Effects of green tea extract high in catechins on obese subjects - Effects of tea catechins on obesity.

This study was carried out for 2 weeks of run-in period and 12weeks of test period in a double blinded study. Eighty subjects ingested a beverage containing 588mg (catechin group) or 126mg catechins (control group) a day during the test periods. Body indices and abdominal fat area by CT scan were measured. Body fat parameters in the catechin group were significantly lower at the end of the test period than those in the control group. Furthermore, intake catechins tended to reduce abdominal fat area in male subjects and tended to reduce subcutaneous fat area in female subjects. These results showed that consecutive intake of catechins reduces body fat, especially abdominal fat, possibly through activating fat metabolism in human. Catechins may be useful in the prevention and reduction of obesity. Prog Med. 2002; 22(9): 2189 - 2203.