Diet pills like Lipozene claim to help you lose weight effectively. But weight loss supplements can come with unexpected health consequences, which is why it’s essential to know about Lipozene’s side effects before you give it a try.
This article explains Lipozene and its potential risks. Talk to your doctor before taking any weight loss pill, including Lipozene, to make sure it’s safe, especially if you have a medical condition or take prescription medication.
What Is Lipozene, and What Are the Ingredients?
So what does Lipozene do? It’s a weight-loss supplement that promises to help you feel full, eat less, and lose weight in doing so, according to the manufacturer’s website.
The main Lipozene ingredient is a konjac root extract called glucomannan, which is a natural fiber found in the roots of the elephant yam plant. Glucomannan is a hygroscopic fiber, meaning it forms a gel-like substance and expands in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract after you consume it. In theory, this should increase satiety and mean you eat less, prompting weight loss in the process. The Lipozene website recommends taking two pills before each big meal you eat, or about six pills a day.
But does Lipozene work? Studies haven’t looked at the supplement directly, but a review looked at research examining the weight loss effects of glucomannan. The authors found that glucomannan’s impact on weight loss was inconsistent across studies, and when it did occur, the effects were only modest. Results for weight loss ranged from 0.5 kilograms (kg) to 1.27 kg.
It’s unclear whether Lipozene has even these modest effects. And there’s no evidence to suggest that any dietary supplement can help you lose weight and keep it off in the long term. Studies on glucomannan have generally focused on blood glucose and blood fat levels rather than changing body weight.
It’s also important to remember that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate dietary supplements in the same way as medications. There’s no guarantee that Lipozene is safe, contains the ingredients it claims to include, or produces the effects described in its advertising.
Developing new habits that involve a nutritious diet and regular exercise is your best bet when it comes to sustainable weight loss, not opting for unproven diet pills.
Side Effects of Taking Lipozene
The jury is still out on whether Lipozene does or doesn’t help you lose weight. But there are some risks of taking Lipozene. Here are those potential side effects.
1. It Can Cause Digestive Issues
Digestive problems are the most common Lipozene side effects.
Adding large amounts of fiber to your diet all at once can upset your digestive system. That (along with the fact that glucomannan expands in your gut) can lead to mild gastrointestinal side effects.
Here are some of the digestive issues you may experience from the supplement:
Flatulence
Loose stools
Diarrhea
Constipation
Abdominal discomfort
However, a smaller dose (keeping to under 15.1 grams daily for several weeks) has not caused significant safety concerns. However, even an intake below 3 g daily can contribute to diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort.
It’s best to get your fiber from whole foods rather than supplements unless your doctor recommends otherwise.
2. It Can Obstruct Your Esophagus
Because glucomannan expands in water, there’s a slight risk that it can create a blockage in your esophagus as it absorbs fluid (particularly if you take it in solid tablet form). This risk increases at higher doses.
Make sure to take supplements that contain glucomannan with plenty of water to avoid an esophageal obstruction. It’s also important to avoid products containing glucomannan if you already have dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing.
3. It Doesn’t Mix Well With Certain Medications
Soluble fibers that form gels may slow the absorption of certain medications, resulting in decreased effectiveness of the drugs.
So if you’re taking any prescription medication, talk to your doctor before trying the supplement to make sure Lipozene is not dangerous for you.
Does Lipozene Affect Blood Pressure?
There’s no evidence to show Lipozene’s side effects include blood pressure issues. In fact, research found that giving rats glucomannan lowered their diastolic blood pressure, although stronger studies involving humans are necessary.
That said, this research looked at glucomannan supplements, not Lipozene specifically. The same findings may not apply to human studies or studies involving Lipozene. Despite this, strong evidence also doesn’t link glucomannan to an increase in blood pressure.
The Takeaway
Though Lipozene contains glucomannan, which helps with feeling fuller, limited evidence supporting the supplement’s effectiveness in achieving and maintaining long-term weight loss.
Common side effects of Lipozene include digestive issues like flatulence and abdominal discomfort. Consuming the supplement with plenty of water can prevent other risks, such as an esophageal obstruction.
Lipozene can potentially interact with medications and slow their absorption. Discuss its use with a healthcare provider, particularly if you take any medication.
Rely on developing sustainable habits in nutrition and exercise rather than using supplements for more effective and safer weight loss outcomes.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Sean Hashmi, MD, is an experienced nephrologist and obesity medicine specialist based in Southern California. As the regional director for clinical nutrition and weight management at a prominent healthcare organization in Southern California, Dr. Hashmi oversees the development and implementation of cutting-edge nutritional programs and weight management strategies. With his innovative approach and unwavering commitment to providing evidence-based solutions, he is a highly sought-after speaker and a leader in his field.
Hashmi founded the nonprofit organization SelfPrinciple.org to provide accessible and accurate health, nutrition, and wellness information to the public. Through this platform, he shares the latest research findings, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being. Self Principle also supports children's education by providing scholarships, books, and supplies, so that students have the resources necessary to succeed academically and build a brighter future.
