A nutrition coach has hailed a 45p daily supplement as a 'game-changer' for weight loss, claiming it eliminates sugar cravings and could reduce reliance on expensive weight loss injections. Kate Donohoe, a 44-year-old personal trainer from New Forest, Hampshire, tested glucomannan—a natural water-soluble fibre compound sold in pill form—after hearing about its appetite-suppressing properties.
Kate's Experience with Glucomannan
Kate ordered a £13.50 tub from Amazon, which lasts 30 days, and began taking it daily to recover from a month of indulging in wine and chocolates. She described how she normally experiences sugar withdrawals after such a period, but with glucomannan, that didn't happen. Instead, she lost 3cm around her waist, returning to her pre-Christmas shape without additional effort or sacrifice.
Kate explained: 'I started on a small dose and within two days I had no cravings. It made it really easy to get back on track with a healthy routine, and I didn't have an afternoon slump. Now it's my crutch—I keep a massive tub in the cupboard for when I struggle with my meal plan.'
As a personal trainer, she cannot officially recommend the supplement, but she found it personally useful. She believes many people should try glucomannan before resorting to weight loss injections, as it suppresses appetite and controls blood sugar for a fraction of the price.
How Glucomannan Works
Glucomannan is extracted from the root of the konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac), also known as elephant yam, native to Southeast Asia. This unique fibre can absorb up to 50 times its weight in water, forming a thick gel in the stomach that slows digestion and carbohydrate absorption. This mechanism reduces food cravings by maintaining a feeling of fullness.
Several clinical trials support its effectiveness. One study found that participants taking 1g of glucomannan three times a day without other dietary changes lost an average of 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) over eight weeks.
Comparison with Weight Loss Jabs
Kate, who runs Boom Weight Loss and Fitness, tried glucomannan after a friend recommended it as an alternative to GLP-1 medications like weight loss jabs. She noted that GLP-1s reduce hunger and cravings by slowing digestion, and glucomannan works similarly, albeit less extremely. 'The bottom line is the same—it can make a weight loss journey easier,' she said.
After a month, Kate stopped taking the supplements as she felt they were no longer needed. However, after eating Easter eggs, she resumed them to get back on track. 'I just wanted to make that week after Easter easier for myself—it's a good product and cheap too,' she added.
Kate concluded: 'If I were someone who had weight to lose, glucomannan would be my first port of call before trying weight loss jabs.'
