title: Glucomannan and obesity: a critical review.
abstract: Glucomannan (GM) is a soluble, fermentable, and highly viscous dietary fiber derived from the root of the elephant yam or konjac plant, which is native to Asia. Preliminary evidence suggests that GM may promote weight loss. This review summarizes studies using GM for weight loss as well as studies investigating its mechanisms of action. At doses of 2-4 g per day, GM was well-tolerated and resulted in significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. There is some evidence that GM exerts its beneficial effects by promoting satiety and fecal energy loss. Additionally, GM has been shown to improve lipid and lipoprotein parameters and glycemic status. Further investigation of safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action is needed to determine whether GM can help to decrease the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States.
authors.affiliation: Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, Ill, USA.
authors.forename: Joyce
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Keithley
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Swanson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008351:Mannans / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D008351:Mannans; C022901:(1-6)-alpha-glucomannan