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Home arrow Nutrition arrow Weight Management arrow Plenity Review: A Magic Weight Loss Pill?

Plenity Review: A Magic Weight Loss Pill?

HR_author_photo_Edibel
Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
HR_author_photo_Rosmy
Fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
Last update: July 27, 2023
10 min read 901 Views 0 Reviews
clock 10 eye 901 comments 0

Effective weight loss supplements are hard to find, but could the FDA-approved Plenity be a hit for the weight loss world? Here we deliver our Plenity review, including concept, effectiveness, ingredients, benefits, and side effects, to help you decide whether to buy it or ignore it entirely.

plenity review

How do we vet brands and products? Learn more.

Losing weight and preventing weight gain is a battle that requires commitment and focus. It’s so easy to run out of motivation when waiting to see results that it’s no wonder people are reaching for weight loss supplements to support the journey. But do weight loss pills work, and are they safe?

As a relatively new product in the weight loss supplement market, many people are talking about Plenity. You can find growing Plenity reviews assessing the claims surrounding this prescription weight loss aid on the internet.

Does popular opinion center only around its FDA approval, or is it a genuinely effective weight-loss tool?

You can never be too careful when assessing a product you’re going to put into your body. So, we’ve put together our Plenity review to help you reach a verdict on the prescription medication.

Summary

plenity logo
Our rating:
3.9
stars
  • Promotes weight loss
  • Contains natural ingredients
  • Stimulant-free
Learn More
Pros
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    Non-addictive
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    Wheat and gluten-free
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    No duration restrictions
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    FDA-approved for adults
Cons
  • checkmark
    Prescription-only
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    There are no studies on adults under the age of 22
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    Possible side effects include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea
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    It is not vegan-friendly as it contains gelatin
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    Expensive

Plenity supports weight loss in those who are overweight or obese. The natural formula combines two active ingredients that bine to create a superabsorbent hydrogel that doesn’t dissolve in water.

It absorbs the body’s water content and expands in the stomach. The result supposedly enhances weight loss by making you think you are full. In doing so, those using Plenity before meal times are less likely to overeat and may consume fewer calories.

People take Plenity in capsule form, with three pills swallowed 20 minutes before lunch and dinner. The instructions suggest taking the capsules with 16 ounces of water, the equivalent of two glasses. Plenity is not an over-the-counter medication. It is only available with a prescription from a certified medical professional.

⭐ Rating

3.9
stars

✅ Pros

Suppresses appetite

❌ Cons

Prescription-only, contains caffeine

💊 Dosage form

Pills

🥦 Vegan?

No

💰 Price

From $98

What Is Plenity?

Plenity is an FDA-cleared, prescription-only weight loss medication created by biotechnology company Gelesis. The brand describes it as a medical device available to adults over 22 years old with excess weight or obesity (a body mass index of 25 to 40 kg/m). It comes in capsule form and is designed to be taken with water before meals.

It is made from the naturally derived building blocks – cellulose and citric acid. The idea is that it promotes weight loss by making you feel fuller throughout the day, so you eat less.

Plenity received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April 2019. Although Plenity is a prescription weight loss aid, it is not a drug. Unlike many other weight loss aids, it is not absorbed into the bloodstream.

Instead, Plenity takes up space in the stomach to make you feel fuller at meal times and satisfied for a more extended period.

Does Plenity Really Work for Weight Loss?

The Plenity results so far appear promising. Studies have shown Plenity to be a safe and positive therapy for overweight and obese adults when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

In a study conducted by Gelesis, the makers of Plenity, 59% of participants who took Plenity lost 5% of their body weight over six months. 27% of participants lost more than 10% of body weight.

Aside from the above study, there is limited evidence to determine the effectiveness of taking Plenity to help you lose weight, other than Plenity reviews.

How Does Plenity Work?

The Plenity diet pill is made from naturally-derived building blocks, including cellulose and citric acid, which are found in most fruits and vegetables. These ingredients form a highly absorbent hydrogel that is exposed to water once the capsules break down in the stomach.

The hydrogel absorbs water from the body, growing in size to fill up space in the stomach and small intestine.

When mixed with food intake, your meals provide bulk without you having to consume more food. There is less space to occupy in the stomach, making you feel full and less likely to overeat. Therefore, the reaction aids weight management and weight loss.

Plenity is an oral supplement. The dosage is three capsules with 16 ounces of water, twice daily, 20 minutes before lunch and dinner.

Plenity Ingredients

Plenity is made from two natural ingredients. They work together to form a three-dimensional matrix that creates the sensation of feeling full. Let’s take a closer look at the propriety blend.

#1 Cellulose

Cellulose is a type of dietary fiber that makes up plant cell walls. It is found in all plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, it is often removed from plants and used as a food additive and dietary supplement.

As an insoluble fiber, cellulose does not dissolve when in contact with water. When you consume cellulose, it remains intact and travels through your digestive tract unchanged as the human body cannot break it down.

Dietary fiber such as cellulose has many health benefits, primarily for the digestive system. It helps food and waste move along the digestive tract, preventing constipation and keeping you regular. For this reason, regular fiber intake is essential to a healthy diet and maintaining gut health.

Whole food fiber intake is associated with weight loss effect as it promotes satiety and regulates appetite.

#2 Citric acid

Citric acid is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. It is used in various applications, including cleaning products, dietary supplements, and as a food additive.

It has antioxidant properties that support overall health and may help prevent kidney stones and enhance nutrient absorption. While it has several health benefits, it does not play any significant role in weight loss.

What is the active ingredient in Plenity?

Both citric acid and cellulose are active ingredients in the Plenity weight loss aid. The two components work together to create the hydrogel that occupies space in the stomach and intestine.

Benefits of Plenity

The FDA-approved weight loss capsule has some key benefits that may help you make up your mind. Here are the advantages of Plenity.

#1 Promotes weight loss

Plenity offers a unique approach to weight loss.

The key function of Plenity is to encourage weight loss in adults living with obesity and extra weight. The ingredients in the capsule create a superabsorbent hydrogel that takes up space in the stomach and intestine. The result is a feeling of fullness and a reduced urge to eat.

By promoting fullness and appetite suppression, users are more inclined to eat less, reducing calorie intake and promoting fat loss. It may support a low-calorie diet by keeping hunger pangs at bay.

Additionally, the pills are taken with two glasses of water before eating a meal. Increased hydration can support weight loss by filling you up and preventing you from eating as much. You should drink plenty of water every day to increase your weight loss potential and maintain optimal health. 

#2 It’s not a drug

Many people are cautious about taking prescription drugs due to possibly nasty side effects and dependence. Perhaps the best thing about Plenity is that it is not a drug. It is not absorbed into the bloodstream and is free from stimulants, so it does not affect brain activity or the central nervous system.

It is also non-habit forming, which means consumption of Plenity will not lead to addiction. It is still essential, however, to take the dose as directed.

#3 No duration restrictions

Although more research is necessary, there are currently no time restrictions on how long you can use Plenity. Therefore, you can continue using it for weight loss and management purposes until you see the desired results.

Plenity Side Effects

Side effects are always possible, regardless of how safe a product claims to be.

In the Gelesis clinical study, the most common side effects were related to gastrointestinal disorders, including:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal distension
  • Bloating
  • Constipation and infrequent bowel movements
  • Diarrhea
  • Flatulence
  • Fullness
  • Nausea

Why Is Plenity Not Right for Me?

As with any weight loss pill, Plenity is not suitable for everyone. You must obtain a prescription from a healthcare provider to access Plenity, following a health consultation and medical history check. 

It could be harmful to people with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcers, heartburn, esophageal abnormality, gastrointestinal surgery, and Crohn’s disease.

Adults who are obese or carrying excess weight are eligible for a Plenity subscription. However, the company state it is not suitable for people under 22 years of age, as there are no studies assessing a younger age group.

The company also states that you should not take Plenity if you are pregnant or allergic to cellulose, citric acid, sodium stearyl fumarate, gelatin, or titanium dioxide.

Plenity comes with some possible adverse side effects, so it may not be suitable for those who want to avoid digestive distress.

How We Tested

In writing our Plenity weight loss review, we assessed vital factors contributing to a good product. Although Plenity is prescription-only, you still don’t want to spend your money on something without knowing the pros and cons.

Let’s review the primary factors that contributed to this Plenity review.

Quality 9/10

Plenity is a high-quality medical device that has FDA clearance. This means the product has undergone clinical trials and rigorous testing to ensure it meets quality standards and is safe and effective for its intended use.

It’s worth noting that the FDA does not approve most weight loss supplements. With Plenity, you can relax knowing that safety standards have been met. As a licensed physician must prescribe it, the proper checks are carried out to ensure it is right for you.

Effectiveness 7/10

Plenity reviews are mixed. Some claim it works wonders, while others do not notice results. 

However, this could be due to several factors. For instance, those who take Plenity without adjusting their diet and exercise routine may not see results as quickly as somebody who improves their overall lifestyle to promote fat burning and healthy weight loss.

Based on the current evidence from clinical trials, people have lost weight from using Plenity. However, it is worth noting that the makers conducted the studies. More independent research is necessary to truly confirm the effectiveness of Plenity for weight loss.

Price 6/10

Plenity is expensive to purchase. If you are offered the prescription, a one-month supply costs $98. This is a costly subscription to sustain long-term, and many people are unlikely to accept the high price point.

There are ways to justify the price point, depending on how you view it. For example, the $98 subscription works out as $1.75 per meal. But whichever way you look at it, the cost quickly adds up.

Brand reputation 9/10

Gelesis is a known biotechnology company that develops therapies for GI-related chronic diseases. Aside from Plenity, they work on developing treatments for type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and functional constipation.

The company has further grown its reputation by creating Plenity and obtaining FDA clearance.

Word From Our Medical Team

It can be tempting to search for a weight loss supplement or weight loss medication to help you lose weight.

Many brands claim that these manufactured pills can increase metabolism, boost energy levels, and promote appetite suppression. But most weight loss supplements won’t make a huge difference to your efforts and provide many of the same benefits as eating a nutritious diet.

In some cases, however, prescription weight loss medications combined with lifestyle changes may produce greater weight loss results. Some natural alternatives can support your weight loss journey if you prefer not to take prescription weight loss medications or supplements.

Healthy weight loss relies on a weight loss system that focuses on diet and exercise. These methods are clinically proven to help you lose weight, whether you want to lose a few pounds or several.

It is essential to seek professional medical advice if you are looking to lose weight. A medical professional can advise you on the best strategy based on your age, current weight, and health status.

While you might want to lose weight quickly, rapid weight loss can be harmful. You should find a weight management plan that you can sustain for life without putting your health in danger.

FAQs

How much does Plenity cost?

According to the official company website, Plenity costs $98 for a four-week supply. Purchasing a twelve-week supply gives you a 15% discount, with a total cost of $249. Plenity is only available with a prescription written by a certified healthcare professional.

Where to buy Plenity?

You can ask your doctor about Plenity or visit the official company website to purchase Plenity. The prescription requires an online consultation with a licensed physician, where you will need to share your medical history and provide answers to some general health questions. Plenity is not available to buy without a prescription.

Is Plenity legit?

Yes, Plenity is a legitimate medical device from Gelesis, a US-based biotechnology company. The Plenity weight loss pill is not a medication but an FDA-approved weight loss aid. It is prescribed to overweight and obese adults with a body mass index of 25 to 40 kg/m.

Conclusion

Our Plenity weight loss review has provided an insight into the effectiveness of taking Plenity to lose weight. Here is our verdict.

The Plenity weight loss prescription appears to be a safe weight loss aid with active ingredients that promote fullness and appetite control. Unlike many other weight loss supplements and weight loss medications, Plenity is FDA approved and only available via prescription.

While we don’t believe that taking Plenity will miraculously make you shed pounds, using it alongside healthy eating and exercise may help you lose more weight than lifestyle choices alone. Talk to your doctor about the best options that match your personal health history before trying to obtain Plenity.

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HR_author_photo_Edibel
Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
HR_author_photo_Rosmy
Fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
Last update: July 27, 2023
10 min read 901 Views 0 Reviews
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