Does Green Tea Help to Fight against Obesity? An Overview of the Epidemiological Reports

Obesity is an increasing public health concern due to increased risk of related disorders. However, appropriate prevention and early management of obesity are changes in lifestyle patterns including physical activity and diet. Additional use of dietary agents for the prevention of obesity would be of tremendous benefits. It has been shown that green tea helps to reduce obesity when consumed on daily basis. Anti?obesity effect of green tea has been associated with its content of caffeine and catechins particularly (−)?epigallocatechin?3?gallate (EGCG). A number of studies have explored the effects of green tea on the overweight and obesity conditions. Many human epidemiological studies, demonstrated beneficial effects of green tea or green tea catechins rich in EGCG in overweight management. The consumption of green tea or its catechins helps in significant reduction of body mass index (BMI), body weight and body fat by increasing postprandial thermo genesis and fat oxidation. In addition, it was also found to reduce blood cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose and insulin levels. Several studies have hypothesized biological mechanisms whereby green tea may reduce adipocyte lipogenesis, decrease fat absorption, as well as suppressed appetite and nutrient absorption. In spite of all these benefits, the optimal dose of green tea is still not clear. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the human studies addressing the potential anti?obesity and its related benefits of green tea and its contents, particularly catechins.