Metamucil is a branded supplement that provides psyllium husk. It’s an all-natural fiber product that offers several health benefits. One of them is weight loss support. Although I will touch on the other things psyllium husk can do, this review mainly focuses on the value of Metamucil as a weight loss aid.
Several companies distribute supplements that provide psyllium husk but Metamucil is the most well-known brand. It was introduced in 1934 by G D Searle & Company and was purchased by Procter & Gamble in 1985.
Metamucil was originally only available as a behind-the-counter product via certain US drug stores. The brand gained greater visibility during the 1970s thanks to print and TV marketing campaigns.
The success of these marketing campaigns helped Metamucil get a foothold in stores and supermarkets and flavored versions were introduced in 1979. Since then, the Metamucil brand has continued to go from strength to strength. The present range includes capsules, gummies, fiber thins, and a surprisingly diverse range of powders for people to mix with water and consume as a high-fiber drink.
Although some people report stomach issues, Metamucil appears to be tolerated well by the majority of consumers and is becoming increasingly popular in Australia and Hong Kong.
However, if you are primarily looking for a product to help you to lose weight, Metamucil is unlikely to be the best supplement to choose. Other options can help you more.
That’s not to say Metamucil has no weight loss value at all. It provides fiber, which is good for filling the stomach and helps you to feel fuller for longer and avoid the temptation to overeat. So, although it is unlikely to directly accelerate your weight loss, Metamucil could make the process of losing weight easier by keeping your hunger under control.
However, if hunger is the main thing that’s holding you back, a good glucomannan supplement is likely to offer a greater level of support. (Learn About Glucomannan and Weight Loss)
Moving on with this review, let’s take a look closer look at the main ingredient in Metamucil and the things it can do.
What is Psyllium Husk?
Psyllium is the name used for several members of the Plantago family of plants. The ingredient you get in supplements is made from the husks that surround the plant’s seeds. Its only real value is a fiber-provider.
Although you may already be aware fiber is good for you and a necessary part of a healthy diet, you may not be aware there are different kinds.
The fiber in food can be split into two different groups–soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water. Insoluble fiber does not.
Soluble fibers are bulking agents. That’s a fancy way of saying they increase the bulk of your stool. This makes them very good for keeping you “regular.” Soluble fibers also soften your stool, making it easier to pass.
Like glucomannan, psyllium husk provides water-soluble fiber. Among other things, soluble fiber reduces bad cholesterol levels in the blood and may also be good for improving diabetics’ blood sugar levels. (https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/increasing-fiber-intake).
Some supplements that provide Psyllium use the full husk. Others use the husk in powder form. Metamucil offers options that offer both–powder or husk.
Metamucil: The Promised Results
The Metamucil marketing material states the various products can help you to feel “lighter and more energetic” and “support your digestive health.”
They also help support:
- Appetite control
- Healthy blood sugar levels
- Heart health (by lowering cholesterol)
As you can see, there is not a lot of hype and all the claims made can be supported by science.
How Does Metamucil Work For Weight Loss?
Metamucil assists weight loss by reducing hunger. It will not accelerate your metabolism to help you to burn extra fat. If you something that can control your appetite and increase your metabolism, you will be better off choosing a more versatile supplement such as Capsiplex.
Appetite suppression is important. You can only burn your fat if your diet is so low in calories your body does not have enough energy to fuel its everyday needs.
The calorie deficit forces the body to seek energy elsewhere by breaking down its stores of fat to release fatty acids and glycerol to use as a secondary (reserve) form of fuel.
Hunger can throw a spanner in the works by causing you to eat more food than your low-calorie diet plan allows.
Although it’s not one of the most powerful appetite suppressants, Metamucil can help you to lose weight by making it easier to “say no” to food.
Which Type of Metamucil Works Best For Weight-Loss?
This is only my personal opinion, but I believe Metamucil powers are likely to offer the greatest level of weight-loss support. They are no-nonsense products that don’t have any capsule casing or “gummy” ingredients to get in the way and should be able to get to work fast.
There are several powder options available, but Metamucil 4-in-1 Fiber with no added flavors or sweeteners is the one I like best. The lack of additional ingredients makes it a healthier option and the lack of extra calories makes it a better fit for a low-calorie diet.
However, it’s still not a pure psyllium husk product. The powder also contains maltodextrin and citric acid.
NOTE: At the time of this review, many people were complaining they were no longer able to find any Metamucil 4-in-1 Fiber with no added flavors or sweeteners.
Things to Bear in MindLike other weight management products, Metamucil is a supplement. It’s important to understand what a supplement is and never to see any form of supplement as a magic pill. The word “supplement” refers to something you get or use in addition to something else. For instance, Some people work two jobs to “supplement” their income. Diet pills and other weight loss supplements, supplement the efforts you are already making by controlling your diet. In this case, it’s important not to see Metamucil as a product that provides an excuse not to try and eat healthy foods. The pills will work best if you use them alongside a healthy diet that contains nutritious foods that are low in fat and sugar. |
Metamucil: List of Ingredients
(Metamucil Sugar-Free Unflavored Smooth Powder)
How to Use Metamucil
The way you use Metamucil will depend on which version you choose.
Metamucil Capsules
The dose is 2 to 5 capsules up to 4 times per day (Metamucil 3-in-1 Fiber).
New users are advised to begin with one capsule per day and gradually increase the dose to the required quantity.
Each bottle contains 100 capsules so, if you are taking the maximum dose of five times per day, a bottle will only last for five days.
Metamucil Gummies
The normal dose is 1 to 3 gummies per dose with a maximum dose of nine gummies per day.
However, new users are advised to consume no more than three gummies per day and gradually increase their intake if they wish to do so.
There are 72 gummies per bottle so, when you take the maximum dose, a bottle of gummies will only last for eight days.
Metamucil Powder
You need to mix the Metamucil powder with water and then drink it. The maximum dose is three drinks per day but new users are advised to begin with only one drink per day and work their way up if desired.
To make the drink, place 1 to 2 rounded teaspoons (5.8 g to 11.6 g) of powder into a glass and mix briskly with 8 oz of cold water and then drink. You can use an alternative cold liquid if you prefer.
Each tub contains 660 g (23.03 oz) of powder. If you are taking the maximum dose of two teaspoons, three times per day; a tub will only last for 18 days. That’s only around 2.5 weeks but Metamucil powder is still cheaper to use than Metamucil gummies and pills.
Health ConsiderationsWomen who are pregnant or nursing a child, should not take any kind of supplement without getting clearance from a doctor first. People who have existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, should also take the precaution of checking with a doctor before using dietary supplements of any kind. *Information on the Diet Pill Ninja website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. |
Does Metamucil Have Honorable Customer Reviews?
Metamucil has been around for a long time and amassed thousands of customer reviews. Although some people are not impressed by it, the vast majority of Metamucil customer reviews are very good.
However, you need to remember most people who use Metamucil products do so to improve their digestion and/or overall health. Only a minority of buyers use Metamucil for weight loss.
Let’s take a look at a positive customer review (Metamucil Powder)
And here’s a typical negative review (Metamucil Powder)
Does Metamucil Cause Side Effects?
Reports of side effects are quite rare but a few customers mention side effects in their reviews. These are generally stomach-related issues such as cramping or flatulence. Some customers report experiencing nausea as well. Such issues are probably could be due to the stomach getting used to processing extra fiber but if you are worried about Metamucil side effects, a doctor is the best person to offer advice.
Some customers complain certain versions caused side effects due to artificial sweeteners. Others complain about the presence of maltodextrin or aspartame.
If you are thinking about buying Metamucil, it’s a good idea to take careful note of all the ingredients the version you are considering contains. In fact, it’s important to do that with every supplement you buy.
The Best Place to Buy Metamucil
Metamucil is not generally an overly difficult product to find. It’s a stock item at many pharmacies and health food stores.
If you need or prefer to buy Metamucil online, you can do so via several sites including Walmart and Amazon.
Guarantee and Product Returns
Metamucil does not have a money-back guarantee. That’s no biggie because it’s sold as a high-fiber product and that’s what it is. It would be hard to complain it’s not fit for purpose.
However, if you have a problem with side effects or a quality issue, depending on your point of purchase, you may be able to secure a refund from certain third-party suppliers. For instance, in the case of Amazon, you may be able to attain a refund via the Amazon Returns Policy.
Metamucil Review: Diet Pill Ninja Conclusion
Metamucil is a product that provides dietary fiber. Not surprisingly, customer reviews show all the various versions are very good for tackling constipation. Some customer reviews mention “weight loss” too but not necessarily appetite suppression. That’s an issue if you are considering buying Metamucil as a weight loss aid.
When someone has been constipated for a long time and suddenly has a good “clean out” it stands to reason they will also lose weight. However, dumping a few pounds of poop down the toilet is not the same as burning a few pounds of fat.
Getting things moving again will help detox the body and benefit the health. There can be no doubt about that, but people need to be aware of what is going on.
Metamucil will be a fantastic option for most people who want to get more fiber. However, it costs a little more than most basic psyllium husk supplements and the extra ingredients may have the potential to cause side effects and other issues.
If you only want to increase the amount of fiber in your diet, it makes sense to buy a cheaper alternative instead of Metamucil, such as Now Foods Whole Psyllium Husks.
If you are looking for an effective appetite suppressant, you would be better off choosing a glucomannan product like Evolution Slimming’s Glucomannan Plus (CLICK HERE TO READ MY REVIEW)
Glucomannan is a water-soluble fiber that comes from the root of a plant and its ability to manage appetite is endorsed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
However, if, like a lot of people, you want something that can help you to burn fat faster, you may want to consider using a more versatile weight loss supplement instead. I recommend Capsiplex.
Capsiplex is a great option if you want something that can take the edge off your appetite while also helping you to burn more fat.
Click Here to Read my Capsiplex Review
That’s it. The end of my Metamucil review. I hope it’s helped you to decide if Metamucil is the right option for you. If you’ve decided it’s not, I hope this review has helped you to find a suitable Metamucil alternative instead.
However, one final reminder. Regardless of the option you choose, supplements only help you to lose weight faster and avoid hurdles like hunger. A low-calorie diet is at the heart of all successful weight loss plans.
