A green tea extract high in catechins reduces body fat and cardiovascular risks in humans

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#adipose-tissue #adult #blood-pressure #body-weight #cardiovascular-diseases

A green tea extract high in catechins reduces body fat and cardiovascular risks in humans

Nagao et al., 2007 | Obesity (Silver Spring) | Rct

Citation

Nagao Tomonori, Hase Tadashi, Tokimitsu Ichiro. A green tea extract high in catechins reduces body fat and cardiovascular risks in humans. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2007-Jun;15(6):1473-83

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The body fat reducing effect and reduction of risks for cardiovascular disease by a green tea extract (GTE) high in catechins was investigated in humans with typical lifestyles. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Japanese women and men with visceral fat-type obesity were recruited for the trial. After a 2-week diet run-in period, a 12-week double-blind parallel multicenter trial was performed, in which the subjects ingested green tea containing 583 mg of catechins (catechin group) or 96 mg of catechins (control group) per day. Randomization was stratified by gender and body mass index at each medical institution. The subjects were instructed to maintain their usual dietary intake and normal physical activity. RESULTS: Data were analyzed using per-protocol samples of 240 subjects (catechin group; n = 123, control group; n = 117). Decreases in body weight, body mass index, body fat ratio, body fat mass, waist circumference, hip circumference, visceral fat area, and subcutaneous fat area were found to be greater in the catechin group than in the control group. A greater decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was found in the catechin group compared with the control group for subjects whose initial SBP was 130 mm Hg or higher. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was also decreased to a greater extent in the catechin group. No adverse effect was found. DISCUSSION: The continuous ingestion of a GTE high in catechins led to a reduction in body fat, SBP, and LDL cholesterol, suggesting that the ingestion of such an extract contributes to a decrease in obesity and cardiovascular disease risks.

Key Findings

Data were analyzed using per-protocol samples of 240 subjects (catechin group; n = 123, control group; n = 117). Decreases in body weight, body mass index, body fat ratio, body fat mass, waist circumference, hip circumference, visceral fat area, and subcutaneous fat area were found to be greater in the catechin group than in the control group. A greater decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was found in the catechin group compared with the control group for subjects whose initial SBP was 130

Outcomes Measured

  • blood pressure
  • systolic blood pressure

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 123
Age Range See abstract
Condition blood pressure

MeSH Terms

  • Adipose Tissue
  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure
  • Body Weight
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Catechin
  • Cholesterol
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity
  • Plant Extracts
  • Risk Factors
  • Tea

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: green-tea

Provenance

  • PMID: 17557985
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-10 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10