The only proven way of losing weight is by consuming fewer calories and increasing energy expenditure. Green tea contains compounds known as polyphenols, which may help you to lose weight, although evidence to prove this is mixed. Talk to your doctor or dietitian before including green tea in your weight loss plan.
Properties and Administration
Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Primarily a beverage, green tea is also sometimes used as a complementary medicine for a variety of ailments. including hypertension and cancer. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centers notes that it may also help to boost metabolism and aid weight loss. Green tea is usually taken as a tea, but if you dislike the taste you can take it in capsules or tablets. The amount you need to take to boost weight loss may depend on your general health and other conditions you may have. Your doctor or dietitian may be able to advise on a suitable dose.
Efficacy
Evidence to support the use of green tea as a weight loss aid is mixed. The results of a clinical study published in the February 2008 of "Physiology and Behavior" show that green tea helps obese patients to lose weight by boosting energy expenditure and helping the body to burn fat. In contrast, the results of a study published in the June 2008 issue of "Clinical Nutrition" show that green tea did not reduce body weight, body mass index or waist circumference after 12 weeks of treatment.
Side Effects
Green tea is likely safe for most people, although drinking more than five cups a day may cause side effects including headache, sleep problems, diarrhea, tremor and dizziness. Green tea contains caffeine, which may affect the blood's ability to clot. It may also affect how much iron you absorb from your food.
Other Considerations
Green tea is not suitable for everyone. It is contraindicated if you have bleeding disorders, anxiety disorder, heart conditions, glaucoma and high blood pressure. It also interacts with a host of other medicines including antibiotics, anticoagulants, lithium and some cancer drugs. Relying on green tea alone to help you lose weight may not produce the results you want. Use it alongside a low-fat, calorie-controlled diet and increase your physical activity.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Obesity
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Green Tea
- "Physiology and Behavior;" Effectiveness of Green Tea on Weight Reduction in Obese Thais: A Randomized, Controlled Trial; P. Auvichayapat et al.; February 2008
- "Clinical Nutrition"; Effect of Green Tea Extract on Obese Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial; C.H. Tsu et al.; June 2008
- MedlinePlus: Green Tea
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