Bulking agents in the treatment of obesity.

The effect of two bulk-forming appetite depressants, methylcellulose and gum guar, on food intake has been studied in 11 (4 male, 7 female) healthy volunteers--3 of whom were overweight. 10 g of active ingredient were given in two equal doses daily for periods of 1 week of each agent. Individually weighed dietary intakes were obtained over four consecutive weeks; the first and third weeks were without medication. Both gum guar and methylcellulose were equally effective in reducing appetite by 10%.