making you feel full because of how it expands in the digestive tract. When it comes to glucomannan's impact on weight loss, the results are inconclusive. For instance, a few researchers have looked into whether or not glucomannan can help with weight loss with mixed results. In a 2013 study published in the Journal of Obesity, a group of participants took 1.33 grams of glucomannan or a placebo before each meal for 8 weeks. The researchers found no significant differences in weight loss or hunger levels between the group taking the fiber supplement and the group taking the placebo. Meanwhile, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics investigated the effects of glucomannan on weight reduction in a group of overweight and obese kids. Again, the researchers saw no changes in weight in the group taking the water-soluble fiber. A more recent 2020 review of six studies of randomized clinical trials published in Obesity Medicine found glucomannan may be helpful in promoting weight loss. Meanwhile, a 2018 prospective study looked at the long-term weight-loss benefits of glucomannan and garcinia cambogia, which saw reduced weight and improvements in lipids and glucose blood profile in overweight and obese participants. Despite this, the 2020 review continues to suggest more assessment of glucomannan on body composition with a validated method of study. Garcinia cambogia is a common ingredient in weight-loss supplements, though it’s not in Lipozene. This fruit contains high amounts of hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which purportedly inhibits the body from making fat. Consequently, in this case, it’s not clear whether the weight loss seen in this prospective study is due to the fiber or HCA. In either case, there is no evidence to show that garcinia cambogia will provide effective weight loss at this time. Some side effects may include headache, nausea, upper respiratory issues, stomach and intestinal symptoms, mania, or liver damage. How Fiber Benefits Your Body May Improve Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels Though not a Lipozene claim, there’s some evidence that the active ingredient in the weight-loss supplement may help lower cholesterol. The study in the Journal of Pediatrics found a significant improvement in cholesterol, but higher blood pressure in the young participants taking the fiber supplement. However, research is mixed. An adult study published in the Journal of Obesity found no improvements in cholesterol numbers. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that glucommanon appears to have been mostly studied on the effects of cholesterol and blood glucose. Theoretically, the fiber slows down digestion and absorption, which may help stabilize blood sugar numbers. In a 2022 review of six studies of random clinical trials, glucomannan appears effective in fasting blood glucose, but not blood glucose after meals. The authors recommend finding out how glucomannan is affecting fasting blood glucose. Meanwhile, in a 2017 review of 12 studies, glucomannan reduced bad cholesterol, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol by 10% and 7% respectively. However, higher-quality research is needed to confirm glucomannan's improvement and mechanism in cholesterol and blood glucose. Fitness and Nutrition News Possible Side Effects or Drawbacks Purchasing Lipozene is easy, but you need to know about possible side effects and drawbacks of this weight-loss supplement before adding it to your checkout cart. Although the active ingredient in Lipozene is a type of dietary fiber, adding it to your daily routine may cause gastrointestinal symptoms like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Additionally, the Lipozene label and the NIH warn not to take this supplement without an adequate amount of fluids. The pill may swell in the esophagus, blocking the passageway. Unlike medications, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require dietary supplements like Lipozene to undergo testing for effectiveness and safety before it hits the shelves. It’s up to the manufacturer to prove their product is safe, so there is no way to guarantee that what you're taking is effective or safe. Price is another drawback of Lipozene, especially because you may be spending money on a supplement that may not offer any benefits. There’s also very little evidence that the active ingredient in the weight-loss supplement can help you lose weight. Consult with your primary care provider before adding any dietary supplement to your daily routine. These supplements contain active ingredients that might reduce the effectiveness of certain medications or interact with them in an unsafe way. Fitness and Nutrition News Alternatives Most health experts agree that the key to reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is achieved by making changes to your lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein and getting regular physical activity. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are natural sources of fiber, which may help with appetite control for getting to and maintaining your goal weight. Meanwhile, any form of activity is good, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic activity—like a brisk walk, bike ride, or game of basketball—five days a week, plus strength training twice a week. Talk to a healthcare provider or consult with a certified personal trainer for a personalized plan. 7-Day Healthy and Balanced Meal Plan Ideas: Recipes & Prep A Word From Verywell When you start focusing on your health, your weight is often the first thing you want to change. Like many, you may turn to weight loss supplements to get a jumpstart; but your weight is only part of your overall health. Instead of turning to weight loss pills like Lipozene, focus on creating habits that benefit your health, like being more active and eating more nutritious foods. Also opt for getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep and managing stress. Making these lifestyle changes benefits your body, mind, and spirit. If you need additional support meeting your weight management goals, contact a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for support. Frequently Asked Questions Are Lipozene supplements safe? Lipozene supplements are relatively safe when taken as directed. However, the Lipozene label and NIH warn that the pill may swell in the esophagus if not taken with enough water. It’s recommended that you take Lipozene with at least 8 ounces of fluid. Learn More: What Is the Satiating Diet? How does Lipozene work? According to the makers of Lipozene, the supplement works by helping you feel full faster and stay full longer. However, there’s little evidence to back up these claims. Instead of using Lipozene to develop your intuitive eating skills, you may want to focus on changing your thinking surrounding food and nutrition. Learn More: What Is Intuitive Eating? 10 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary supplements for weight loss. Keithley JK, Swanson B, Mikolaitis SL, et al. Safety and efficacy of glucomannan for weight loss in overweight and moderately obese adults. J Obes. 2013;2013:610908. doi:10.1155/2013/610908 Zalewski BM, Szajewska H. No effect of glucomannan on body weight reduction in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity: A randomized controlled trial. J Pediatr. 2019;211:85-91.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.03.044 Mohammadpour S, Animi M, Shahinfar H, et al. Effects of glucomannan supplementation on weight loss in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Obesity Med. 2020;19(100276). doi:10.1016/j.obmed.2020.100276 Maia-Landim A, Ramírez JM, Lancho C, Poblador MS, Lancho JL. Long-term effects of Garcinia cambogia/Glucomannan on weight loss in people with obesity, PLIN4, FTO and Trp64Arg polymorphisms. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018;18(1):26.doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2099-7 Keithley JK, Swanson B, Mikolaitis SL, et al. Safety and efficacy of glucomannan for weight loss in overweight and moderately obese adults. J Obes. 2013;2013:610908. doi:10.1155/2013/610908 Dahl WJ, Stewart ML. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Health implications of dietary fiber. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015;115(11):1861-70. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2015.09.003 Mirzababaei A, Zandkarimi R, Moradi S, et al. The effect of Glucomannan on fasting and postprandial blood glucose in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Diabetes Metab Disord. Published online February 27, 2022. doi:10.1007/s40200-022-00993-6 Ho HVT, Jovanovski E, Zurbau A, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effect of konjac glucomannan, a viscous soluble fiber, on LDL cholesterol and the new lipid targets non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105(5):1239-1247. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.142158 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How much physical activity do adults need?. Additional Reading Lipozene. Official website. By Jill Corleone, RD Jill is a registered dietitian who's been learning and writing about nutrition for more than 20 years. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit