Lipozene: Skinny or Scam?

The Obesity Research Institute, LLC has discovered a new, easy way for you to lose weight; Lipozene. They claim anyone can lose weight by popping a few Lipozene pills a day. No dieting or exercise required! So, is this too good to be true? Yes and no.

Unfortunately, Lipozene is nothing more than a glorified, overpriced fiber pill. The main ingredient is glucomannan, a soluble fiber found in konjac root. Basically, you take a pill 30 minutes to an hour before your meal with eight ounces of water. The fiber fills you up and you eat less at mealtime. Is this a bad thing? No, but will it melt fat off your thighs? Not all by itself.

The Obesity Research Institute, makers of Lipozene, is run by Henny Den Uijl and Bryan Corlett. If their names don't ring a bell, how about FiberThin or Propolene? In 2005, the Federal Trade Commission fined these men and ORI $1.5 million for misleading claims about their fiber, weight loss products. Glucomannan was also the main ingredient in those weight loss products.

Additionally, ORI claims Lipozene is "scientifically proven" through studies, but they refuse to reveal their studies. Most likely, they are citing the 2005 study done by the Rush University College of Nursing in Chicago which reported that "preliminary evidence suggests that GM [glucomannan] may promote weight loss. At doses of 2-4 g per day, GM was well-tolerated and resulted in significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals". The fiber-weight loss connection has been studied for years. Lipozene is nothing new or inventive. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the few studies on glucomannan were small and limited in their methodology, which can yield inaccurate results.

Glucomannan is also a very strong laxative. Drug Digest notes that "Glucomannan does not dissolve in water, but forms a thick, gooey gel when exposed to fluids. The body does not digest glucomannan, so the resulting large soft mass moves through the intestines and may trigger intestinal muscle contractions." The pill must be taken with a minimum of 8 ounces of water. Consuming glucomannan without adequate water can cause choking, throat swelling and subsequent suffocation. In 2002, a candy sold in the US was recalled for that very reason; 6 children suffocated and died from sucking on this non-dissolving candy that contained traces of glucomannan.

Most doctors emphasize that losing weight takes work and effort. There is no pill you can take that will magically melt away pounds. On the FTC website, they caution consumers about weight loss products saying, "Achieving a healthy weight takes work. Take a pass on any product that promises miraculous results without the effort. Buy one and the only thing you'll lose is money".

Though fiber is necessary in a healthy diet, popping a few fiber pills per day is not going to help you look like the toned, gorgeous body on the Lipozene website. You have to work hard to build a toned body. Even if the "magic pill" helps you lose weight, you're not losing only fat. If you're one of the average Americans who lacks enough fiber in your diet, adding some soluble fiber to your daily regimen could be healthy, but there's no reason to pay through the nose for it. Other companies, such as Nature's Way, have sold glucomannan for years, and a 100 count bottle will only cost you about $10.

The bottom line: Though Lipozene may increase feelings of fullness and act as a laxative, it's not the healthiest way to lose weight. Obesity Research Institute's claims have not been substantiated, their product is incredibly overpriced and online reviews of the product have not been positive. Exercise and a healthy diet must accompany any dietary aide for successful, long-lasting weight loss.