The pros and cons of losing weight with Metamucil.
Metamucil is a daily fiber supplement. Metamucil's website says it helps "lower your cholesterol, helps your natural cleansing process, provides a good source of natural fiber and promotes overall well-being." While it is not marketed as a weight loss supplement, there are many people who use it with that goal in mind. The main ingredient in Metamucil is fiber, which helps contribute to weight loss. There are some pros and cons to using Metamucil for weight loss and some guidelines to follow if you decide to take it for weight loss.
Types and Doses
You can buy Metamucil in a powder form, capsule form or wafer form. The powder and wafer forms are mixed with liquid and the capsule form is simply taken with liquid. The serving size for adults ranges from two to six capsules, 1 tsp. to 1 tbsp. for powder and two wafers. The makers of Metamucil recommend taking the supplement three to four times a day and always with at least 8 oz. of liquid. If you don't like one type of Metamucil because of the texture, you can easily switch to another type.
Pros
Fiber, the main ingredient in Metamucil, not only helps regulate your system, but it also helps you feel more full which helps in weight loss. If you begin a meal with Metamucil, it is believed you will eat less at that meal because the fiber fills you up. In addition to taking Metamucil, you should also have a diet high in fiber. Foods that include high amounts of fiber are oats, rasberries, celery and wheat bran.
Metamucil can also be a plus if you have problems with constipation. The high amount of fiber in the product will help with this problem and also help get rid of extra food before your body processes the food.
Supporters of Metamucil point out that it is a much cheaper alternative to other supplements promoted as weight loss aids.
Finally, after extensive research, the Food and Drug Administration determined that Metamucil may reduce the risk of heart disease. Supporters point out that because of this, you are getting two health benefits: weight loss and a healthy heart.
Cons
Writers on the website, "Diet Spotlight", tested Metamucil and pointed out a few concerns in using it as a weight loss aid. Taking large amounts of Metamucil continuously can result in a vitamin deficiency. While the supplement is high in fiber, it is lacking in other important vitamins. People can also become dependent on laxatives.
Since Metamucil is not marketed as a weight loss supplement, there is no evidence to support that it will help with weight loss by itself. There is also no research to show it speeds up metabolism or acts as an appetizer suppressant.
Finally, people may not like the possible side effects of taking Metamucil. Some people feel excessive bloating and have extra gas.
