FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter March 2009
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Green Tea Catechin Consumption Enhances Exercise-Induced Abdominal Fat Loss in Overweight and Obese Adults
As the weight loss industry got rid of ephedra (yeah!) as a weight loss supplement they have been touting many alternatives. Here is an article on green tea.
This study evaluated the influence of a green tea catechin beverage on body composition and fat distribution in overweight and obese adults during exercise-induced weight loss. Participants were assigned to receive a beverage containing 625 mg of catechins with 39 mg caffeine or a control beverage (39 mg caffeine, no catechins) for 12 wk. Participants were asked to maintain constant energy intake and engage in 180 min/wk moderate intensity exercise, including 3 supervised sessions per week. Body composition, abdominal fat areas, and clinical laboratory tests were measured at baseline and wk 12.
Percentage changes in fat mass did not differ between the catechin and control groups. However, percentage changes in total abdominal fat area, subcutaneous abdominal fat area, and fasting serum triglycerides were greater in the catechin group. These findings suggest that green tea catechin consumption enhances exercise-induced changes in abdominal fat and serum TG.
So with all the other health benefits of green tea add the exercise and you have a wonderful additive to weight loss.
Sincerely
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
