Why You Don’t Want to Use Lipozene

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.