Effect of Green Tea Extract on Body Weight and Serum Lipid Profile in Obese Subjects

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims to investigate the anti-obesity effects of green tea extract (GTE) which contains a very low dose of polyphenols and Epigallocatechin gallate, (EGCG) in obese young adult males. Methods: A total of 50 young healthy obese male (BMI ≥ 30) within the age range 24-35 years were included in the study and were randomly assigned to either of one group placebo (1 gram gluten-free corn flex) or GTE group (349 mg of polyphenols and 136 mg of EGCG; 4 capsules/day) for 12 weeks. Bodyweight, BMI, lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, HDL) were measured in the study subjects at the start of the study and after 12 weeks of supplementation. Appropriate statistical analysis was applied to analyse the data. Results: Remarkable decrease in body weight (weight, 89.2±6.2 kg vs.75.4±6.3 kg, p<0.001) and BMI (31.6±1.5 kg/m2 vs. 26.6±1.4 kg/m2, p<0.001) were observed in only GTE group after 12 weeks but not in placebo group (weight: 88.6±6.9 kg vs. 88.0±6.6 kg; BMI: 31.2±1.1 kg/m2 vs. 30.9±0.9 kg/m2). Serum lipids total cholesterol (282.2±14.8 vs. 188.0±7.2), LDL (187.8±5.6 vs. 122.7±4.5 mmoles/L), triglycerides (281.2±10.8 vs. 168.9±7.6 mmoles/L) were reduced and HDL (28.5±2.7 vs. 37.5±3.1 mmoles/L) was increased only in GTE ingesting group after 12 weeks. No significant difference in total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and HDL was seen in placebo group after 12 weeks. No side effects or adverse events was noted in any study subjects. Conclusion: This study establishes that low doses of green tea extract for 12 weeks are effective in reducing the body weight, BMI, total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides as well as increasing the HDL in young obese males. Our results confirm the beneficial effect of green tea extract.