Effect of Guar Gum on Body Weight and Serum Lipids in Hypercholesterolemic Females

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The effect of guar gum (15 g/day) on serum lipids and body weight of middle‐aged hypercholesterolemic females was studied in a double‐blind controlled trial. No consistent changes were observed in serum cholesterol, triglycerides or HDL cholesterol in patients taking guar gum, placebo or no medication at all. A highly significant decrease in body weight (62.9±2.1 vs. 60.4±2.2 kg, p<0.0005, paired comparison) was seen in subjects receiving guar gum, whereas body weight remained constant in the other two groups. It is concluded that the daily ingestion of 15 g of guar gum results in a permanent weight loss, but does not influence serum lipids in females with hypercholesterolemia. 1980 Association for the Publication of the Journal of Internal Medicine