Does Metamucil Cause Weight Gain?
If you’re a regular consumer of Metamucil, you might be worried whether Metamucil increases your weight gain. Generally speaking, Metamucil is not associated with weight gain as you might have feared. But what exactly is Metamucil? Metamucil is known as a fiber supplement containing pure and natural psyllium husk.
Its primary function is to support your digestive system and bowel movement, alleviating minor constipation you might be suffering from. Fundamentally, its consumption is meant to promote your heart health while regulating the proper levels of blood sugar.
However, you have to be cautious before jumping immediately into Metamucil as there are certain limitations and probable discomforts associated with it.
Primarily, Metamucil is a no-go if you’re suffering from nausea, rectal bleeding, swallowing issues, abdominal pain, and bowel blockage. Simultaneously, beware of certain discomforts such as nauseous feeling, bloating, or gas in the stomach which are not pleasant at all.
What is Metamucil?
Fundamentally speaking, Metamucil is a fiber supplement containing both soluble and insoluble fiber. Given that it is made out of 100% pure psyllium husk, the results tend to be what you expect out of it.
Metamucil, on the other hand, acts as a minor laxative for your occasional constipation issues.
Does Metamucil Make You Lose Or Gain Weight?
Metamucil does not increase your weight. As mentioned above, the primary ingredient of Metamucil, the psyllium husk acts as an activator to a gel that is supposed to make you feel fuller.
Hence, the appetite control function of Metamucil is likely to help you lose weight rather than weight gain.
Does Metamucil Cause Weight Gain?
Weight gain or an increase in your weight is not a matter of an over-the-counter dietary supplement. There are many other factors that actively and significantly contribute to weight gain.
Some of these factors range from your diet that might contain too many calories to a sedentary lifestyle where you don’t get enough movement. On the other hand, your genetics as well as certain environmental factors could likely cause you to gain weight.
Metamucil fits into the equation as a part of your weight management. The psyllium husk in Metamucil is the prime agent in creating a sense of fullness in your stomach through forming a gel which in return maintains your appetite so that you will not get random cravings.
Hence, the lesser calorie intake contributes to weight loss. Since it regulates your blood sugar and bad cholesterol levels, it further supports your weight loss journey.
What Happens To Your Body When You Start Taking Metamucil?
There are quite a few things that happen to your body when you start taking Metamucil including improved heart health and bowel health.
Improved Digestive Health
- Once you take the Metamucil in and it enters your stomach, the psyllium husk starts to thicken and forms a gel that will trap the carbohydrate and sugary particles.
- Upon moving to the small intestine, the sugars will be released and absorbed promoting healthy sugar levels.
Regular Bowel Movements
- The thickened gel that is formed by psyllium husk moves through the digestive tract, carrying fiber into the large intestine.
- Once it reaches the large intestine, the fiber does the function of retaining the water which then results in softening of the stool.
- Thus, it automatically functions as a laxative, alleviating your constipation and encouraging regular and healthy bowel movements.
Promotes Heart Health
- Psyllium husk does an excellent job of trapping some of the bile in the small intestine and passing it to the large intestine to prevent reabsorption.
- This urges the liver to get cholesterol from your bloodstream to make new bile. Thus, the cholesterol level is automatically lowered.
Does Fiber Cause Temporary Weight Gain?
If you’re worried about the calorie count of Metamucil, it typically contains around 45 calories in 12g of Metamucil power. When you compare that amount with what you would consume daily, it is honestly not such a big number. The numbers are so low that it is unlikely to cause significant weight gain in you.
| Metamucil Product | Serving size | Calories (kcal) |
| Metamucil Fiber + collagen rejuvenation blend | Two heaping tablespoons | 30 |
| Metamucil premium blend | Two rounded tablespoons | 30 |
| Metamucil sugar-free orange blend | Two rounded tablespoons | 30 |
| Metamucil sugar-free berry smooth powder | Two rounded tablespoons | 30 |
What Happens If You Take Metamucil Everyday?
First, of course, it’s safe to use Metamucil daily. The daily consumption of this specific dietary fiber will ensure the best results of improved digestive health and smooth bowel movements.
Nevertheless, like any other over-the-counter supplement, Metamucil might need a bit of customization when it comes to each individual.
Our top recommendation is to consult a healthcare professional or a certified dietician before you start your daily consumption. This is encouraged if you have any known chronic illnesses.
How Often Should I Take Metamucil To Lose Weight?
The foremost thing that we all need to know is that Metamucil is no magic pill that will instantly help you lose weight. Losing weight is a gradual process, one that is much more dependent on your dietary habits, physical exercise, genetic factors, and more.
Metamucil only gets you so far in your weight loss journey. It’s only a supplement that is meant to encourage regulated weight by directly impacting your appetite.
This is why you must maintain a healthy diet while taking Metamucil as recommended by your dietician or any healthcare expert.
What is The Downside of Metamucil?
- Just like any other thing, Metamucil also has certain side effects that might affect certain individuals. The most common downsides include these physical discomforts.
- Nausea
- Swallowing issues
- Rectal bleeding
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- It is imperative that you take the recommended fluid intake, particularly if you’re easily dehydrated as inadequate fluid intake could lead to severe constipation.
- Always make sure to take only the recommended dosage ( 2 rounded tablespoons usually ) that is mentioned on the back of the bottle.
- Please make sure you drink at least 240ml three times a day to minimize the discomfort.
FAQs
Does Psyllium Husk Cause Weight Gain?
No, Psyllium Husk does not make you gain weight. It rather helps you with weight loss.
What Does Metamucil Do For Your Stomach?
Metamucil forms a gel in your stomach by thickening itself which is essential for blood sugar control and softening of your stool.
Does Metamucil Make You Puffy?
Unfortunately, yes. Certain people might experience a little bit of bloating, some gas, or even an upset stomach after consuming Metamucil.
Is 2 Tablespoons of Metamucil Too Much?
No, it is not. However, the beginners are advised to start with only one tablespoon of Metamucil which could be gradually increased up to two.
Does Metamucil Make Your Stomach Bloat?
Yes, bloating is one of the side discomforts of consuming Metamucil
Does Metamucil Suppress Appetite?
Yes, Metamucil is known to temporarily suppress your appetite by promoting a sense of fullness in your belly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re constantly having issues with bowel movements and the digestive system, Metamucil might be the ultimate saving grace for you. While it is of course an over-the-counter- supplement, we always encourage the expert opinion to make sure nothing goes wrong.
When the right amount is taken in the right way, it could be the easiest way to improve your bowel and digestive health.
