Should You Take A Fibre Supplement When Trying To Lose Weight?

Taking a fibre supplement can be helpful when trying to lose weight, especially if your regular diet lacks sufficient fibre from whole foods. Fibre helps with weight loss by promoting a feeling of fullness, which naturally reduces calorie intake without making you feel deprived. It also helps stabilise blood sugar levels, reduce cravings, and support healthy digestion. While it's best to get fibre from whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, supplements can fill in the gaps for those who struggle to meet daily fibre needs. Read on as we share a list of ways in which a fibre supplement can help in weight loss.

10 Health benefits of taking a fibre supplement when trying to lose weight

1. Promotes satiety and reduces appetite

Fibre absorbs water and expands in the stomach, making you feel fuller for longer. This satiety effect curbs hunger and reduces the urge to snack between meals, which naturally leads to consuming fewer calories.

2. Regulates blood sugar levels

Fibre slows the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream, preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes. Stable blood sugar levels help reduce sugar cravings and energy dips that often lead to overeating or unhealthy food choices.

3. Improves digestive health

A fibre supplement supports regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. A healthy digestive system is essential for weight loss because it helps efficiently eliminate waste and toxins, making your metabolism more effective.

4. Lowers cholesterol levels

Certain types of soluble fibre bind to cholesterol in the digestive tract and help eliminate it from the body. Lower cholesterol supports heart health, which is often a concern when losing weight, especially in those with high BMI.

5. Supports gut health

Prebiotic fibre supplements feed the good bacteria in your gut, which play a role in regulating metabolism and fat storage. A healthy gut microbiome is increasingly linked to improved weight management and reduced inflammation.

6. Reduces belly fat

Some studies suggest that increasing fibre intake can help reduce visceral fat — the harmful fat stored around your organs. This type of fat is linked to various chronic diseases, and reducing it leads to improved metabolic health.

7. Helps control caloric intake without dieting

Because fibre helps you feel full, you're likely to consume fewer calories naturally without having to follow a restrictive or low-calorie diet. This makes weight loss feel more sustainable over time.

8. Enhances nutrient absorption

By slowing down digestion, fibre gives your body more time to absorb nutrients from food. This can be beneficial during weight loss when nutrient intake may already be slightly reduced due to lower food volume.

9. Regulates bowel function during calorie restriction

When reducing food intake for weight loss, some people may experience constipation. A fibre supplement helps maintain regularity and prevents digestive sluggishness, keeping the system running smoothly.

10. Boosts overall satiety between meals

When taken between meals, a fibre supplement can reduce impulsive snacking and emotional eating. It acts as a natural appetite suppressant without the side effects of commercial weight-loss pills, making it a safe and gentle aid in weight management.

If you're considering a fibre supplement for weight loss, start with a small dose and increase gradually while drinking plenty of water to avoid bloating or discomfort.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.