Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. In 2005, the Obesity Research Institute was forced to pay $1.5 million in damages after being charged by the Federal Trade Commission for making false claims about their weight loss supplements. The supplements: Proplene and Fiberslim. The claim: The active ingredient, glucomannan, will lead to significant weight loss. Shame on them!

Despite the blow to both the pocket book and reputation of the Obesity Research Institute, they continued forward. Today they are marketing a new weight loss supplement. The supplement: Lipozene. The claim: The active ingredient, glucomannan, will lead to significant weight loss. Shame on me!

More, the Obesity Research Institute gives a 100% money back guarantee that taking Lipozene will result in weight loss. More impressive is the claim that 78% of the weight lost will be body fat. All of this by simply taking 6 pills per day, no diet changes or exercise needed.

These claims are supposedly backed by 12 clinical studies, none of which are cited or available on the company's website. So I was off to find out more about the miracle ingredient glucomannan, and the validity of these "new" claims.

Glucomannan

Glucomannan is a soluble fiber derived from the konjac plant. Like other soluble fibers in our diet (whole grains, fruits, vegetables), glucomannan forms a gooey gel that fills the stomach. This leads to a feeling of being full, which in theory, would lead to eating less and losing weight.

Although not available on the Lipozene website, there are studies that exist to support the effectiveness of glucomannan for weight loss. However, the majority of these studies are old (1980's-1990's), have small sample sizes (around 30 people), were poorly controlled (not randomized or blinded), and were done in Italy. Together, these factors make the results unreliable per US standards.

Last, there were no studies that I found suggesting that the weight lost when taking glucomannan was fat. Still, the Obesity Research Institute boasts that 78% of each pound lost, is composed of fat!

There are some valid studies that show glucomannan is effective in decreasing cholesterol and fasting blood sugars. Both of these are quite beneficial to heart health. However, these same results have been seen with the consumption of other soluble fibers (whole grains, fruits, vegetables).

Smoke and Mirrors

I was first drawn to Lipozene with a TV commercial. I was convinced that this was a prescription weight loss product. Boy was I a fool! Fooled by the no frills pharmaceutical packaging, complete with exact milligrams right under the brand name. Fooled by a research company manufacturing and marketing Lipozene.

Still, how can you go wrong with a 100% money back guarantee? Some unsolicited consumers have posted their experiences in dealing with the Obesity Research Institute after deciding to try Lipozene "risk free."

These reports reveal that when ordering Lipozene, operators try to "up sell" the buyer at least 6 times. This is a definite sign that even the company believes their supplement is not effective on its own.

Other consumers report trying to return Lipozene after realizing that it was not helping them lose weight. Not only did they not receive their money back, they continued to receive shipments, and their credit cards continued to be charged. A sign that a company is more interested in making money than helping people lose weight.

Although disturbing, the Obesity Research Institute ill-doings should not discredit some of the positive aspects of glucommanan. Keep in mind, glucommanan can be purchased over the counter for about $10 a bottle (compared to $30 plus shipping for Lipozene). Better yet, some of the beneficial effects of glucommanan can be experienced by eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These low calorie, low cost alternatives may be boring, but they have never made a fool of anyone!

Sources, Clinical Studies:

Lipozene's evidence is slim - LA Times Article
Glucomannan study #1 - showed promising results, but the study was small.
Glucomannan study #2- A summary of a study of glucomann in children
More glucomannan info - From the health encyclopedia