Metamucil For Weight Loss: Should You Try It? - Healthline

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Evidence BasedCan Metamucil Help You Lose Weight?

Medically reviewed by Jared Meacham, PhD., RD, CSCS — Written by Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD — Updated on April 22, 2025

What it is
Weight loss effects
Side effects
Bottom line

Metamucil and psyllium husk can help treat constipation. They may also decrease appetite, but using them for weight loss may not be safe or effective.

Metamucil is a supplement that’s often used to treat constipation and support regularity.

It’s also sometimes used for weight management due to its ability to decrease appetite and promote feelings of fullness.

However, Metamucil has also been associated with several adverse effects, leading many to wonder whether it’s safe and effective for weight loss.

This article reviews whether Metamucil can help you lose weight, as well as whether you should use it for that purpose.

What is Metamucil?

Metamucil is a fiber supplement made from psyllium husk, a compound derived from the seeds of Plantago ovata, also known as blond plantain.

It’s a type of soluble fiber, which means that it absorbs water and forms a gel-like consistency as it passes through your digestive tract.

Metamucil is often used to support digestive health, lower cholesterol levels, reduce appetite, and improve blood sugar control.

It also helps promote regularity by trapping water in the intestines, easing the passage of stool from the body.

It’s available in powder, capsule, and wafer form and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription.

Can it aid weight loss?

Several studies have focused on the potential weight loss effects of Metamucil and psyllium, but experts agree it should not be primarily used for weight loss.

For instance, one 2018 study in 51 people with type 2 diabetes found that supplementing with psyllium decreased constipation, blood sugar levels, and body weight, compared with a control group.

Another, older 2016 study observed similar findings, noting that psyllium improved blood sugar control and decreased body mass index (BMI) in 40 people with type 2 diabetes.

Some research also shows that psyllium may help reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, which may be beneficial for weight loss.

However, despite these potential benefits, Metamucil or similar fiber supplements shouldn’t be used as a weight loss product.

Instead, try to increase your intake of soluble fiber through foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes. These foods can help you increase your fiber intake to support weight loss, and they supply important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to improve your overall health.

Potential side effects

Although studies show that Metamucil may be beneficial for weight loss, there are a few side effects to consider.

In particular, psyllium may cause mild digestive issues for some people, including gas, bloating, or belching.

Be sure to start with a low dosage and increase your intake gradually to help minimize unpleasant side effects.

It’s also important to ensure that you’re drinking enough water when taking Metamucil, as it has been shown to cause severe side effects, such as bowel obstruction, when taken without adequate fluids.

If you have diabetes or a history of gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you should talk with your healthcare provider before using fiber supplements like Metamucil.

You should also consult your healthcare provider if you’re taking any other medications, as Metamucil can interfere with the absorption of certain types of drugs.

The bottom line

Increasing your intake of fiber using a soluble fiber supplement like Metamucil may help reduce hunger and appetite to promote weight loss.

However, it can also interfere with certain medications and may cause digestive issues for some people, including bloating, belching, and gas.

Due to these risks, you should only take Metamucil after consulting your healthcare provider.

Moreover, despite some of their potential benefits for weight loss, Metamucil and similar fiber supplements should not be used as weight loss products.

A better approach would be to try and eat more soluble-fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

These foods can not only increase your intake of fiber to support weight loss but also supply a variety of important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Abutair AS, et al. (2016). Soluble fibers from psyllium improve glycemic response and body weight among diabetes type 2 patients (randomized control trial).https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27733151/
Fasinu PS, et al. (2012). An overview of the evidence and mechanisms of herb–drug interactions.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3339338/
Gibb RD, et al. (2023). Psyllium is a natural nonfermented gel-forming fiber that is effective for weight loss: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10389520/
Hefny AF, et al. (2018). Intestinal obstruction caused by a laxative drug (psyllium): A case report and review of the literature.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6197948/
Jalanka J, et al. (2019). The effect of psyllium husk on intestinal microbiota in constipated patients and healthy controls.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6358997/
Kolderup Hervik A, et al. (2019). The role of fiber in energy balance.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6360548/
Noureddin S, et al. (2018). Effects of psyllium vs. placebo on constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids: A randomized trial in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic constipation.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30219432/
Side effects of Fybogel. (2022).https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/fybogel-ispaghula-husk/side-effects-of-fybogel/

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Evidence Based

This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument.

This article contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.

Medically reviewed by Jared Meacham, PhD., RD, CSCS — Written by Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD — Updated on April 22, 2025

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