Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the obese group showed higher numbers than the normal group. The glucomannan contained in porang tubers has several benefits for the body's metabolic system. This study aims to determine the effect of giving konjac glucomannan (KGM) on changes in the metabolic value of total cholesterol in the blood in obese students at the Faculty of Health, University of Muhammadiyah Ponorogo.
The type of research conducted is pre-experimental with a one group pre-post test design. The sample is 20 respondents with BMI 25 (Obesity). Sample selection using purposive sampling. The intervention in this study was the administration of the herbal konjac glucomannan in 250 mg capsules and taken 1×/day before breakfast for 30 days. The total cholesterol value was measured using the “Easy Touch GCU” cholesterol check tool and an observation sheet. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test with a P-value <0.05.
The results showed that most of the respondents experienced a decrease in total cholesterol value by 85% (17 students) and an increase in total cholesterol value by 15% (3 students). The results of data analysis using the Wilcoxon test obtained a P-value (0.010) < (0.05) which means rejecting H0, so it can be concluded that there is an effect of giving konjac glucomannan to changes in the total cholesterol metabolism value in the blood in obese students.
The results showed that there were 3 students who experienced an increase in the total cholesterol value, therefore the administration of the herbal konjac glucomannan requires stricter supervision and a regular schedule.