Effect of glucomannan supplementation on body weight in overweight and obese children: protocol of a randomised controlled trial Effect of short-term ingestion of konjac glucomannan on serum cholesterol in healthy men. Evaluation of the pharmacotherapeutic efficacy of Garcinia cambogia plus Amorphophallus konjac for the treatment of obesity. Safety and Efficacy of Glucomannan for Weight Loss in Overweight and Moderately Obese Adults Obesity among outpatients with major depressive disorder. Effects of gum Arabic ingestion on body mass index and body fat percentage in healthy adult females: two-arm randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial Changes in body mass index and prevalence of overweight in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: role of cranial irradiation. Effects of a carbohydrate-restricted diet with and without supplemental soluble fiber on plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other clinical markers of cardiovascular risk. Fiber (glucomannan) is beneficial in the treatment of childhood constipation. Experiences with three different fiber supplements in weight reduction. Effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on weight loss and body fat composition in a Chinese population. Longitudinal changes in body weight
and body composition among women
previously treated for breast cancer
consuming a high-vegetable, fruit
and fiber, low-fat diet Does a Healthy Diet Help Weight Management Among Overweight and Obese People?
Introduction Glucomannan ( GNN ) , a water-soluble dietary fibre derived from the plant Amorphophallus konjac , is marketed for weight reduction . The exact mechanisms by which GNN might exert its actions are unclear . However , it has been shown that GNN slows gastric emptying by forming a viscous gel of large volume , which increases the feeling of satiety . Current evidence on the effectiveness of GNN for weight reduction is sparse , and well- design ed trials performed in children are needed to assess the efficacy of this modality . We aim to systematic ally evaluate the efficacy of GNN consumption for the management of children who are overweight or obese . Methods and analysis Children aged 6–17 years who are overweight or obese ( based on the WHO growth criteria ) will be r and omly assigned to receive GNN or placebo ( maltodextrin ) ( both at a dose of 3 g/day ) for 3 months and will be followed-up for 3 months . Before the intervention , all children will receive dietetic advice , and they will be encouraged to engage in physical activity . The primary outcome measure will be the body mass index-for-age z-score difference between the groups at the end of the intervention . Ethics and dissemination The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the Medical University of Warsaw . The findings of this trial will be su bmi tted to a peer- review ed journal ( paediatric , nutrition or gastroenterology ) . Abstract s will be su bmi tted to relevant national and international conferences . Trial registration number NCT02280772 The effects of the soluble fiber konjac glucomannan ( GM ) on serum cholesterol concentrations were investigated in 63 healthy men in a double-blind crossover , placebo-controlled study . After a 2-wk baseline period , the subjects were given 3.9 g GM or placebo daily for 4 wk . After a washout period of 2 wk , crossover took place , followed by another 4 wk of treatment . The subjects were encouraged not to change their ordinary diets or general lifestyle during the investigation . GM fibers reduced total cholesterol ( TC ) concentrations by 10 % ( P < 0.0001 ) , low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) concentrations by 7.2 % ( P < 0.007 ) , triglycerides by 23 % ( P < 0.03 ) , and systolic blood pressure by 2.5 % ( P < 0.02 ) . High-density-lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C ) and the ratio of LDL-C to HDL-C did not change significantly . No change in diastolic blood pressure or body weight was observed . No adverse effects were observed . The results of this study show that GM is an effective cholesterol-lowering dietary adjunct Hydroxycitric acid ( HCA ) , the main compound of Garcinia cambogia extract , is a competitive blocker of ATP-citrate-lyase , presenting a potential inhibition of fatty acid bio synthesis . Glucomannan fibers , abundant in Amorphophallus konjac , seem to reduce the absorption kinetics of dietary fat . Therefore , the aim of this double-blind r and omized study was to evaluate the pharmacotherapeutic efficacy of st and ardized extracts of G. cambogia ( 52.4 % HCA ) plus A. konjac ( 94.9 % glucomannan ) in the treatment of obesity . Fifty-eight obese subjects ( BMI 30.0 - 39.9 kg/m(2 ) ) were assigned to the  placebo  group ( n = 26 ) or the treatment group ( n = 32 ) ; no dietary restrictions were applied . Over a 12-week period , subjects were given daily doses of either Garcinia ( 2.4 g ) plus Konjac ( 1.5 g ) or placebo prior to their main meals ( 3 times/day ) . Before the start of treatment , and every 4 weeks thereafter , the following were recorded : height , weight , circumferences and body composition , resting energy expenditure ( REE ) , lipid profile and glucose levels . The treatment had no significant effect on anthropometric parameters , REE , triglycerides or glucose levels . However , a significant reduction was observed in total cholesterol ( -32.0 + /- 35.1 mg/dL ) and LDL-c levels ( -28.7 + /- 32.7 mg/dL ) in the treated group , the final levels being significantly lower than those of the placebo group ( p = 0.008 and p = 0.020 , respectively ) . The results obtained suggest that the treatment had a significant hypocholesterolemic effect , without influencing the anthropometric or calorimetric parameters tested Background . Few safe and effective dietary supplements are available to promote weight loss . We evaluated the safety and efficacy of glucomannan , a water-soluble fiber supplement , for achieving weight loss in overweight and moderately obese individuals consuming self-selected diets . Methods . Participants were r and omly assigned to take 1.33 grams of glucomannan or identically looking placebo capsules with 236.6 mL ( 8 ounces ) of water one hour before breakfast , lunch , and dinner for 8 weeks . The primary efficacy outcome was change in body weight after 8 weeks . Other efficacy outcomes were changes in body composition , hunger/fullness , and lipid and glucose concentrations . Safety outcomes included gastrointestinal symptoms/tolerance and serum liver enzymes and creatinine levels . Results . A total of 53 participants ( 18–65 years of age ; BMI 25–35 kg/m2 ) were enrolled and r and omized . The two groups did not differ with respect to baseline characteristics and compliance with the study supplement . At 8 weeks , there was no significant difference between the glucomannan and placebo groups in amount of weight loss ( −.40 ± .06 and −.43 ± .07 , resp . ) or other efficacy outcomes or in any of the safety outcomes . Conclusions . Glucomannan supplements administered over 8 weeks were well tolerated but did not promote weight loss or significantly alter body composition , hunger/fullness , or lipid and glucose parameters . This trial is registered with NCT00613600 Studies focusing on the prevalence of obesity in Major Depressive Disorder ( MDD ) , or the impact of excess body fat on the treatment of MDD are lacking . The aim of the present work is to systematic ally study obesity in MDD out patients . A total of 369 MDD out patients enrolled in an 8-wk trial of 20 mg fluoxetine  had height and weight measured at baseline . We then examined : ( 1 ) the prevalence of being overweight or obese , ( 2 ) the relationship between obesity and a number of demographic and clinical variables , and , ( 3 ) the relationship between relative body weight and obesity with clinical response . We found that more than 50 % of patients were overweight [ body mass index ( BMI ) > or = 2 5 kg/m2 ] , while 20 % were obese ( BMI > or = 30 kg/m2 ) . Obese patients presented with worse somatic well-being scores than non-obese MDD patients , but they did not differ with respect to depression severity , anxiety , somatic complaints , hopelessness or hostility . Greater relative body weight , but not obesity , predicted non-response . In conclusion , greater relative body weight was found to place MDD out patients at risk for fluoxetine resistance Background Gum Arabic ( acacia Senegal ) is a complex polysaccharide indigestible to both humans and animals . It has been considered as a safe dietary fiber by the United States , Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) since the 1970s . Although its effects were extensively studied in animals , there is paucity of data regarding its quantified use in humans . This study was conducted to determine effects of regular Gum Arabic ( GA ) ingestion on body mass index and body fat percentage  among healthy adult females . Methods A two-arm r and omized , placebo controlled , double-blind trial was conducted in the Department of Physiology at the Khartoum University . A total of 120 healthy females completed the study . They were divided to two groups : A test group of 60 volunteers receiving GA ( 30 gm /day ) for 6 weeks and a placebo group of 60 volunteers receiving pectin ( 1 gm/day ) for the same period of time . Weight and height were measured before and after intervention using st and ardized height and weight scales . Skin fold thickness was measured using Harpenden Skin fold caliper . Fat percentage was calculated using Jackson and Pollock 7 caliper method and Siri equation . Results Pre and post analysis among the study group showed significant reduction in BMI by 0.32 ( 95 % CI : 0.17 to 0.47 ; P<0.0001 ) and body fat percentage by 2.18 % ( 95 % CI : 1.54 to 2.83 ; P<0.0001 ) following regular intake of 30 gm /day Gum Arabic for six weeks . Side effects caused by GA ingestion were experienced only in the first week . They included unfavorable viscous sensation in the mouth , early morning nausea , mild diarrhea and bloating abdomen . Conclusions GA ingestion causes significant reduction in BMI and body fat percentage  among healthy adult females . The effect could be exploited in the treatment of obesity BACKGROUND The risk factors responsible for an increased prevalence of obesity or overweight in survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia ( ALL ) remain controversial . We evaluated changes in body mass index ( BMI ) in a cohort of ALL survivors , all of whom have been followed until completion of linear growth . PROCEDURE BMI ( weight/height(2 ) ) was used as an index of adiposity and was calculated at diagnosis , at the end of treatment , and at attainment of final height in a cohort of 126 ( 59 males ) survivors of ALL .  BMI was adjusted for age and sex by computing a BMI st and ard deviation score ( SDS ) or z score . The spectrum of therapies used included intrathecal chemotherapy given alone ( n = 38 ) or combined with cranial irradiation ( CRT ; 18 Gy , n = 35 ; 24 Gy , n = 53 ) and exposure to prednisone at a low dose ( < 3.5 gm , n = 49 ) , medium dose ( 3.5 - 9.4 gm , n = 46 ) , or high dose ( > 9.4 gm , n = 30 ) . RESULTS Overall , mean + /- SEM BMI -SDS increased significantly between diagnosis ( -0.18 + /- 0.08 ) and the end of therapy ( 0.41 + /- 0.09 , P < 0.01 ) , with no significant change thereafter . For patients without CRT , mean BMI -SDS remained unchanged , whereas , for those so treated , mean BMI -SDS increased significantly between diagnosis and the completion of therapy ( P < 0.001 ) . The change in mean BMI -SDS was greater in the 24 Gy group vs. the 18 Gy CRT sample ( P < 0.005 ) . In a multivariate logistic regression model , CRT was an independent predictor of being overweight ( BMI > /=85 percentile ) at attainment of final height [ odds ratio = 1.6 ( 95 % confidence interval 1.0 - 23 . 1 ) ] . The percentage of subjects who were overweight at attainment of final height was 10.5 % , 40 % , and 38 % for subjects treated with no CRT , 18 Gy CRT , or 24 Gy CRT , respectively ( P < 0.01 ) . CONCLUSIONS Children with ALL given CRT develop increases in their BMI -SDS early on and during treatment and remain at significant risk for becoming overweight as young adults , a development that may increase their already heightened risk for various adverse health outcomes Carbohydrate-restricted diets ( CRDs ) promote weight loss , reductions in plasma triacylglycerol ( TAG ) levels , and increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C ) levels but may cause undesirable low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) responses in some people . The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of adding soluble fiber to a CRD on plasma LDL-C and other traditionally measured markers of cardiovascular disease . Using a parallel-arm , double-blind , placebo-controlled design , 30 overweight and obese men ( body mass index , 25 - 35 kg/m(2 ) ) were r and omly assigned to supplement a CRD with soluble fiber ( Konjac-mannan , 3g/d ) ( n = 15 ) or placebo ( n = 15 ) . Plasma lipids , anthropometrics , body composition , blood pressure , and nutrient intake were evaluated at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks . Compliance was excellent as assessed by 7-day weighed dietary records and ketonuria . Both groups experienced decreases in ( P < .01 ) body weight , percent body fat , systolic blood pressure , waist circumference , and plasma glucose levels . After 12 weeks , HDL-C and TAG improved significantly in the fiber ( 10 % and -34 % ) and placebo ( 14 % , -43 % ) groups . LDL-C decreased by 17.6 % ( P < .01 ) at week 6 and 14.1 % ( P < .01 ) at week 12 in the fiber group . Conversely , LDL-C reductions were significant in the placebo group only after 12 weeks ( -6.0 % , P < .05 ) . We conclude that although clearly effective at lowering LDL-C , adding soluble fiber to a CRD during active and significant weight loss provides no additional benefits to the diet alone . Furthermore , a CRD led to clinical ly important positive alterations in cardiovascular disease risk factors OBJECTIVE Constipation and encopresis are common problems in children . Still today , the role of fiber in the treatment of chronic constipation in childhood is controversial . The aim of our study was to evaluate whether fiber supplementation is beneficial in the treatment of children with functional constipation with or without encopresis . We used glucomannan as the fiber supplement . METHODS We evaluated the effect of fiber ( glucomannan , a fiber gel polysaccharide from the tubers of the Japanese Konjac plant ) and placebo in children with chronic functional constipation with and without encopresis in a double-blind , r and omized , crossover study . After the initial evaluation , the patients were disimpacted with 1 or 2 phosphate enemas if a rectal impaction was felt during rectal examination . Patients continued with their preevaluation laxative . No enemas were given during each treatment period . Fiber and placebo were given as 100 mg/kg body weight daily ( maximal 5 g/day ) with 50 mL fluid/500 mg for 4 weeks each . Parents were asked to have children sit on the toilet 4 times daily after meals and to keep a stool diary . Age , frequency of bowel movements into the toilet and into the undergarment , presence of abdominal pain , dietary fiber intake , medications , and the presence of an abdominal and /or a rectal fecal mass were recorded on a structured form at the time of recruitment and 4 weeks and 8 weeks later . Children were rated by the physician as successfully treated when they had > or =3 bowel movements/wk and < or = 1 soiling/3 weeks with no abdominal pain in the last 3 weeks of each 4-week treatment period . Parents made a global assessment s to whether they believed that the child was better during the first or second treatment period . RESULTS Forty-six chronically constipated children were recruited into the study , but only 31 children completed the study . These 31 children ( 16 boys and 15 girls ) were 4.5 to 11.7 years of age ( mean : 7 + /- 2 years ) . All children had functional constipation ; in addition , 18 had encopresis when recruited for the study . No significant side effects were reported during each 4-week treatment period . Significantly fewer children complained of abdominal pain and more children were successfully treated while on fiber ( 45 % ) as compared with placebo treatment ( 13 % ) . Parents rated significantly more children ( 68 % ) as being better on  fiber versus 13 % as being better on placebo . The initial fiber intake was low in 22 ( 71 % ) children . There was no difference in the percentage of children with low fiber intake living in the United States ( 70 % ) and Italy ( 71 % ) . Successful treatment ( physician rating ) and improvement ( parent rating ) were independent of low or acceptable initial fiber intake . The duration of chronic constipation ranged from 0.6 to 10 years ( mean : 4.0 + /- 2.5 years ) . Duration of constipation did not predict response to fiber treatment . Children with constipation only were significantly more likely to be treated successfully with fiber ( 69 % ) than those with constipation and encopresis ( 28 % ) . CONCLUSION We found glucomannan to be beneficial in the treatment of constipation with and without encopresis in children . Symptomatic children who were already on laxatives still benefited from the addition of fiber . Therefore , we suggest that we continue with the recommendation to increase the fiber in the diet of constipated children with and without encopresis BACKGROUND Fiber supplements added to a caloric diet have additional effects on weight reduction in overweight subjects . The aim of this study was to compare the effect of various commercial fiber supplements ( glucomannan , guar gum and alginate ) on weight reduction in healthy overweight subjects . MATERIAL / METHODS One hundred and seventy six men and women were included to receive either active fiber substance or placebo in r and omized placebo-controlled studies . The fiber supplements consisted of the viscous fibers glucomannan ( Chrombalance ) , glucomannan and guar gum ( Appe-Trim ) and glucomannan , guar gum and alginat ( Glucosahl ) . RESULTS All fiber supplements plus a balanced 1200 kcal diet induced significantly weight reduction more than placebo and diet alone , during a five week observation period . However , there were no significant differences between the different fibers in their ability to induce weight reduction , which was approximately 0.8 kg/week ( 3.8 + /- 0.9 , 4.4 + /- 2.0 , 4.1 + /- 0.6 in the Chrombalance , Appe-Trim and Glucosahl group , respectively ) . CONCLUSIONS Glucomannan induced body weight reduction in healthy overweight subjects , whereas the addition of guar gum and alginate did not seem to cause additional loss of weight OBJECTIVE Conjugated linoleic acid ( CLA ) has several benefits , including body fat reduction , as proved in animals . However , the results of CLA-induced body composition alterations in humans are inconsistent , and no related data are available for Chinese population s. This study aim ed to determine whether CLA affects body weight ( BW ) loss and body composition of overweight and obese Chinese subjects . METHODS In this r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial , subjects with a body mass index ( BMI ) of 24 to 35 kg/m(2 ) r and omly received 1.7 g of cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA ( n = 30 ) or placebo ( salad oil ; n = 33 ) in 200 mL of sterilized milk twice daily for 12 wk . Changes in body composition were determined by bioimpedance measurements . RESULTS Sixty-three subjects completed the study  ( CLA , n = 30 ) . After 12 wk , compared with the baseline , the BW , BMI , total fat mass , fat percentage , subcutaneous fat mass , and waist-to-hip ratio decreased in the CLA group ( P < 0.05 ) . The CLA group was stratified by BMI and gender . The BW , BMI , subcutaneous fat mass , and waist-to-hip ratio decreased in 27 subjects with a BMI ≥ 27 , and these indices , except subcutaneous fat mass , were lower in female subjects . The levels of total cholesterol , triacylglycerol , low-density lipoprotein , and plasma fasting glucose increased , whereas those of high-density lipoprotein decreased after 3 mo of CLA treatment . The changes were not significantly different from the baseline values . CONCLUSION The supplementation of CLA for 12 wk in overweight and grade I obese Chinese subjects yielded lower obesity indices , with no obvious adverse effects Summary Background Excess adiposity has been shown to be associated with increased risk for breast cancer recurrence , and a plant-based eating pattern has been hypothesized to be protective . Whether a plant-based diet without specific energy goals will result in weight loss or changes in body composition in women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer has not been fully explored . Aim of the study This study was conducted to identify changes in body weight , anthropometric measures , and body composition over a four year period in a sub- sample of breast cancer survivors participating in a dietary intervention  targeting increased intake of vegetables , fruit and fiber and decreased dietary fat intake . Methods This r and omized , controlled dietary intervention study compared longitudinal changes in intakes , body weight , waist : hip ratio ( WHR ) , body mass index ( BMI ) and body composition by treatment group among fiftytwo women previously treated for Stage I , II , or IIIA breast cancer from the Arizona site of the Women ’s Healthy Eating and Living Study . The dietary intervention aim ed for eight servings of fruit and vegetables , 30 g fiber , ≤ 20 % total energy from fat per day , as well as daily intake of vegetable juice . The comparison group was advised to follow general dietary guidelines for cancer prevention . Results The dietary intervention result ed in a significant and sustained increase in fiber , fruit , vegetable , and vegetable juice consumption ( p < 0.05 ) among intervention group subjects as compared to comparison group subjects . The first 6 months result ed in a reduction in body weight and body fat among the intervention group subjects while the comparison group subjects remained stable . Subsequent measurements , at 12 , 24 or 36 , and 48 months , showed no significant differences in mean body weight , BMI , WHR , or body composition by study group . Also , no significant changes in these measures were demonstrated for either study group between baseline and 48 months . Conclusions The dietary intervention efforts result ed in significant changes in diet toward an increase in plant foods and a decrease in dietary fat . Changes in weight , WHR , BMI , and body composition were not different over time or by study group assignment . Interventions that promote a plantbased diet without specific energy restriction do not appear to promote changes in body weight or body composition in women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer . To adequately examine the role of energy restriction in reducing obesity-associated breast cancer recurrence , future interventions should include prescribed energy imbalance either through reduced intake and /or increased expenditure A r and omized dietary intervention trial across 4 years examined diet , weight , and obesity incidence ( body mass index [ BMI ] ≥ 30 kg/m2 ) differences between study groups . Participants were 1,510 breast cancer survivors with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 at entry .  Dietary intake  was assessed yearly by telephone ; weight and height were measured at clinic visits . Intervention participants consumed more fruit , vegetables , and fiber and less energy from fat than control participants during follow-up cross-sectionally ( p < .0001 ) and longitudinally ( p < .0001 ) ; weight did not differ between study groups at any follow-up visit , and significant weight change difference was observed between groups only in the 1st year ( p < .0001 ) . Diet and weight results remained unchanged after stratifying by age and BMI . No difference in obesity incidence was found during follow-up ( p > .10 ) among overweight members of either study group . Without specific efforts to reduce total energy intake , dietary modification does not reduce obesity or result in long-term weight loss
CONCLUSIONS In otherwise healthy overweight or obese adults , there is some evidence that in the short term GM may help to reduce BW , but not BMI .
OBJECTIVE Glucomannan ( GM ) , a soluble fiber derived from the plant Amorphophallus konjac , is marketed as being helpful in reducing body weight .
However , the data supporting this cl aim are scarce .
The aim of this review was to systematic ally evaluate the effects of GM on body weight ( BW ) and body mass index ( BMI ) in otherwise healthy obese or overweight children and adults .