Does the functional food raw material green tea extract have the effect of losing weight?
In conclusion, while green tea extract may have some potential to aid in weight loss, the evidence is mixed and the effect is likely to be small.
Green tea extract has been touted as a functional food raw material with numerous health benefits, including the potential to aid in weight loss. But what does the scientific evidence say about this claim?
First, it's important to understand what green tea extract is. It is a concentrated form of the bioactive compounds found in green tea leaves, including catechins and caffeine. These compounds are thought to have various health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
When it comes to weight loss, some studies have suggested that green tea extract may be beneficial. For example, a 2010 meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials found that green tea catechins, when combined with caffeine, were associated with a significant reduction in body weight and body mass index (BMI). However, the authors noted that the effect was small and may not be clinically significant.
Similarly, a 2012 review of 18 randomized controlled trials found that green tea catechins, again in combination with caffeine, were associated with modest but statistically significant reductions in body weight and BMI. However, the authors noted that the studies were generally of low quality and that more research was needed to confirm the findings.
It's worth noting that not all studies have found a benefit of green tea extract for weight loss. For example, a 2013 randomized controlled trial found that green tea extract did not significantly reduce body weight or BMI compared to a placebo. And a 2015 review of 15 randomized controlled trials found that while green tea extract was associated with a small reduction in body weight and BMI, the effect was not statistically significant.
So what should we make of these mixed results? It seems that while green tea extract may have some potential to aid in weight loss, the effect is likely to be small and may not be clinically significant for most people. It's also worth noting that many of the studies have been of relatively short duration (typically 12 weeks or less), so it's unclear whether any weight loss benefits would be sustained over the long term.
Of course, it's also important to consider the potential risks and side effects of green tea extract. While generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts (such as in tea), high doses of green tea extract supplements have been associated with liver toxicity and other adverse effects.
In conclusion, while green tea extract may have some potential to aid in weight loss, the evidence is mixed and the effect is likely to be small.
