Updated 4/3/24. Have you seen the TV commercials for Lipozene featuring Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete? Maybe you've seen the commercials and wondered if Lipozene really worked. Lipozene has been around a long time and was actually one of the first supplements I looked at when this site was created. It was time to take a new look at this diet pill to see if anything had changed. In this review, we will look at the ingredients in Lipozene, its evidence, and side effects to help you see if this weight loss supplement is right for you.
Related reviews
Lipozene Research
Does Lipozene have any clinical evidence proving it really works? Well, on the FAQ page of Lipozene.com, there is a question titled “What were Lipozene's Clinical Study results?” The answer to that question makes reference to a company-sponsored study showing those taking the supplement for 8 weeks “lost 4.93 more pounds than the placebo group, and 3.86 lbs. of body fat!”
That's pretty impressive, but what they don't tell us is if the study was published in a medical journal. If it was, then we could see:
- How many people were in the study?
- Was there a placebo group?
- Were there any side effects?
While I liked the study was done under “free-living conditions” where people did not change their eating or exercise habits, there is much we are not told about how this study was conducted.
To double-check, I searched both ClinicalTrials.gov and Pubmed.gov for research. I simply went to those sites and entered “Lipozene.”
No relevant studies showed up.
This appears to show Lipozene -itself – has no peer-reviewed clinical evidence (the best kind of evidence). That said, this is not necessarily a deal-breaker because I'm very familiar with the key ingredient in Lipozene.
Let's look at that next.
Lipozene Ingredients
There is only 1 ingredient in this supplement. The label tells us that 2 capsules of Lipozene contain 1500 mg of an ingredient called:
- Amorphophallus Konjac
This is the name of a large, purple-colored plant that is common to various parts of Asia. The root of the plant is often where the ingredients in supplements come from. Thus, another name for this on supplement labels is konjac root extract. Other names include glucomannan, devil's tongue and simply, konjac.
By whatever name you call it by, it's a water-soluble fiber that expands in size -like a sponge – when it comes in contact with a liquid. This ability to expand temporarily stretches the stomach, slowing gastric emptying (stomach emptying) and making our brain think that we are full.
This in turn, reduces our desire to eat. This is how Lipozene and other konjac fiber supplements work.
Other weight loss supplements containing this konjac root extract include:
- Glucosulin (click to read review)
- Phentraburn (click to read review)
- Glucotor v2 (click to read review)
See those reviews for more info on those products.
Other Ingredients In Lipozene
The Lipozene label also tells us it contains:
- Gelatin
- Microcrystalline-cellulose
- Magnesium silicate
- Stearic acid
- Titanium dioxide
- FD&C Blue #1
These other ingredients play no role in the weight loss effects of this supplement.
Konjac Fiber Research
This is the key ingredient in this supplement. There is research on konjac fiber as it pertains to weight loss. On the product package, it's called “Amorphophallus Konjac.” Remember the other name for this fiber is glucomannan. Let's summarize that research next.
Study
In a 2015 study, 83 overweight men and women were given either konjac supplements or a placebo for 60 days. The amount of konjac used was 3000 mg (3 grams) a day. These researchers noted that the Konjac supplements caused significantly more weight and fat loss than those who took the placebo.
Study
In a review of 9 previous studies, published in 2014, researchers concluded glucomannan (konjac) did not produce statistically significant weight loss benefits.
Study
In this study glucomannan was given to 42 overweight men and women, along with a diet and exercise program. The study lasted 8 weeks. These researchers used 3000 mg of glucomannan. They noted glucomannan promoted significant loses in body weight and fat compared to those who just worked out. Exercise also enhanced the effects of glucomannan.
Study
A review article published in 2008 that included 14 studies concluded that glucomannan was effective at reducing body weight as well as cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels.
Study
In a review article from 2005, the researchers note that taking 2g – 4g per day of glucomannan produced significant weight loss in obese and overweight adults.
A fiber called PolyGlycopleX (PGX) is derived from glucomannan (konjac). In one small study, 5g of PGX fiber, given 2-3 times a day (10g-15g/day total) to 29 overweight people for 14 weeks produced reductions in body weight and body fat.
In a 1984 study, 1000 mg (1g) of glucomannan fiber given 3 times a day (3g total) to 20 overweight people was shown to produce significant weight loss over a 2 month period.
To be fair, not all studies show it works. But, there are enough of them to think it might help some people.
Glucomannan Review
Lipozene Research Summary
Here is a quick summary of the research presented above.
| Study Year | Type Of Study | Study Results |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 83 people/ 60days/ 3g used | Konjac works |
| 2014 | Review paper of 9 previous studies | Konjac does not work |
| 2007 | 42 people /8 weeks/3g used | Konjac works |
| 2008 | Review paper of 14 previous studies | Konjac works |
| 2005 | Review paper | Konjac works |
| 2010 | 29 people/ 8 weeks. 10-15g of PGX fiber used | Konjac PGX fiber works |
| 1984 | 20 people/ 8 weeks, 3g used | Konjac works |
As can be seen from the table above, if konjac root extract is going to help weight, it may take 2000 mg-3000 mg before benefits are observed. Keep in mind that none of these studies used Lipozene itself. Instead, the research is on the active ingredient, which is called konjac (glucomannan)
What Is METABO UP PLUS?
METABO UP Plus is the other supplement mentioned on the Lipozene website and in TV commercials. The name implies that this supplement is supposed to increase the metabolic rate. In fact, on the product website (MetaboUp.com) they say the supplement will “increase energy and boost metabolism.”
Increased metabolic rates might – in theory – burn more calories. The more calories we burn, could, in theory, contribute to weight loss.
METABO Up -which was the original product marketed – was replaced by Metabo Up PLUS. The METABO UP supplement contained these ingredients:
- Green tea
- Guarana seed extract (22% caffeine)
- kola nut
- vitamin B6 and vitamin B12
Metabo Up PLUS contains these ingredients in 2 tablets:
| Ingredient | Amount Per Serving | Percent Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B 6 | 600 micrograms | 30% DV |
| Vitamin B12 | 15 micrograms | 215% DV |
| Blend Containing | 952 mg | |
| Green tea extract (50% polyphenols) | ||
| Guarana seed extract (22% caffeine) | ||
| Caffeine | ||
| Oolong tea leaf | ||
| Kola nut extract (10% caffeine) | ||
| Cayenne | ||
| Platycodon root extract (10:1) |
As can be seen, they added a couple of extra ingredients to Metabo UP PLUS.
Other ingredients also present in Metabo Up Plus are calcium carbonate, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, silicon dioxide, Croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and pharmaceutical glaze.
We are told the total amount of ingredients in the proprietary blend adds up to 952 mg. What we can say about these ingredients? The first 5 ingredients of the proprietary blend all contain caffeine. The caffeine-containing ingredients in Metabo Up Plus are as follows:
- Green tea
- Guarana
- Caffeine (obviously)
- Oolong tea
- Kola nut
It turns out 2 capsules of MetaboUp PLUS has 120 mg of caffeine. This is why they say it boosts metabolism and gives you energy. It does it the same way any other caffeine product will.
As for Oolong tea. There is at least one study showing that oolong tea can help weight loss. This study used more oolong tea than Metabo UP has. I also saw Oolong when I reviewed Fit Tea (click to read review)
The last ingredient in the blend is Platycodon. This refers to the plant called Platycodon grandiflorum. The MetaboUp.com website says it can help to “breakdown stored fat.” That might be true in mice. But what about people? Let's wait for more research.
Bottom Line: MetaoUP PLUS is a caffeine supplement.
Is Lipozene + Metabo Up Better?
While I've seen them marketed together, I don't believe using both equals more weight loss. In other words, I don't think people have to take both supplements. After all, it's just a caffeine supplement. Since that's the case, wouldn't it be easier to just drink coffee or diet soda and get the same effect?
In the research summarized above, people only took the konjac fiber, which is the active ingredient of Lipozene. As such, that's all I think people need.
How Much Caffeine?
Lipozene has no caffeine.
Metabo Up Plus has 120 mg in 2 capsules. This is roughly about what is in a cup of coffee.
How To Take Lipozene?
It's recommended to take 1 or 2 capsules with 8 oz of water at least 30 minutes before eating.
Who Makes Lipozene?
The company is called the Obesity Research Institute LLC. Two addresses were found for the company
- 2777 USA Parkway McCarran, NV 89434
- PO Box 235330 Encinitas, CA 92023
A previous company address is 4910 Longley Ln STE 101 Reno, NV 89502-7933. Their phone number is: (800) 409-9768. It's ironic that given the name “research” is in the name of the company, no published, peer-reviewed clinical research for Lipozene could be uncovered at the time this review was created.
The BBB had an NC rating for the Obesity Research Institute when this review was updated. Ratings sometimes change, so see the BBB website for updates and more information.
Contact Lipozene
Lipozene.com lists the following contact numbers:
- Customer Service: 888-220-8907
- New Orders: 800-409-9768
I called both phone numbers, but I could NOT reach a human to speak with. The customer service number consisted of a bunch of automated responses based on what keypad number you push. When you call you may get hit with a “Congratulations” sales pitch where they offer to double the order.
Even calling the New Orders phone number consisted of the same long-winded sales pitch. I called several times and could never speak to a human.
Where To Buy Lipozene
This weight loss supplement is pretty mainstream, and it should be available at most retail stores like Walmart, CVS, GNC, Target, Costco, Acme Vitamin Shoppe, Walgreens, and RiteAid.
Lipozene Cost
A bottle of Lipozene costs $29.95. That's not too bad compared to other supplements which can cost much more. That said, if buying Lipozene on a regular basis, the cost will add up.
If you order, I suggest you call the company rather than order from the website. If you do, ask if they will be adding the non-refundable fee of $1.35 to the order.
Also, check local stores as it may be on sale. This supplement is also sold online.
Returning Lipozene
Customers have a total of 30 days to return the Lipozene weight loss pills for a refund. Return authorization numbers must be received from Customer Service and written on the shipping box. Please contact Customer Service with any questions about Lipozene's weight loss guarantee at 1-888-220-8907.
Before returning it, you have to obtain a Return Authorization Number from the company.
You can obtain this by calling the company at 1-888-220-8907. This is important. Don't just send it back without the Return Authorization Number or the guarantee won't be authorized.
If you purchased from a local retail store, just return it there. I'm sure stores will honor returns/exchanges. The same thing goes for buying from eBay or Amazon too.
Lipozene vs. Konjac Fiber
Lipozene contains only 1 active ingredient – konjac fiber – also called glucomannan. The product does contain an amount similar to what research studies have found works, so that is good.
Because of this, I believe Lipozene and Konjac fiber would work equally. This is important because konjac fiber can be purchased by itself, as capsules or a fiber powder to mix into smoothies or water.
Lipozene Pro & Con
Here is a quick overview of what I liked and didn't care for about this supplement:
| What's Good | What's Not So Good |
|---|---|
| Buying 1 bottle is not too expensive | Can become expensive if used long term |
| Contains amounts of knojac used in research | Autoship program |
| Been around a long time | Lack of clinical research on Lipozene itself |
| No stimulants in Lipozene (Metabo Up Plus has stimulants) | Customer service difficult to get a hold of |
| $1.35 non refundable processing fee on returns |
Lipozene Side Effects
Lipozene is safe for most healthy people. That said, here are some potential issues to keep in mind. See your doctor if you think any of this applies to you. This list is not complete.
- Start with less than suggested for the first week
- Stop taking Lipozene at least 2 weeks before surgery
- The product is not recommended for women who are pregnant/nursing
- If you take any medications, speak to your doctor
- Metabo Up plus contains caffeine. Don't take it close to bedtime or if you are sensitive to caffeine.
- Make sure you take Lipozene with adequate water. There has been at least one report of choking with the capsules. This is probably avery rare occurrence. The fiber also comes in powder form too.
- If the product caused reductions in food intake, in theory, a lowering of blood sugar may also occur. Rapid drops in blood sugar can make people dizzy as they become hypoglycemic.
Holly Robinson Peete Lipozene Commercial
Lipozene TV commercials currently feature actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, former football player, Rodney Peete. From some of the comments I've seen online, they have taken some heat for doing the commercial. I won't add to that because they are not the first -or last -celebrities to endorse weight loss supplements.
For example, Kirstie Alley and Octavia Spencer and Bob Harper and Chris Powell have all marketed weight loss supplements.
Lipozene is pretty tame compared to many other supplements I've seen – and its key ingredient has some evidence.
In the past, Lipozene TV commercials have featured Stacey Travis, an accomplished actress and has appeared in many movies and TV shows including Big Bang Theory, and Seinfeld.
Does Lipozene Work?
Lipozene contains a fiber called konjac (glucomannan), which some studies have shown may help people lose weight. Lipozen also contains the amount of konjac fiber that research has shown can work. As such, its quite possible this supplement may benefit some people.
What Do You Think?
Hi Joe my question is: will these pills interfere with my medication. Blood pressure, diabetes, allergy pills? Making them less effective.
Anna, since Im not your doctor or a pharmacist I think my words would have little value here. why don’t you do this. show the ingredients to your pharmacist and see what they say.
Thank you for all you help. The world needs more people like you.
Anna, why thank you! That is very kind of you to say. 🙂
Thank you very much joe for taking the time to offer great advice and the opinion of a trusted person such as yourself means a lot to me. I’m very glad to have read this ‘blog’ instead of having to try it for myself and be a guinea pig. That frightens me. So thank you for the wonderful information. I don’t want to take the chance of putting stuff in my body which by simple diet and exercise could be just as or even more effective!! When in doubt, don’t do it! Thanks Joe!!! You’re very much appreciated!!
I was already eating right 2 weeks prior but I still wasn’t doing much I lost .7 pounds within those 2 weeks so I decided to run and do the lipozene as well then I started to actually lose weight and actually the fat that has been coming off is at the middle (gut) I don’t have one anymore and my love handles have shrunk dramatically keep in mind I’m almost 30 and I do smoke cigarettes as well..and my bowels have improved drastically I don’t know if that’s too much info but it comes with the territory lol…
I weighed 198 in the beginning February 1st now it’s February 28th and I weigh 183.4 lbs. I decided I’m almost 30 in August I wanted to begin my 30’s in the best shape of my life I made drastic changes to the way I eat..no cokes no sweet teas no processed foods and low calorie meals…my new diet consists of chicken fish and small portion pastas fruits(natural) and my workout daily is 500 calories in the elliptical machine and whatever more I burn doing light lifting (kettle bells)..I feel better look better and I’m really happy because I never saw a decline in my weight loss pursue I will continue using lipozene until I reach my 165 mark then get off them knowing my life style is now a regular thing. Hope this helps. P.S. sleeping is the number 1 thing I recommended not sleeping enough is really bad for your body. Thanks (Ese)
Well…on February 1st I weighed 196lbs and it’s the 28th of February now and I weigh 183.4lbs now…I eat 3 meals a day burn 500 calories on the elliptical machine plus more when I do minor lifting my new diet consists of grilled chicken salmon tilapia fish rice just things that don’t require oil to be used to cook no cokes no processed foods and I sleep 6-7 hours a day..9 hours on Sunday and I’m feeling great this does work you just need to change your lifestyle completely and lipozene has helped alot trust me. Hope this helps
But how do you know it wasnt the change in your lifestyle that did the trick?
Joe I’m glad you bring up the issue with blood pressure elevation. We with hypertension need to be careful. I take four different meds just to get my blood pressure anywhere near normal so I’m reluctant to take anything that may interact with those meds. Thanks for the informative article.
Christallin, thanks for that! much appreciated 🙂
does anyone actually lost weight by taking Lipozene? I know that there’s no magic pill but I wonder if Lipozene really works!
does anyone actually lost weight by taking Lipozene? I know that there’s no magic pill but I wonder if really works…..
I just wanted to let everyone know that if you do order the product there is an auto ship program and they will automatically charge your bank account for the next shipment of the product. I only ordered the product to see if it would work for me and the next thing I know my bank balance is out of wack.
Make sure to tell the them when you order that you don’t want to participate in the auto ship program other wise they will continue to send the product to you and will continue to charge you even though you may not want the product any more.
Hi, I’m 20 and want to lose 10-20 pounds, what weight loss products do you think would work for me?
Jennifer, read this for more information http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
I’ve been trying to lose my big pouch from my first and only pregnancy I have read so much about all kinds of weight loss supplements right now I am debating between the Garcinia Cambogia or Lipozine, any suggestions?
Yannis, I usually try not to recommend specific products but here is what I have written on this topic http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
I started taking this product and after 2 months I saw no changes. I was about to give up but figured I’d go 1 more month. About the 10th week I noticed I weighed about 5lbs less and it kept coming off.
Im a truck driver and have been kind of dumpy all my life. The dietary habits of someone that drives is horrible. All I did was limit soda to 32oz (or less) per day and stop candy and sunflower seeds. Granted some other fav foods had to be regulated (pizza), but all in all I’d say the product worked for me.
I am 21 and 230 lbs. I am looking to lose 80-90 lbs. I have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome which can lead to cancer and diabetes. It requires me to lose weight so that my conditions don’t worsen. Would you say that lipozene is a good choice for me?
Sydney, Lipozene is basically a fancy fiber supplement. I might help curb your appetite but remember that diabetes can often be helped by doing physical activity like walking also. Please do that as well as eat better also. Don’t just rely on lipozene because I don’t think alone it will help. That said, if you do try it and it leads you to do other healthy things -like eating more fiber foods (fruits/veggies) and exercising a bit more, then that is a good thing.
I had prostrate cancer and had radiation treatment=It
is now gone-Can I take Lipozene and not worry about
it?
Jerry, While I honestly have no idea either way, if I had to guess my gut instinct would be yes. Lipozene is basically just a fiber supplement.
I bought a double pack at Walmart for $20 and yes you have to be 18 to purchase lipozene. I started it yesterday and noticed a huge difference in how much I eat. It curbs my appetite and I eat less not to mention I don’t have to snack throughout the day.
My bowel movements are more regular now, I have an iron deficiency and am often constipated from the iron I have to take. I am also doing zumba and drinking plenty of water. I feel great, not tired. Thanks so Much for the info will definitely change some of the things I eat, because of the extra fiber I’m adding now! Thank you so much!
Thanks Jamie, happy you say its helping you.
I have just received my order of Lipozene when I found your site. I have had questions all along and when I saw your site I was so happy and relieved. I will be sending my order back.
Your site is a blessing. Thank you for the information.
Dot, thats very kind of you to say! I’m glad you found me 🙂
Well, as much as I don’t want to admit it, I’m only 18 and I weigh over 320 pounds….I like to think I don’t eat a whole lot and maybe just doing more will help. But my mother ordered Lipozene with the 2 month supply that we’ll do together for a month.
But I wanted to look into this before we even got it. I admit I’m having conflicted opinions on if I should do it or not. I see that people have great results and others have little to no results. I understand you still have to change your lifestyle and diet.
And even start working out more, but I’m still a bit nervous about how well this product works. I mean it seems to work for people who had successful results by most likely still changing their lifestyle, with the help of a pill that basically just makes you feel fuller.
But for someone of my age, is it okay to take? I certainly have the weight to lose, I’m just worried that by taking it could do more harm than good.
Hi Natalie, I think most weight loss supplements work best when combined with some sort of change in eating habits/ exercise habits. How much the supplements contribute to the weight loss I think is hard to tell. that said I hope you will go to your doctor first and get a check up and when your there tell your doctor about your desire to lose weight. Go ahead and mention Lipozene also (he/she may or may not have heard of it – its been out for a while so they probably have). My hope is that they may have ideas that can help you also in addition to the tests they will do.
Here is something Ive written on weight loss products with tips that have been shown to work
http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
I do hope it helps you Natalie and I think its great that you and your mom want to do it together. I hope you will keep me posted on if lipozen helped you or not. For what its worth Natalie, I really do hope it helps you 🙂
So I never got around to replying to this, sorry. But I had been wanting to tell you what happened when my mom and I tried ordering it. (Yes, I am the same Natalie). It was the worst thing ever.
My mom said it took almost an hour to order because they tried to get her to buy some other products, and they had her card number so she didn’t know what she would get charged.if she hung up.
Well after waiting for several weeks, we never got it. And my mom was charged for the next order which apparently is an automatic thing. Well she demanded a refund for the second charge and the first because we never got it. Well they refunded the second, but because we had to “send back” the first order, she only got half of the first back. That when they get their product back, they’ll give her the rest. Well we never got it.
So my mom was very frustrated because they didn’t seem to understand that we never received our order. We couldn’t send it back. Never doing that again.
Natalie thanks for writing back and keeping me up to date with what happened! Sorry that happend to you and your mom!
Don’t order it online folks. Most Walmart stores and website carry this product for about half the price as the cost of ordering and you aren’t asked or forced to pay for it every month or pay for other products. I hope that helps.
Has anyone had issues not being able to sleep after taking this close to bed time?
Can you purchase lipozene at Walmart or at Walgreens, even if you are under 18?
Vixen, if its a supplement, it can be purchased over the counter by people under 18. Im not sure if Lipozene is at walmart / walgreens or not. I don’t remember seeing them there but I could be wrong.
It is sold over the counter at Walmart, however they check your ID at the checkout to make sure that you are 18.
I just Bought mine at Walmart, and they did Id me. They said that its not sold to persons under eighteen.
Chrysi, I did not know Walmart was requiring ID for over the counter weight loss products. Thanks for the heads up on this!
I would just like to say thank you for putting the effort into making this website it seems like a very valuable resource and I will try to find more info on any weight loss supplements I intend to try.
I checked out all of your links on this page and on 1 of them you mentioned Austin that the ingredients like mulberry you said virtually none of them besides Glucomannan had been clinically tested on weight loss effectiveness.
I was curious if you know of any natural when’s that we had been clinically proven to be affective with weight loss. and I would just like to say that your page was very easy to read and understand and I felt much more comfortable with the links that you provided. and it would be ironic if you been making outrageous remarks in this commenting on other adds.
your page is very easy to read very understandable very relatable and it has strengthened my desire to become any nutritionist.
Noelle, thanks that is all VERY nice of you to say! When it comes to weight loss glucoannan is probably the safest of what I see out there. Mostly weight loss supplements are either stimulants, fiber or other types of laxatives. While there has been some interesting research on ephedra, its banned in the US and isnt in any weight loss products (products that has ephedra now often contain bitter orange but the proof of that is far less convincing to me). On my personal site, Ive written more about weight loss supplemenets here is the link http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
I hope some of this helps Noelle and good luck becoming a nutritionist!! 🙂