These days, fiber supplements are being touted as a quick and easy way to lose weight. Supplements contain two kinds of fiber, called soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. When ingested soluble fiber can absorb water and become gel like in consistency. This results in a feeling of being full. Therefore, you do not tend to over eat or snack on healthy foods. Soluble fibers also help in efficient digestion. The gel like form of this fiber makes it easy to combine with and get rid of digested foods from the body. Fiber supplements help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism. Increased metabolic rate means that you burn calories quickly and tend to pile up less weight. Insoluble fibers are not digested by the body. However the bacteria in your gut try to break it down. In other words, although your body cannot digest insoluble fats, it does spend a considerable amount of energy in trying to do so. In this way, several excess calories are burnt away. Fiber supplements can also help reduce cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels are associated with weight gain and other problems. If you wish to use fiber supplements to lose weight, take the supplement at least half an hour before meals. Make sure to take only the recommended dosage and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Also do not take too much fiber in one go. Increase the dose gradually. Never take more than 30 grams of fiber per day.