Safety and Effectiveness Study of a Fiber Supplement for Weight Loss

Inclusion Criteria: * age \> or = 18 and \< or = 65 years * body mass index (BMI) \> or = 25 and \< or = 35 at study entry * speak and understand English (since translated versions of study tools have not been validated) * for females only: without childbearing potential or negative HCG hormone blood test and use of an appropriate form of contraception * signed informed consent form and HIPAA research authorization Exclusion Criteria: * current use of fiber supplements or intolerance to fiber supplements * untreated/unstable metabolic conditions known to influence weight status (e.g., hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes mellitus) * gastrointestinal disorders that might cause complications or influence motility or satiety (e.g., diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal narrowing or obstruction, difficulty swallowing) * Stage II hypertension (\> or = 160/100 mg Hg) or dyslipidemia (fasting LDL cholesterol \> or = 160 mg/dL; total cholesterol \> or = 240 mg/dL; triglycerides \> 200 mg/dL; HDL \< or = 40 mg/dL) * fasting serum glucose \> 126 mg/dL * acute or unstable cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, or psychiatric disorders * conditions for which weight loss may not be appropriate (e.g., HIV/AIDS, cancer) * use of medications that might affect weight or food absorption (e.g., diuretics, glucocorticoids, anorexigenic agents, Orlistat, laxatives) * use of CAM therapies that might affect weight (e.g., acupuncture, Hoodia) * weight change of \> 5% body weight within 3 months of entry into the study * active eating disorders or active participation in a weight loss program * renal function impairment as evidenced by a history of renal disease or a serum creatinine \> 2.0 mg/dL * liver function impairment as evidenced by a history of liver disease or liver enzyme elevations \> three times the upper limit of normal (i.e., ALT \> 150 u/L and/or AST \> 165 u/L) * evidence of depression as determined by a weighted score of \> or = 16 on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), as this may affect eating behavior and adherence to the study protocol * currently consumes \> or = 10 alcoholic drinks/week, as determined by self-report * currently smokes cigarettes due to the effects of nicotine on appetite and C-reactive protein levels * use of illicit drugs currently or in the last six months, as determined by self-report * for females only: pregnant, less than 6 months postpartum or 6 months post-termination of pregnancy, or currently lactating, due to lack of safety data in this population