With adult obesity reaching epidemic levels in the UK—where 25.9% of adults are obese and 37.9% are overweight (1) — the demand for weight loss solutions is at an all-time high. Recently, weight loss injections have surged in popularity as a quick fix, but are they the best option? While weight loss injections can offer rapid results, there has been a 46% increase in serious side effects and hospitalisations and require ongoing medical supervision.

An alternative, scientifically backed approach involves prebiotic fibre, specifically chicory root fibre, which offers a natural and sustainable way to support weight loss.

Why Consider Prebiotics for Weight Loss?

Research has shown that prebiotic fibre from chicory root can play a significant role in weight loss and management by regulating appetite, improving digestion, and enhancing gut health. Unlike weight loss injections, which typically suppress appetite through artificial means, prebiotics work with your body’s natural biology to promote satiety and improve metabolism.

For example, one study published in the National Library of Medicine regarding the effect of chicory root (inulin) found that the group consuming the chicory root fibre lost significantly more weight and fat compared to the control group. And that fasting glucose significantly decreased over the course of the study.(2)

In this blog, we will explore:

• The science behind prebiotic chicory root fibre and weight loss

• How chicory root fibre promotes satiety and appetite control

• The role of prebiotics in blood sugar regulation

• A natural way to support sustainable weight loss

Prebiotic Chicory Root Fibre vs. Weight Loss Injections

Weight loss injections work by mimicking hormones that regulate hunger, reducing appetite and calorie intake. While this method may lead to short-term weight loss, it doesn’t address the root cause of weight gain and may cause side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and digestive issues. Additionally, discontinuing weight loss injections often leads to weight regain.

Cost Comparison: Weight loss injections such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are available without a prescription and can cost up to £269 per month. In contrast, drinking one bottle of ió fibrewater daily costs under £110 per month, making it a more affordable and natural alternative.

Futhermore, prebiotic chicory root fibre offers a natural and scientifically supported method for weight management without artificial interventions or side effects.

What is chicory root fibre?

Chicory root is the best source of prebiotic fibre - it's a special type of dietary fibre that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

Prebiotic fibres, like inulin and oligofructose found in chicory root, are not digestible in the small intestine and instead pass to the large intestine where they promote the growth of beneficial bacteria (probiotics), such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

According to the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics we should be eating 3-5g of prebiotics daily.  However, most of us will never achieve even close to this level without supplementation.

Not only is chicory root fibre prebiotic, it is also a high source of dietary fibre, too.

Read more about chicory root fibre, and the range of proven health benefits this incredible prebiotic fibre offers here.

The Science Behind Prebiotic Chicory Root Fibre and Weight Loss

Studies have demonstrated that prebiotic chicory root fibre can promote weight loss in several key ways:

• Increased Satiety: Prebiotic fibre helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing overall calorie intake naturally.

• Appetite Regulation: Prebiotics stimulate the production of satiety hormones like peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which signal fullness to the brain and reduce overeating.

• Blood Sugar Control: Chicory root fibre slows glucose absorption, preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes that often lead to cravings and overeating.

• Gut Health & Metabolism: Prebiotics support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which play a crucial role in metabolism and fat storage.

Prebiotics = feeling fuller for longer!

As chicory root fibre is also a dietary fibre, it can help you feel fuller for longer.

One reason fibre makes us feel full is that it absorbs water and swells up in our stomachs. This creates a sensation of fullness and helps us eat less. This physical process is known as "bulking," it slows down food digestion, which means we feel fuller for longer periods.

In one study, participants who consumed chicory root fibre had increased feelings of fullness and decreased hunger, leading to a reduction in calorie intake. (3)

Ps. 91% of people in the UK aren't getting enough fibre in their diet. Find out about how to increase fibre in your diet here.

Prebiotics and appetite regulation

 

Due to the fact that prebiotic fibre increases the production of satiety hormones, such as peptide YY and glucagon-like peptide-1, they can also help with weight loss, and can help reduce snacking and eat less at meal times.

Additionally, as chicory root is a fibre, researchers have discovered that by eating fibre, acetate is naturally released in the gut, where it is taken to the brain which signals us to stop eating.(4)

Furthermore, chicory root fibre has an authorised UK and EU health claim for lowering and slowing blood glucose rise and can help reduce the risk of diabetes, as well as manage blood glucose for diabetes.

In fact, two new studies funded by the research organisation Diabetes UK show that consuming chicory root can induce lower blood glucose response levels in those who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

An easy way to increase prebiotic chicory root fibre

ió fibrewater is the UK's first prebiotic-infused water that delivers 100% of the daily prebiotic intake and 20% of the daily fibre intake.

Research with 41 participants drinking one bottle of ió fibrewater daily for 12 days and tracking their weight found:

• 73% of self-identified snackers in the group reported a reduction in snacking and feeling more satiated
• 61% experienced not needing to eat as much at mealtime
• 48% stated they were thinking about less food
• 67% lost weight, with the average weight loss being 2.66 lbs
  

'I have noticed ió fibrewater is stopping me from snacking between meals, and I have more energy. I'm definitely going to keep this up in my daily routine.' Melissa C.

You can read Melissa's review here.

Moreover, ió fibrewater is suitable for diabetics and those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, containing just 1.3g (net) carbs per bottle. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals seeking weight management without blood sugar spikes or excessive carbohydrates.

Additional Health Benefits of Prebiotics & Risks of Weight Loss Injections

Beyond its proven weight loss benefits, io fibrewater is also scientifically proven to improve constipation and promote regularity, a common issue among those using weight loss injections. Furthermore, participants found significant improvements in digestive health issues (75%), sleep (73%), and mood (69%).

Furthermore, participants found significant improvements in digestive health issues (75%), sleep (73%), and mood (69%) in our 12 Day-Challenge, and the University of Roehampton confirmed that the randomised control trial (RCT) they conducted on ió fibrewater 'significantly' improved sleep and anxiety levels. 

Our Glasgow Caledonian University study found that ió fibrewater 'significantly increased friendly probiotic microbes' linked to improving digestive health issues and supporting proper immune system function.

This is in addition to increasing your fibre intake. With 91% of us only achieving an average of 18g of fibre daily - when 30g+ is necessary to achieve health benefits, there are increased risks of:

• Cardiovascular disease and strokes
• Type 2 diabetes and obesity
• Constipation and digestive health issues
• Colorectal cancers

Weight loss injection side effects

By contrast to prebiotic fibre and all the incredible health benefits they offer, hospitals have seen a 46% surge in serious reactions to weight loss injections such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda, according to data from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Reported side effects include severe vomiting, bowel obstructions, inflammation of the pancreas, and even death.

Conclusion: Prebiotics – A Smarter, Natural Alternative to Weight Loss Injections

While weight loss injections may provide impressive, albeit temporary results, they come with risks and limitations. Incorporating prebiotic chicory root fibre into your diet offers a safer, long-term approach to weight management by naturally promoting fullness, appetite control, and gut health.

For those looking to support weight loss naturally, prebiotic-rich solutions like io fibrewater are a scientifically proven alternative that works with your body, not against it.

You can find out more about ió fibrewater for weight loss and management for adults and children here.

Get 20% off ió fibrewater 

ió fibrewater is an easy and enjoyable way to boost your prebiotic fibre intake. It is perfectly clear and tastes and feels just like water with a splash of natural fruit flavour. (With no nasty aftertaste, honest!). 

Plus, it's only 17 kcals per bottle, gluten-free, has no 'nasty' ingredients, no added sugar (and is diabetic and keto-friendly with just 1.3g (net) carbs per 500ml, and it's is vegan - and scientifically proven, too!

Get 20% off your ió fibrewater order using the code 'weight20'.

 

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(1) Health Survey for England 2021 it is estimated that 25.9% of adults in England are obese and a further 37.9% are overweight.

(2) A randomized controlled trial: the effect of inulin on weight management and ectopic fat in subjects with prediabetes, PubMed, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4619305/ 

(3) Oligofructose-enriched inulin supplementation decreases energy intake in overweight and obese men and women. Obesity reviews 12(S1):63–279. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00889.x/pdf

(4) The food that myseriously makes you feel full, explainened, Time, https://time.com/84888/the-food-the-mysteriously-makes-you-feel-full-explained/