The Fullbar, an over-the-counter weight loss aid, is a cereal bar promoted for its alleged capacity to expand in the stomach. According to the makers of Fullbar, the product increases sensations of satiety, or fullness, and enables weight loss by reducing a person's calorie consumption. The Fullbar and similar products may enable weight loss, but no reliable studies have evaluated its efficacy compared to similar products.
Function
Fullbar's manufacturers advertise it as a weight loss technique similar to bariatric surgery. Dr. Michael A. Snyder, creator of the product, claims that its blend of natural, plant-based proteins and fibers help a person to feel full before a meal. This reduces the amount that you eat, so your calorie intake decreases. With fewer calories, the body begins burning fat to provide energy, and this leads to weight loss. Dr. Synder compares this to weight loss surgery, which also uses sensations of satiety to reduce calorie intake.
Evidence
Increased dietary fiber, whether in the form of Fullbars, grains, fruits or vegetables, can help you reach your weight loss goals. A systematic review published in the scientific journal "Nutrition" concluded that dietary fiber should be considered as a way to accelerate weight loss. The authors of the study noted that fiber has the potential to help a person feel full and to improve overall health. Although "Nutrition" recommends legumes, fruits and vegetables as primary sources of dietary protein, the Fullbar's high fiber content could enable similar effects.
Alleged Clinical Trials
In an advertisement published by GNC, the Fullbar's creator, Dr. Michael Synder, referred to a three-month clinical trial testing Fullbar's efficacy. Synder claimed that participants in the trial lost an average of 40 percent of "excess weight," but does not clarify the specific circumstances of the clinical trial. No peer-reviewed studies published at PubMed refer to the Fullbar or any similar product.
Considerations
Although the Fullbar does provide fiber and protein, which can plausibly help a person to feel full, there is no compelling, unbiased evidence suggesting that it is more effective in this capacity than other fiber sources. If you are interested in losing weight, the Fullbar may be a helpful tool. However, you may be capable of accomplishing the same effect with another low-calorie, high-fiber product, such as psyllium husk, fresh fruit or beans. Consult a qualified practitioner if you have persistent difficulty reaching a healthy weight.
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