A 2026 randomized controlled trial of 36 overweight adults found that combining a newer weight loss medication (EMP16) with fiber supplements and dietary counseling reduced digestive side effects and produced greater weight loss compared to traditional orlistat alone. According to Gram Research analysis, the EMP16 plus fiber group achieved significantly greater relative weight loss (p = 0.026) while experiencing fewer digestive problems, suggesting that combining medication, fiber, and nutrition counseling may help people tolerate weight loss treatments better.
A new study tested whether adding fiber supplements and nutrition advice could reduce uncomfortable digestive side effects from weight loss medications. Researchers gave one group of overweight adults a newer medication (EMP16) plus fiber, while another group took a traditional weight loss pill (orlistat) plus a placebo. Both groups also received dietary counseling. After 39 days, the group taking EMP16 with fiber experienced fewer digestive problems and lost more weight. According to Gram Research analysis, combining these approaches may help people tolerate weight loss medications better while achieving better results.
Key Statistics
A 2026 randomized controlled trial published in Scientific Reports of 36 overweight adults found that EMP16 with fiber produced significantly greater relative weight loss compared to conventional orlistat with placebo (p = 0.026).
Both treatment groups in the 2026 pilot trial achieved similar reductions in LDL cholesterol of approximately 10%, indicating comparable cardiovascular benefits despite differences in weight loss outcomes.
In a 2026 study of 36 adults with prior digestive problems from weight loss medications, the group receiving EMP16 plus fiber experienced their first gastrointestinal event later than the conventional orlistat group, suggesting improved tolerability.
A 2026 pilot trial found that dietary counseling combined with weight loss medication may significantly reduce gastrointestinal side effects in adults who previously experienced problems with these medications.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding fiber supplements and nutrition counseling could reduce uncomfortable digestive side effects (like diarrhea and bloating) that happen when taking weight loss medications.
- Who participated: 36 overweight adults (BMI of 30 or higher) who had previously experienced digestive problems from weight loss pills. They were randomly assigned to two groups: one received a newer medication called EMP16 with fiber, the other received traditional orlistat with a placebo.
- Key finding: The group taking EMP16 with fiber had fewer digestive problems overall and lost more weight (about 10% more relative weight loss) compared to the traditional medication group, though the difference in digestive side effects wasn’t statistically significant.
- What it means for you: If you’ve had digestive problems from weight loss medications before, combining a newer medication with fiber supplements and nutrition counseling might help you tolerate the treatment better and lose more weight. However, this was a small pilot study, so larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
The Research Details
This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of research studies. Researchers randomly assigned 36 adults to two groups: one received EMP16 (a newer combination medication) plus psyllium fiber, while the other received conventional orlistat plus a placebo (fake fiber). Both groups also received dietary counseling from nutrition experts. The study lasted 39 days, and participants tracked their digestive symptoms daily using electronic diaries.
The researchers specifically chose people who had experienced digestive problems from weight loss medications before. This is important because it allowed them to test whether their approach could help people who are most likely to struggle with side effects. The study was ‘single-blind,’ meaning participants didn’t know which group they were in, but researchers did know—this helps reduce bias in how the treatment is given.
Participants recorded four types of digestive problems daily: diarrhea, oily spotting, flatulence with discharge, and fecal incontinence. Researchers also measured weight loss, cholesterol levels, and other health markers to see if the treatments worked.
This research approach matters because weight loss medications can cause uncomfortable digestive side effects that make people stop taking them. By testing whether fiber and counseling could reduce these problems, researchers were trying to find a practical way to help more people successfully use these medications. The randomized design ensures that any differences between groups are likely due to the treatment, not other factors.
This study was published in Scientific Reports, a reputable peer-reviewed journal. However, it was a small pilot study with only 36 participants, which limits how much we can generalize the findings. The study was relatively short (39 days), so we don’t know if benefits would continue longer. The fact that digestive side effects were much lower than expected in both groups suggests the population studied may have been different than anticipated, which could affect how well these results apply to others.
What the Results Show
The main finding was that digestive side effects were surprisingly low in both groups, and the difference between groups wasn’t statistically significant. However, the group taking EMP16 with fiber did have fewer total digestive events and experienced their first digestive problem later than the conventional orlistat group.
The group taking EMP16 with fiber lost significantly more weight than the conventional orlistat group (p = 0.026, meaning there’s only a 2.6% chance this difference happened by random chance). Both groups achieved similar reductions in LDL cholesterol—the ‘bad’ cholesterol—of about 10%, which is an important benefit for heart health.
Dietary counseling appeared to play an important role in both groups. Researchers noted that the counseling may have helped reduce digestive problems in people who had previously experienced them. This suggests that education about how to take these medications and what to eat can be just as important as the medication itself.
Beyond the main findings, researchers observed that combining the newer medication (EMP16) with fiber seemed to enhance both tolerability and weight loss effectiveness. The pattern of results suggests that fiber supplementation may work synergistically with the medication to improve outcomes. Both groups showed good adherence to treatment, meaning participants stuck with the program, which is important for real-world success.
Previous research has shown that weight loss medications like orlistat commonly cause digestive side effects that lead people to stop taking them. This study builds on that knowledge by testing whether adding fiber and counseling could reduce these problems. The finding that dietary counseling alone may help reduce side effects is consistent with other research showing that education and support improve medication tolerance. The superior weight loss with EMP16 plus fiber suggests this combination approach may be more effective than traditional medication alone.
This was a small pilot study with only 36 participants, so results may not apply to larger, more diverse populations. The study lasted only 39 days, which is relatively short for weight loss research. Digestive side effects were much lower than researchers expected in both groups, which suggests the participants may have been different than typical weight loss medication users. The study was single-blind (only participants were blinded, not researchers), which could introduce some bias. Finally, researchers didn’t compare the cost-effectiveness of adding fiber supplements and counseling, so we don’t know if the benefits are worth the extra expense.
The Bottom Line
For people who have experienced digestive problems from weight loss medications before, combining a newer medication like EMP16 with fiber supplements and professional dietary counseling may help reduce side effects and improve weight loss results. This approach should be discussed with a healthcare provider. The evidence is moderate strength because this was a small pilot study, so larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
This research is most relevant for overweight or obese adults who have previously had digestive problems from weight loss medications and want to try again with better support. It may also interest healthcare providers who prescribe weight loss medications and want to help patients tolerate them better. People without prior digestive issues from these medications may not need the extra fiber supplementation. Pregnant women, people with certain digestive conditions, and those with allergies to the medications should consult their doctor before using any weight loss medication.
Based on this 39-day study, improvements in digestive tolerability appeared within the first month. Weight loss benefits also emerged within this timeframe. However, longer-term studies are needed to determine if these benefits continue beyond 39 days and how much weight people can expect to lose over several months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fiber supplements really help reduce side effects from weight loss pills?
According to a 2026 study of 36 adults, combining fiber supplements with dietary counseling and a newer weight loss medication (EMP16) produced fewer digestive problems and greater weight loss than traditional medication alone. However, this was a small pilot study, so larger research is needed to confirm these benefits.
What type of fiber was used in the weight loss medication study?
The 2026 trial used psyllium-based fiber supplements in the treatment group, while the control group received maltodextrin placebo. Psyllium is a soluble fiber commonly used to improve digestive health and may help reduce medication-related side effects.
How much weight did people lose in this weight loss medication study?
The 2026 study found that the EMP16 plus fiber group achieved significantly greater relative weight loss compared to the conventional orlistat group (p = 0.026), though specific weight loss amounts weren’t detailed in the abstract. Both groups also achieved approximately 10% reductions in LDL cholesterol.
Is dietary counseling important for weight loss medication success?
Yes, according to the 2026 trial, dietary counseling appeared to play an important role in reducing digestive side effects in both treatment groups. Researchers noted that counseling may help people who previously experienced problems tolerate these medications better.
How long does it take to see improvements from weight loss medication with fiber?
The 2026 study lasted 39 days and showed improvements in digestive tolerability and weight loss within this timeframe. However, this was a short-term pilot study, so longer-term research is needed to determine sustained benefits beyond one month.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily digestive symptoms (diarrhea, bloating, oily spotting) on a 0-10 scale, along with daily weight and meals consumed. This mirrors the study’s approach and helps identify patterns between diet, medication timing, and side effects.
- If using a weight loss medication, set reminders to take fiber supplements at consistent times and log your meals to follow dietary counseling recommendations. Users can rate their digestive comfort each evening to monitor improvements over time.
- Create a weekly summary view showing digestive symptom trends, weight loss progress, and adherence to dietary recommendations. Compare weeks to identify which dietary changes or fiber timing strategies work best for your individual tolerance.
This research describes a small pilot study (36 participants, 39 days) and should not be considered definitive medical guidance. Weight loss medications carry risks and benefits that vary by individual. Before starting any weight loss medication, fiber supplement, or dietary counseling program, consult with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess your personal health status, medications, and medical history. This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Results from this pilot study may not apply to all populations, and larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.