Does Green Tea promote weight loss?

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Not only is green tea a particularly popular drink which is consumed around the world, it also has several potential health benefits.  One such potential health benefit may be a possible role in promoting weight loss.  Either way, who doesn’t enjoy drinking a cup of green tea?

The results of a recent study found that green tea can reduce body weight in obese subjects:

Study design:

“This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of green tea on weight reduction in obese Thais. A randomized, controlled trial involving 60 obese subjects (body mass index, BMI > 25kg/m(2)) was conducted. All subjects consumed a Thai diet containing 3 meals (8373.6kJ/day) for 12weeks, prepared by the Nutritional Unit at Srinagarind Hospital. The diet contained 65% carbohydrates, 15% protein, and 20% fat. Body weight, BMI, body composition, resting energy expenditure, and substrate oxidation were measured at baseline, and during weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the study. Serum levels of leptin and urine VMA (Vanillylmandelic Acid) were measured at baseline and during the 12th week. “

• Study measured body weight, BMI (body mass index), body composition, resting energy expenditure, and substrate oxidation at weeks 4, 8, and 12.
• Study measured serum levels of leptin ( a hormone that plays a role in regulating energy intake and expenditure.
• Study measured urine VMA (Vanillylmandelic Acid)–metabolite of epinephrine/norepinephrine.

Study Results:

In comparing the two groups, differences in weight loss were 2.70, 5.10, and 3.3 kg during the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks of the study, respectively. At the 8th and 12th weeks of the study, body weight loss was significantly different (P < 0.05).

At the 8th week, the difference in resting energy expenditure was 183.38kJ/day (P < 0.001), the difference in the respiratory quotient was 0.02 (P < 0.05), and no significant differences existed in satiety score, food intake, or physical activity. Urine VMA  was significantly different in the 12th week of the study (P < 0.05).

• Statistically significant weight loss in green tea group at weeks 8/12.
• Increased resting energy expenditure in the green tea group.

Conclusions:

We conclude that green tea can reduce body weight in obese Thai subjects by increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation.

• Total weight loss in the green tea group was 5.10 kg at week 8 and just 3.3 kg at week 12.
• Increased energy expenditure of 183 KJ/day

Reference:

Auvichayapat P, Prapochanung M, Tunkamnerdthai O, Sripanidkulchai BO, Auvichayapat N, Thinkhamrop B, Kunhasura S, Wongpratoom S, Sinawat S, Hongprapas P.  Effectiveness of green tea on weight reduction in obese Thais: A randomized, controlled trial.   Physiol Behav. 2007 Oct 18

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Tags: body mass index, Diet, dietary supplement, green tea, nutraceutical, weight loss