Lipozene Review: Does It Actually Work for Weight Loss?

Diet pills are an attractive option for many people who have difficulty losing weight.

Many manufacturers of diet pills offer a fast way for you to lose weight without making other lifestyle changes, which may sound appealing to some.

Lipozene is one of the popular supplements that claim to help with weight loss.

The main ingredient used in Lipozene is a soluble fiber called glucomannan, which comes from konjac root. Research has shown that fiber can aid in weight loss. (1, 2)

But, does a supplement like Lipozene actually work, and is it safe? This review discusses the research behind the supplement’s ingredients.

How Does Lipozene Work?

The proprietary blend used in Lipozene is from the root of the konjac plant, Amorphophallus konjac, also called elephant yam. This contains a water-soluble fiber called glucomannan. (3)

Glucomannan absorbs about 50 times its weight in water and forms a gel-like substance. A small amount of glucomannan can turn 8 ounces of water into gel. In food, glucomannan is used as a thickener. (4)

Some potential benefits of glucomannan include:

• Keeping You Full: The manufacturers of Lipozene claim that the proprietary fiber blend can increase feelings of fullness that can last for hours.

• Reducing Calorie Intake: Improving feelings of fullness may help decrease total calorie intake and increase weight loss goals more quickly, and in a natural way.

• Improving Gut Health: Soluble fiber is linked to improved gut health, which is linked to better weight management.

Can Lipozene Aid in Weight Loss?

Getting enough fiber has been shown to promote weight loss. (1)

However, results are mixed on whether glucomannan, the main ingredient in Lipozene, can improve weight loss specifically.

The creators of Lipozene sponsored their own 8-week study where participants were instructed to take glucomannan and not change anything in their diet or exercise regimen.

They reported an average loss of 4.93 pounds, and that 78% of the weight loss was from loss of body fat, although it is unclear how this was measured.

It is important to note this information came directly from their website, and there was no link to an actual study. However, recent research has shown positive effects on weight loss with glucomannan.

Studies on Glucomannan

One analysis involving 225 people found that glucomannan supplementation can lead to a significant reduction in body weight in those who are obese or overweight. (5)

In another review of overweight children and adults, the effects of glucomannan on body weight and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed. (6)

The data on children in this review was too limited to conclude a positive effect of glucomannan on weight loss. But, a short-term intake of glucomannan showed a positive effect on reducing body weight in 3 of 5 studies on adults. (6)

However, other studies have shown no effect on weight loss with glucomannan.

These included a recent study on 96 overweight and obese children ages 6–17 years who supplemented with glucomannan for 12 weeks, and a 2014 study involving 9 randomized clinical trials with adults. (7)

Results showed glucomannan did not significantly improve weight loss. (8)

In addition, A 2013 study involving overweight or obese people taking glucomannan found that although it was considered safe, it did not promote weight loss or significantly alter body composition or hunger and fullness levels. (9)

Although recent evidence has been favorable in support of glucomannan for short-term weight loss, some older studies have shown no improvements.

Also, reviews on the Lipozene website are mixed. Some reviewers claim it works well, while others claim it has not helped them with weight loss at all.

Lipozene Legal Actions

When it comes to the claims of weight loss by the makers of Lipozene, there has been some controversy.

The company behind Lipozene, Obesity Research Institute, was involved in a class action settlement and accused of deceiving consumers about the effectiveness of its supplment. The complaint was filed in 2013.

Although the company did not admit to any wrong-doing, it settled for $4.6 million to end the lawsuit in 2019.

What Are the Other Ingredients Used in Lipozene?

Lipozene is non-GMO, gluten-free, and caffeine-free.

When purchasing supplements, you may also want to consider the inactive ingredients listed. Lipozene contains the following inactive ingredients:

• Gelatin: Adds bulk to the product.
• Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Silicate & Stearic Acid: Food additives that act as anti-caking agents and fillers.
• Titanium Dioxide: A food coloring agent.
• FD&C Blue #1: An artificial blue dye.

These ingredients play no role in weight loss but are added for color and as fillers for bulking and anti-caking to decrease glucomannan from clumping in the capsule.

Because gelatin is derived from animal products, Lipozene is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Safety and Side Effects

The main ingredient in Lipozene, glucomannan, is generally considered safe. Since it is a fiber supplement, the primary side effects are related to potential gastrointestinal discomfort.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the main side effects of glucomannan include belching, bloating, loose stools, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. (10)

Glucomannan also has the potential ability to lower blood sugar, which may benefit some people.

However, those receiving insulin or drugs for blood sugar management should speak with their doctor before using this product.

Glucomannan may also reduce the absorption of other oral medications, so it is advised to take these medications either 1 hour before, or 4 hours after, taking glucomannan. (11)

People with structural abnormalities of the esophagus or gut should avoid glucomannan as it could cause a blockage. However, this is very rare. (11)

The other ingredients in the supplement are also generally considered safe, but there is controversy about some of these ingredients.

For example, titanium dioxide is not considered safe by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), even though it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Food dyes have been linked to various health issues like ADHD, depression, and even cancer. (12)

In addition, there are some concerns about the safety of gelatin, and large amounts should be avoided. However, gelatin is considered likely safe for most people in small amounts. (13)

Microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium silicate, and stearic acid are generally recognized as safe to consume. However, too much microcrystalline cellulose can cause gastrointestinal side effects similar to glucomannan.

Dosage and How to Take

A dose of Lipozene is 2 capsules, taken up to three times per day (maximum of 6 capsules daily).

The manufacturer recommends taking each dose 30 minutes before three of your largest meals.

Taking these with at least 8 ounces (250 ml) of water is important, and the company does not recommend taking more than the 6 capsules per day.

Each Lipozene capsule contains 0.75 grams of glucomannan, so taking 2 capsules provides 1.5 grams of glucomannan.

If you take 6 Lipozene capsules per day, this is equivalent to taking 4.5 grams of glucomannan.

The safe or effective dose of glucomannan has not been fully established. Research shows a very wide range of dosing. Anywhere from 1.2–15.1 grams per day may be beneficial. (10)

Cost and Where to Buy

The manufacturer offers a buy-one-get-one-free bottle when you purchase directly from their website. Two bottles of 30 capsules each (60 capsules total) is $29.95, which includes free shipping and handling.

Thus a one-month supply would cost roughly $90 if taking the recommended dose of 2 capsules, three times per day.

Lipozene offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, minus a $1.35 processing fee.

This product can be purchased at a lower cost from Amazon, Walmart, Target, or CVS. For example, you can buy a 120-count bottle of Lipozene on Amazon or at Walmart for $32.95.

However, the money-back guarantee is only good for products purchased directly from the Lipozene website or TV ads.

Shop Lipozene On Amazon

How Lipozene Compares to Alternatives

A wide variety of glucomannan supplements are available at most stores and online retailers for a fraction of the cost of Lipozene.

NOW Foods offers 180 capsules for $21.99. This would be a month’s supply if taking 2 capsules, three times per day.

You may also consider Nature’s Way Glucomannan Root, a natural supplement that costs only $19.49 for 100 capsules. With a recommended dosage of 2–3 capsules per day, the bottle should last 4–6 weeks.

Another low-cost glucomannan supplement is NutriGold Glucomannan GOLD. A bottle containing 120 pills is $21.98, and the recommended dosage is 2 capsules up to three times per day.

Quick Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Overall, taking Lipozene is likely safe as it contains glucomannan, a soluble fiber supplement.

Some potential side effects are those involving gastrointestinal discomfort.

Recent high-quality research on glucomannan for weight loss in adults has been favorable. However, older high-quality studies have not shown this same positive impact.

Current reviews of Lipozene itself, with its proprietary blend, are mixed. In addition, the company making Lipozene has had legal action taken against them, alleging false claims of weight loss.

While there is no harm in taking Lipozene, as a dietitian, I generally recommend getting enough fiber through your diet and not having a focus on fiber supplements, including those touted for weight loss.

However, supplementing fiber, such as Lipozene, in addition to getting adequate amounts in your diet may be helpful.

Overall, your diet and lifestyle will have the biggest impact on your weight and health over a supplement.