How to Take Plenity for Weight Management: 6 Tips for Best Results

Plenity (cellulose / citric acid) is an FDA-cleared weight management aid. It is a medical device that works by absorbing water and taking up space in your stomach. This helps you feel full so you eat fewer calories. 

When and how you take Plenity can influence how well it works for you. Below, we cover how to take Plenity to get the best results.

1. Keep Plenity capsules in their pod until you’re ready for your dose

Plenity capsules contain water-absorbing particles that are designed to expand in your stomach. But when they’re exposed to moisture and humidity in the air before you take them, they can start expanding early. This can potentially make them less effective.

When you receive your Plenity capsules, you'll notice that they come in a special packaging pod. The pod protects the capsules from moisture. Don’t open the pod until you're ready to take your dose.

Store unopened Plenity pods at room temperature in a dry place. Avoid storing them where there’s a lot of humidity, such as in the bathroom. And don’t take Plenity if the pod or capsules are broken, damaged, or crushed.

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2. Take Plenity capsules with 16 oz of water

It's important to drink 16 oz of water (2 full glasses) each time you take Plenity. Water activates the content inside the capsules, causing them to expand. That creates a sensation of fullness that helps you eat less at mealtime.

If you don’t drink enough water, it may not fully activate Plenity. It’s a good idea to measure out your water each time you take your dose to ensure you're getting the right amount.

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3. Take Plenity 20 to 30 minutes before lunch and dinner

You should plan to take Plenity 20 to 30 minutes before lunch and dinner. This gives the capsule contents time to start expanding in your stomach before you start eating. As you begin your meal, the expanded particles also begin to mix with your food.

If you forget to take your Plenity dose beforehand, it’s OK to take it during the meal or immediately after. But it may not be as effective if you take it this way.

To make it easier to remember, try to work Plenity into your pre-meal routine. For example, take your dose before setting the table or while you’re cooking. That way it becomes a natural part of your mealtime habits.

You can’t put Plenity capsules in a pillbox because they shouldn’t be removed from the pods in advance. But a medication reminder app may help you remember to take your dose.

4. Eat slowly after taking Plenity to help manage side effects

The most common Plenity side effects include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and gas. Cramping and heartburn are also possible. For most people, these side effects are mild and usually resolve within a few weeks.

Since you may feel full more quickly with Plenity, eating slowly and mindfully can help you minimize potential discomfort. That’s because you give your body time to signal to your brain that you're full. This can also give Plenity more time to mix with the food in your stomach.

5. Combine Plenity with a nutritious diet and regular exercise for best results

Plenity is just one tool for reaching your personal health goals. It works best when taken as part of a comprehensive approach to weight loss and maintenance.

Plenity can help you eat less by making you feel full sooner. But it’s just as important to combine that with a nutritious diet that includes plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Healthy proteins, like beans, tofu, and fish, are also an important part of a balanced diet.

There isn’t one type of diet that's best for weight loss or overall health. Some of the healthiest diets include the Mediterranean Diet and the DASH Diet. Work with your healthcare team to design a healthy eating plan you can enjoy and stick to.

Regular exercise may also help you lose weight. But more importantly, exercise has numerous health benefits that can help you on your wellness journey. Examples include improved energy, better mood, and better sleep.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days per week. Your healthcare team can help you create a movement routine that’s safe and appropriate for you. Finding activities you enjoy, like walking, swimming, or dancing, can help you stay consistent.

6. Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist about managing potential drug interactions

Since Plenity absorbs and mixes with contents in your stomach, it may interact with some oral medications. In some cases, you may need to adjust the timing of your doses. If you need to take certain medications with food, for example, it may be better to take them with breakfast when you’re not taking Plenity.

Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist about your current medications before you start Plenity. They can help you understand any potential drug interactions and how to manage them.