Lipozene Fat Burner Review -- Does Lipozene Work?

Lipozene, the newest offering from Obesity Research Institute LLC, offers the usual... weight loss without a whole lot of work.

Lipozene is also as an "As Seen On TV" product. I've written about this many times, but the biggest "scam" weight loss products are the ones sold via radio and TV advertisements.

That's because it's the easiest way for manufacturers to isolate themselves from the consumer and avoid accountability for their products (and wait until you see what our visitors have had to say about this product!)

Additionally, these are the products for which I receive the most complaints about deceptive billing practices. If you'd like to learn more about this issue, please review this article!

What's in Lipozene?

Only one ingredient... glucomannan.

Glucomannan is an unabsorbable polysaccharide derived from the konjac root. Several clinical studies validate glucomannan's ability to lower LDL cholesterol and blood lipid levels -- as well as blood sugar levels (see J Am Coll Nutr. 2003 Feb;22(1):36-42, Diabetes Care. 2000 Jan;23(1):9-14., Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2005 Jun;15(3):174-80)

There also appears to be some preliminary evidence that 1 gram of glucomannan, taken with 8 oz. of water one hour prior to meals, has a significant influence on weight loss (one study showed almost 6 pounds of fat lost in two months -- with no changes in eating habits). (Int J Obes. 1984;8(4):289-93., Diabetes Care. 1999 Jun;22(6):913-9., Minerva Med. 1992 Mar;83(3):135-9).

Bottom line? Glucomannan is an interesting supplement, but it is basically a fiber supplement. Don't get me wrong -- adding fiber to your diet is not only a great way to lose weight, it improves regularity and can even lower cholesterol levels. For instance...

Nancy Howarth, a nutritionist from Tuft's University in Boston, suggests people who add an extra 14 grams per day to their diet could expect to lose 4 pounds and decrease food intake by 10% in 4 months. Basically, fiber fills you up faster, and keeps you feeling full longer.

Best of all, adding fiber to your diet is actually quite easy to do (just add a serving of Kellogg's All Bran Buds to your daily routine), since the typical low quality North American diet does not contain nearly enough fiber. The average North American consumes 15 grams of fiber daily -- 10 grams less than the minimum recommended amount of 25 grams. Adding fiber to your diet is probably one of the most cost effective ways to improve your diet and overall health.

So you should you try Lipozene?

There are several problems with this product that makes me refuse to recommend it...

1) The maker of this product, Obesity Research Institute LLC, has a real credibility problem. They've been charged by the Federal Trade Commission for making false and unsubstantiated claims and forced to pay $1.5 million in customer redress. This is for the products Propolene and Fiberslim, both of which are based upon the ingredient glucomannan. This doesn't bode well for Lipozene.

If you'd like to review the Federal Trade Commission press release for this action, please click here!

2) Glucomannan appears to be helpful supplement -- especally for moderating blood sugar levels, and reducing LDL cholesterol levels. As far as being the weight loss panacea described by retailers, well... not so much.

3) Fiber is useful, but its effects are subtle and are best seen over the long term. Better yet, it's both cheap and easy to add fiber to your diet without expensive supplements like Lipozene. Add a serving of high-fiber cereal to your diet each day, and replace some of the high starch carbs in your diet with high fiber fruits and vegetables.

Special note: My favorite high-fibre cereal is Kellogg's All Bran Buds. It contains 12 grams of fibre per 1/3 cup serving-- 3.5 grams of that coming from psyllium fibre. It actually tastes pretty good. I'd highly recommend measuring your portions -- at least to start. This stuff contains SO much fibre, you don't want to eat too much of it, or you'll be in for a surprise! (i.e. don't stray too far from a washroom, tee hee).

4) I have received a LOT of complaints from visitors about the deceptive billing practices and non-existent customer service provided by whomever retails this product online.

If you are thinking of using this product, I strongly recommend that you read the customer comments on Lipozene!

Have you used Lipozene? Tell me what you think!

Have you been the victim of a product that makes exaggerated claims? Launch a complaint!

US visitors should submit a complaint to the US Federal Trade Commission!

Canadians, submit a complaint at the Canadian Competition Bureau!