Will PGX Solve My Problems?

I don't know how many commercials I've seen for the weight loss product PGX. So today I thought to take a look into what is in PGX and if the product itself has evidence to support its claims of weight loss and feeling full for longer.
PGX or PolyGlycoplex states that it will "change your life." It technically is a viscous fiber (polysaccharide) supplement.

One study including 10 subjects found that small quantities of this supplement before meals can decrease glycemic index of common foods (meaning that it can limit blood sugar spikes).
Another study of 64 subjects involved 32 obese Japanese participants taking 15g of PGX per day for 14 weeks, and another 32 participants taking an placebo. After 14 weeks, the PGX group showed a greater decrease in LDL (bad cholesterol) and waist circumference. However, it is difficult to say that 32 Japanese people could represent the entire population.
Finally, a third study of 35 participants was conducted over 3 days. Women were on a strict 1000calorie/day diet; one group received 5g of PGX at breakfast, lunch, and supper, while another group received a placebo. The PGX group reported decreased appetite, hunger, and desire to eat. However, the study didn't assess what would happen with this strict decrease in calories over a long period of time.

An adverse affect of overloading your body with a high quantity of fiber supplements may be symptoms of bloating, abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation. On the other hand, if you were to use a small quantity of this supplement between meals, or before meals you may be likely to eat less because you feel more full from the fiber.

From a dietitian's perspective, I wouldn't openly recommend this product to my patients due to the lack of enough studies with large amounts of participants. However, if you really want to try PGX, your could double check with a member of your healthcare team and trial small quantities to see how you tolerate it. If you are unsure about the product, my personal recommendation would be utilize high fiber grains, vegetables, and plant sources of protein (beans, peas and legumes) to make you feel full for longer. These foods also provide additional antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that cannot be found in a pill. If this is combined with exercise, your odds of losing weight and keeping it off go higher.

Remember, a powder, a pill, a magic drug, or a sports drink shouldn't be responsible for changing your life, you are! If you lose weight, it is because of your efforts; so be sure to recognize small, healthy, changes as successes along your path and use your healthcare team of dietitians, doctors, and friends for education and support.

Information Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22017917
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23512917
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/ask-a-health-expert/will-fibre-capsules-help-me-lose-weight/article4182609/