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Psyllium is a natural nonfermented gel-forming fiber that is effective for weight loss: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis.

  • 2023-05-10
  • Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners 35(8)
    • Roger D Gibb
    • Kyle J Sloan
    • Johnson W McRorie

Study Design

Type
Meta-Analysis
Sample size
n = 354
Population
overweight and obese participants (total n = 354, six studies)
Methods
Meta-analysis of randomized, controlled, clinical studies designed to assess weight loss over at least 2 months; psyllium dosed just before meals (mean dose 10.8 g/day, mean duration 4.8 months); data analyzed using inverse variance method with random effects models
Duration
mean duration 4.8 months
Funding
Unclear

Background

Psyllium is a natural, predominantly soluble fiber that forms a viscous gel when hydrated and is not digested or fermented. In the small intestine, psyllium gel increases chyme viscosity, slowing the degradation and absorption of nutrients. Psyllium has a significant effect in patients with metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes on glycemic control, while lowering serum cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic patients. Some randomized controlled studies have shown that psyllium also facilitates weight loss in overweight and obese participants.

Objectives

A comprehensive review and meta-analysis assessing psyllium's impact on body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in overweight and obese participants.

Data sources

A comprehensive search was performed (Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Database) through March 21, 2022, using search terms to identify randomized, controlled, clinical studies designed to assess weight loss in overweight and obese participants over at least 2 months. Data were analyzed using the inverse variance method with random effects models.

Conclusions

Six studies meeting inclusion criteria were identified (total n = 354). The meta-analysis showed that psyllium, dosed just before meals (mean dose 10.8 g/day, mean duration 4.8 months), was effective for decreasing body weight (MD = -2.1 kg to -1.6]; p < .001), BMI (MD = -0.8 kg/m 2 [95% CI: -1.0 to -0.6]; p < .001) and waist circumference (MD = -2.2 cm [95% CI: -2.9 to -1.4]; p < .001) in overweight and obese populations.

Implications for practice

Gel-forming nonfermented psyllium fiber, dosed just before meals, is effective in facilitating weight loss in overweight and obese participants.

Research Insights

  • psyllium→Reduced Body Mass Index

    The meta-analysis showed that psyllium, dosed just before meals (mean dose 10.8 g/day, mean duration 4.8 months), was effective for decreasing ... BMI (MD = -0.8 kg/m 2 [95% CI: -1.0 to -0.6]; p < .001)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    mean dose 10.8 g/day
  • psyllium→Reduced Body Weight

    The meta-analysis showed that psyllium, dosed just before meals (mean dose 10.8 g/day, mean duration 4.8 months), was effective for decreasing body weight (MD = -2.1 kg [95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.6 to -1.6]; p < .001)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    mean dose 10.8 g/day
  • psyllium→Reduced Waist Circumference

    The meta-analysis showed that psyllium, dosed just before meals (mean dose 10.8 g/day, mean duration 4.8 months), was effective for decreasing ... waist circumference (MD = -2.2 cm [95% CI: -2.9 to -1.4]; p < .001)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    mean dose 10.8 g/day
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