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Lipozene is a fiber-containing supplement hailed for its effectiveness for weight loss. It contains glucomannan as the active substance in a capsule form. Glucomannan is derived from the root of Amorphophallus konjac (konjac plant or elephant yam). The plant is native to China and south-east Asia.
The glucomannan (Lipozene) in konjac is a soluble, fermentable, and highly viscous fiber traditionally also used for cooking in Japan and China. It is claimed that glucomannan preparations promote the loss of weight and reduction of cholesterol levels. They may also help in the reduction of sugar levels in individuals suffering from diabetes. Many of these claims are still under research. Lipozene/glucomannan is thought to act by causing early fullness while eating and reducing the fat absorption from the intestine. It is also believed to help the growth of good bacteria in the gut and cause the formation of good fatty acids, which improve the lipid profile (cholesterol levels).
How fast do you lose weight with Lipozene?
The extent and rapidity of weight loss may vary depending on several factors, such as physical activity, dietary control, and any underlying conditions. On average, it may take about 2-3 months of regular consumption for any visible benefits. On oral consumption of Lipozene, the chemicals in our digestive system (gut) are unable to break down this compound into smaller or simpler substances. Thus, the glucomannan (Lipozene) passes mostly unchanged into the gut. In this process, it absorbs a lot of water and gives you a feeling of fullness.
Lipozene is believed to cause weight loss by killing hunger pangs, delaying the emptying of food by the stomach, slowing small bowel emptying, and controlling post-meal insulin spikes.
An 8-week study was conducted in which the patients were given 1.5 g of Lipozene (glucomannan) twice daily an hour before lunch and dinner. These individuals lost about 1.5 kgs at the end of 1 month and had about 2.2 kg weight-loss at the end of 2 months. These losses were significant when compared with the group that had no Lipozene. A significant reduction of cholesterol was seen in individuals taking Lipozene at 12 weeks of the study.
Is Lipozene safe?
Lipozene contains 1.5 g of Amorphophallus konjac (glucomannan) in a capsule form. Though the product is otherwise well tolerated, more clinical evidence is required to know if the capsule is absolutely safe. Also, the maximum effective and maximum tolerable doses of Lipozene in different age-groups is yet to be established, though doses up to 3 g cause no significant problems in most people.
- The Lipozene capsule is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of evidence for its safety in pregnancy.
- There have been reports of people developing obstruction in food-pipe and stomach after taking Lipozene. This obstruction may cause severe gastric distress and pain. In individuals with known motility problems of the gastrointestinal system (sluggish gut, diabetes gastroparesis) or those with structural abnormalities of the gut, Lipozene is not recommended.
- In individuals who have fluctuating sugar levels, caution is advised. The potential ability of the Lipozene to lower blood glucose may cause a dangerously low sugar level, especially in those receiving oral antidiabetic medicines or insulin.
- Glucomannan may reduce the availability of other oral medications like antibiotics, cholesterol medicines, and blood pressure medicines in the body.
- Glucomannan has been linked to cholestatic hepatitis and occupational asthma in some studies.
- Other minor adverse effects of Lipozene or glucomannan are loose motions, flatulence, belly cramps, and bloating.
- A few people develop sensitivity to fiber supplements and get rashes on the body.
Hence, the supplement should be taken under the proper guidance and care of a qualified health professional.