Glucomannan
A dietary fiber sometimes derived from the Konjac root, Glucomannan’s claim to fame in weight loss is in its ability to help in appetite suppression. When consumed and met with water, glucomannan absorbs the water and forms a “gel-like mass.” As it passes through your intestines, this mass makes you feel as though you are full.
Research
One study1 showed “a significant mean weight loss (5.5 lbs) using glucomannan over an eight-week period. Serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced (21.7 and 15.0 mg/dl respectively) in the glucomannan treated group. No adverse reactions to glucomannan were reported.” Subjects were given a 1-g dose one hour before each meal.
Another study2 cited that “At doses of 2-4 g per day, GM was well-tolerated and resulted in significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals.”
Conclusion
Its hard to argue against the studies. Glucomannan is effective in appetite suppresion. The caveat is that the amounts used in these studies are more than what’s in most of the diet pills that I’ve seen. That’s not to say that a lower dosage is definitely not going to work, but that’s important to remember. Thumbs up to Glucomannan, but unless it’s 2-4 grams per day, it should be used with other effective ingredients as well.