In a nation fighting obesity, it’s no wonder there are also many products claiming to help consumers lose weight easily—even when the science may not support the claims. In the LA Times’ Healthy Skeptic column, Chris Woolston examined the research behind green tea, which is increasingly included in many weight-loss products. Green tea is a natural source of caffeine, commonly found in many weight-loss supplements; its antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) also appears to encourage thermogenesis in the body.
Woolston reviewed a few green tea weight loss supplements, many sold at drug stores, discussing their ingredients and claims. Many appear to include blends of green tea with ingredients such as chromium, Garcinia cambogia, guarana or Hoodia gordonii. Claims ranged from boosting or enhancing metabolism to promoting thermogenesis, to losing “up to 20 pounds"—with an asterisked note that the results would require proper diet and exercise.
However, studies appear to show the metabolism boost from green tea is relatively modest. Craig Coleman from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, co-authored a 2009 review of studies on green tea and weight loss, and found, on average, study participants taking green tea lost only 1 to 3 pounds more than subjects taking a placebo. He told Woolston he wouldn’t recommend consumers looking to lose weight take green tea to accomplish those goals.
However, Arpita Basu from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, told The Healthy Skeptic that even modest weight loss can be a help for consumers. Basu was the primary author of a 2010 study which found subjects who consumed green tea as a beverage or in supplement form lost between 4.9 and 5.5 pounds more than those who didn’t consume green tea. She suggested green tea could be a helpful part of a comprehensive weight-loss program and also delivers antioxidants that support heart health as well.