The effects of green tea on weight loss and weight maintenance: a meta-analysis

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#caffeine #catechin #humans #obesity #satiation

The effects of green tea on weight loss and weight maintenance: a meta-analysis

Hursel et al., 2009 | Int J Obes (Lond) | Meta Analysis

Citation

Hursel R, Viechtbauer W, Westerterp-Plantenga M S. The effects of green tea on weight loss and weight maintenance: a meta-analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). 2009-Sep;33(9):956-61. doi:10.1038/ijo.2009.135

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Different outcomes of the effect of green tea on weight loss (WL) and weight maintenance (WM) have been reported in studies with subjects differing in ethnicity and habitual caffeine intake. PURPOSE: To elucidate by meta-analysis whether green tea indeed has a function in body weight regulation. METHODS: English-language studies about WL and WM after green tea supplementation were identified through PubMed and based on the references from retrieved articles. Out of the 49 studies initially identified, a total of 11 articles fitted the inclusion criteria and provided useful information for the meta-analysis. Effect sizes (mean weight change in treatment versus control group) were computed and aggregated based on a random-effects model. The influence of several moderators on the effect sizes was examined. RESULTS: Catechins significantly decreased body weight and significantly maintained body weight after a period of WL (microcirc=-1.31 kg; P<0.001). Inhibition of this effect by high habitual caffeine intake (>300 mg per day) failed to reach significance (microcirc=-0.27 kg for high and microcirc=-1.60 kg for low habitual caffeine intake; P=0.09). Also, the seemingly smaller effect of catechins in Caucasian (microcirc=-0.82 kg) subjects compared with Asians (microcirc=-1.51 kg; P=0.37) did not reach significance. Interaction of ethnicity and caffeine intake was a significant moderator (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Catechins or an epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-caffeine mixture have a small positive effect on WL and WM. The results suggest that habitual caffeine intake and ethnicity may be moderators, as they may influence the effect of catechins.

Key Findings

Catechins significantly decreased body weight and significantly maintained body weight after a period of WL (microcirc=-1.31 kg; P<0.001). Inhibition of this effect by high habitual caffeine intake (>300 mg per day) failed to reach significance (microcirc=-0.27 kg for high and microcirc=-1.60 kg for low habitual caffeine intake; P=0.09). Also, the seemingly smaller effect of catechins in Caucasian (microcirc=-0.82 kg) subjects compared with Asians (microcirc=-1.51 kg; P=0.37) did not reach signi

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 49
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Caffeine
  • Catechin
  • Humans
  • Obesity
  • Satiation
  • Tea
  • Weight Loss

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review
  • Vertical: green-tea-metabolic

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09