logo for medical-weight-loss-guide.com
leftimage for medical-weight-loss-guide.com

Guar Gum


Guar gum comes from the Indian cluster bean Cyamopsis teragonolobus. It theoretically acts as a soluble fiber in the gut that absorbs water. This is supposed to make you feel full and eat less.

One study that lasted only 30 days showed a nearly 5 lbs weight loss. Other studies, however, have shown that overall guar gum does not aid in weight loss.

It is relatively safe, but it dose have side effects. Some of them are: stomach pain, gas and diarrhea.

 


It is important you discuss any weight loss or exercise plan with your doctor. Only you and your physician can decide what is best for you. Some people have certain conditions that prevent them from doing all exercises, and goal body weights may be different for different people. You need to discuss all these things with your physician before starting any weight loss or exercise program.


This article was written by John Vickery, MD.


References

Am Fam Physician. 2004 Nov 1;70(9):1731-8.
"Drug therapy of obesity" Up To Date ver 16.1
Int J Obes (Lond). 2005 Sep;29(9):1030-8.