Glucomannan: Is It Effective For Weight Loss?

Are you among the 40% of Brits who are actively trying to lose weight right now?

The biggest problem with dieting? Hunger. Those gnawing pangs that tell you it's time to eat can railroad your diet and have you reaching for the nearest convenience food.

That’s exactly why glucomannan supplementation—an ultra‑water‑absorbing fibre from konjac root—has become the go‑to supplement for curbing cravings.

But is it the right choice for you? In this guide, you’ll learn how glucomannan works, what science says about its appetite‑suppressing powers, and whether it’s the missing piece in your weight‑loss puzzle.

What is Glucomannan?

Glucomannan comes from the elephant yam, which is native to Asia. While its initial applications were for foods such as konjac jelly and shirataki noodles, its high fibre content means that people quickly recognised its potential as an appetite suppressant.

Glucomannan works by absorbing water (up to 50 times its own weight) and turning it into a gel-like substance. The gel fills your stomach and prevents you from eating large meals. Over time, this can result in faster weight loss due to decreased calorie intake.

Aside from its use as a supplement, glucomannan can also be found in food products as an additive and to thicken their consistency (E425-ii).

How does Glucomannan promote weight loss?

Dietary fibres are crucial for weight loss, as they can reduce your appetite, regulate your blood sugar levels, and slow down digestion. When you increase your intake of glucomannan, you can look forward to the following weight reduction benefits:

Many forms of good bacteria in the gut respond well to konjac fibre, but an imbalance can result in digestive disorders, which impact weight management.

Reducing hunger

As a bulky fibre, glucomannan dietary supplements can suppress your appetite and make you feel fuller. Taking it before a meal means that you won't eat as much, resulting in potential weight loss.

Studies also show that konjac's ability to reduce gastric emptying means you'll feel fuller for longer and are less likely to snack between meals (ScienceDirect).

Promotes a healthy gut

Did you know that gut health is essential for weight loss? When your gut has a good balance of bacteria, it can metabolise food correctly, control your blood sugar, and ensure your body benefits from optimal nutrient absorption.

Many forms of good bacteria in the gut respond well to konjac fibre, but an imbalance can result in digestive disorders, which impact weight management.

Slows down gastric emptying

Another positive benefit of using a glucomannan supplement is its ability to slow down gastric emptying. It forms a bulky fibre in your stomach, which takes longer to pass through your small intestine, resulting in longer feelings of fullness (NCBI).

Overweight and obese individuals following a balanced diet can reduce snacking between meals and control their eating habits.

Other benefits of Glucomannan include:

• Cholesterol Reduction: A study published by ResearchGate concluded that glucomannan consumption can reduce your total and LDL cholesterol levels. Achieving normal blood cholesterol levels is central to decreasing the risks of cardiovascular disease and strokes.
• Treating Constipation: We all know that increasing our fibre intake can treat constipation, and glucomannan supplementation is no exception. Multiple studies have shown that viscous fibre-based supplements can decrease abdominal pain and improve stool consistency.
• Skin Health: While there's limited research to prove this, many specialists believe that glucomannan can support skin health due to its probiotic features.

What are the best Glucomannan supplements for weight loss?

With the popularity of glucomannan supplements increasing, there are plenty of options that will support weight loss and help you stay on track. The right option for you depends on your personal preferences and dietary needs:

• Glucomannan Tablets: Tablets are compressed glucomannan forms, and people often choose them for convenience. However, tablets can be hard to swallow, which might be off-putting if you already dislike taking them.
• Glucomannan Capsules: Capsules are popular choices, as they're filled with powdered glucomannan and are easy to take. Many people find that capsules are more convenient than traditional tablets.
• Shots: You can find premixed shots or powers that you mix into water. While shots are convenient, they're usually more expensive.
• Foods: Shirataki noodles, pasta, and rice food supplements are growing in popularity, and they can be beneficial on a carbohydrate-restricted diet. The main issue is their texture and taste, which can be off-putting.

Using Glucomannan Capsules for weight management safely

When taking glucomannan capsules, it is essential to follow the instructions carefully and avoid exceeding the recommended dosage. For most people, the maximum daily amount will fall between 1mg and 4mg of dietary fibre (1000 to 4000 mcg).

You should always take glucomannan with one or two glasses of water around 30 minutes before a meal. Not doing this can cause the glucomannan to expand before reaching your stomach.

Pregnant women and children should not take glucomannan capsules. Diabetics should consult with their doctor before using it as it can reduce how certain diabetes medicines work.

Potential side effects:

• Flatulence
• Bloating
• Diarrhoea
• Softer stools

Sealions Glucomannan Capsules: Your convenient weight loss supplement

Our Glucomannan Capsules are designed to help overweight and obese adults lose weight or manage their weight by reducing their appetite. Each capsule contains 500 mcg of glucomannan; we recommend taking two capsules daily.

At just £10 for a pouch of 180 capsules, you can save money and enjoy a convenient weight-loss supplement that helps you take control of your diet.

Discover Sealions Glucomannan Capsules

How to reduce your body weight with a Glucomannan supplement

Many people in the UK struggle with excess weight, and taking konjac fibre can be a sustainable way to shed those pounds and avoid feeling hungry all the time. However - as with every weight loss supplement - glucomannan capsules aren't a magic cure.

Instead, you'll need to combine them with a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet. Here are our top tips for getting the most out of glucomannan.

Your diet matters

Yes, glucomannan has beneficial effects on appetite reduction and increased satiety, but failing to use it with a balanced diet can impact your ability to lose weight. For example, if you consume foods that are high in saturated fat and sugar, your weight will increase.

Prioritise eating plenty of protein, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to ensure you get essential nutrients while also reducing your calorie intake.

Lifestyle changes

Making positive lifestyle changes can support weight loss in overweight and obese patients, and many specialists recommend a holistic approach. Along with a healthy diet, you should also get plenty of exercise, including low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling.

Aiming for 150 minutes of cardio a week and combining it with strength training will help your body burn more fat.

Consider meal replacements

If you struggle to moderate your calorie intake, combining glucomannan capsules with meal replacement shakes can help you kick-start your weight loss journey. These shakes provide vital vitamins and nutrients, along with a high protein content, but they're calorie-controlled.

Switching two meals a day for a meal replacement shake and consuming one balanced meal can help you lose weight. Plus, the glucomannan will reduce your hunger, making it easier to stay on track.

Introduce fat metabolisers

When your body stores excess fat, it leads to weight gain. Unfortunately, getting rid of that fat is no easy feat - but fat metaboliser supplements can be beneficial. They work by altering how your body processes and digests fat, diverting it as waste and leveraging it for energy.

There are many benefits of using fat metabolisers, and taking them alongside glucomannan capsules can help you lose more weight.

Final thoughts

Weight management isn't easy, but with the proper support - and a helping hand from the mighty Konjac plant - you can reach your goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

The risk factors of being overweight or obese include higher risks of coronary heart disease, mobility issues, type 2 diabetes, and premature death.

Introducing glucomannan capsules into your diet can help you gain control over your appetite. If you'd like to explore the many benefits of this powerful supplement, shopping with Sealions gives you access to quality without breaking the bank.

Shop today, or please feel free to get in touch with our customer service team with any questions.

FAQs

Can I use glucomannan as a childhood obesity treatment?

While glucomannan can be a beneficial weight loss supplement for children, it can also cause side effects. Please consult with a medical professional before giving it to your child, as each case is different.

Can I take konjac (glucomannan) with other supplements or medication?

If you use diabetic medications or hypoglycemia treatments, glucomannan can interfere with the absorption of these medications, which can increase your symptoms, cause insulin resistance syndrome, and be life-threatening.

Please consult a medical professional for advice and to learn about other associated risk factors before using glucomannan capsules.

How long will it take for the effects of glucomannan to result in weight loss?

It depends on whether you consume a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Some people will notice results within a few weeks, while others might take longer. It's important to remember that glucomannan alone won't lead to weight loss, so your results depend on the changes you make.