Getting rid of excess weight has been everybody’s concern. There are many ways that can help burn fat without strict diets or exercise regimens. Lipozene is a weight loss supplement that claims to do just that with exceptional results. However, study results on Lipozene’s active ingredient are mixed and many people experience numerous lipozene side effects. This article discusses the effectiveness of Lipozene, whether it’s safe to use and lipozene side effects.

What is Lipozene?

Lipozene is an over-the-counter weight loss supplement that contains a water-soluble fiber called glucomannan. In fact, glucomannan is the only active ingredient in Lipozene. It comes from the roots of the konjac plant, which is also called elephant yam. The glucomannan fiber has an extraordinary ability to absorb water — a single capsule can turn an entire glass of water into a gel.

For this reason, it’s often used as an additive to thicken or emulsify food. It’s also the main ingredient in shirataki noodles.
As a result of this water-absorbing property, glucomannan can have certain health benefits, such as constipation relief and reductions in cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and may contribute to weight loss.
Lipozene is a commercial glucomannan product that claims to offer all these benefits without requiring a prescription.
It also contains gelatin, magnesium silicate, and stearic acid. None of these help with weight loss — instead, they add bulk and keep the product from getting lumpy.

The manufacturers of Lipozene also offer another product, MetaboUP Plus, which claims to help increase metabolism and energy levels. However, there is no research available on the effectiveness or safety of this supplement.

Health Benefits of Lipozene

When it comes to Lipozene, there are some benefits to note, as well as possible side effects. It’s very important to remember here that the benefits listed all refer to Lipozene’s only active ingredient, glucomannan. There are no listed studies that investigate Lipozene tablets specifically, and other methods of consuming glucomannan will afford the same results (potentially without the added side effects).

It may keep the body full

Taking Lipozene with a full glass of water before each meal creates a thick, gel-like substance in the stomach. This substance leaves less room in the stomach for food.
Because of this, a person who takes Lipozene may feel full sooner which may reduce the chance of overeating.

Constipation Relief

It’s possible that glucomannan, like that found in Lipozene, might relieve constipation. A variety of studies show it has the ability to encourage bowel movements and release stubborn waste.
This seems true for both adults and children, though I do not recommend providing Lipozene pills to children in any case — or adults for that matter.

Lowered Heart Disease Risk

Limited evidence has found that glucomannan products have the ability to positively alter some heart disease risk factors. One study found that glucomannan supplementation lowered LDL cholesterol and high triglycerides.
Another report suggests that glucomannan might improve gut health and improve metabolic syndrome factors. This might be because of the way glucomannan can potentially increase the activity of an antioxidant in the body known as glutathione peroxidase. This antioxidant protects from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and may improve heart disease, cancer and other disease risk.

Improved Diabetes Symptoms

A well-documented feature of glucomannan is its ability to improve diabetes symptoms and risk factors. In addition to lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, glucomannan has been found to lower fasting blood sugar levels, according to research.
In general, it’s acceptable to assume glucomannan might have mild to moderate benefits for those suffering from diabetes, including high-risk patients.

Weight Loss

Some of the above studies have also found minor weight loss benefits by using glucomannan products like Lipozene. This is most likely due to two factors.
For one, Lipozene does increase satiety, the feeling you get when you’re full of food, without actually eating as much as it would normally take. Like I mentioned above, this is not always a great way to lose weight because it doesn’t involve eating better food, just a smaller amount.
The other weight loss factor is that some evidence finds glucomannan causes some fat and protein not to digest entirely but pass through the system unprocessed. This means that if you eat, say, 1,000 calories in a meal, you may not absorb all the protein and fat, only getting 700 of those calories (in this arbitrary example).
Again, there are better and more lasting ways to lose weight that involve eating the kind of protein, fat and other nutrients you want to absorb.

It may reduce calories from meals

As glucomannan can make the body feel fuller, it might reduce the number of calories a person eats with each meal. If the person consumes fewer calories than they burn each day, this could lead to weight loss over time.
The fiber itself is also low in calories, so taking it does not add much to the diet.

Side Effects of Lipozene

Constipation

Yes, you read that right. While glucomannan products tend to have a constipation relief effect, other individuals find the opposite. In Skinny Betty’s Lipozene review above, she also recounts her own personal story of severe constipation resulting in anal fissures after a month of Lipozene supplements.
If that sounds awful, it’s because it is. While this severe of a reaction is not experienced by the majority of people taking Lipozene, it may be a risk.

Diarrhea

Generally another common issue with too much fiber, diarrhea can occur when your body produces the water necessary to remove the excess fiber, resulting in painful diarrhea.
Among the online customer Lipozene reviews, diarrhea was one of the most common complaints, with some people insisting they were unable to attend work or other normal activities because it was so constant.

Choking

Dry-swallowing Lipozene or other glucomannan supplements can often result in choking as the liquid in the throat causes the major expansion of this fiber.
Dosage instructions always include drinking the tablets/capsules with an eight-ounce glass of water, which not only helps the fiber absorb in your stomach and curb appetite, but also ensures enough hydration for the pills to reach the stomach without expanding.

Abdominal Discomfort

Another recorded side effect of Lipozene is abdominal discomfort, including everything from excess flatulence to potential intestinal blockage from expanding fiber.

Dizziness

A few anecdotal reports show complaints of vertigo within short time periods of beginning a Lipozene regimen. While there is no evidence to determine why this might happen, it’s possible a lack of nutrition could lead to that lightheaded feeling.

Unhealthy Weight Loss

Above all, my biggest concern with Lipozene is the way it encourages you to curb eating altogether. Several individual customers said in their Lipozene reviews that they were excited because they had been able to go “X” number of days without food.
Starving the body is not a good way to lose weight. Yes, you may shed pounds, but it’s not the way to go about it. Weight loss by starving yourself is not sustainable, nor helpful in reducing your risk for illness and disease.

Does Lipizene work?

Typically, the effectiveness of Lipozene for weight loss is mild. A review in Current Obesity Reports notes a broad body of research, suggesting that glucomannan may be mildly effective for weight loss.
The researchers note weight loss of 0.5–1.7 pounds after taking glucomannan for 5.2 weeks.
However, an older 2013 study suggests that glucomannan does not promote weight loss, alter body composition, or change feelings of hunger or fullness.
For some people, these mixed results may be enough to justify taking Lipozene to boost their diet and weight loss goals. Other people may feel they do not justify the cost or potential side effects.

Reactions from other ingredients

Although glucomannan and konjac root are not common allergens. Some people may be more sensitive to the added ingredients in Lipozene.
Aside from glucomannan from the konjac root, Lipozene capsules also contain:

• gelatin
• microcrystalline cellulose
• magnesium silicate
• stearic acid
• titanium dioxide
• FD&C Blue #1

Pros and cons at a glance

The pros of Lipozene dietary supplements include that it:

• may enable weight loss
• may prevent a person from overeating
• may reduce the absorption of fat
• may work as a prebiotic, increasing healthy bacteria in the intestines
• is additive-free
• is laxative-free
• is stimulant-free
• may reduce levels of glucose
• may reduce cholesterol
• may reduce fats in the blood
• may lower blood pressure

The cons of Lipozene dietary supplements include that it:

• only yields mild, inconsistent weight loss in research studies
• is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
• may reduce the effectiveness of certain medications
• may cause stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation
• risk of choking

Alternative weight loss solutions

Whether you’re having difficulty managing portion sizes, finding time to exercise, or changing other health-related behaviors. There are many programs and services that can support your weight loss efforts.
Here are a few options to consider:

• Make an appointment with an RD: For a truly personalized approach to weight loss, you can search for an RD in your area or find one who offers online coaching.
• Download a meal planning app: PlateJoy is a meal planning app designed by RDs. Using the results of a detailed questionnaire, the app curates weekly menus and shopping lists to help you reach your health goals.
• Try a prepared meal delivery service: If you dislike cooking or have difficulty keeping portion sizes in check, a prepared meal delivery service could be a great option. While there are several to choose from, Factor and Trifecta Nutrition stand out for offering nutritionally balanced, low calorie meals designed to keep you satisfied.
• Shake up your exercise routine: If you have trouble finding motivation to move more, it may be helpful to try a new form of exercise. From hiking and kayaking to barre classes and virtual workout classes, there are many ways to increase your physical activity.