This meta-analysis reviews the effect of green tea on body weight regulation. The polyphenols of green tea such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have beneficial health benefits but their effect on weight loss and weight maintenance is unclear. This meta-analysis reported a significant positive effect of cathechins or EGCG on weight loss and weight maintenance. However, these results were clearly heterogenous. This effect seemed to be more modest in Caucasians compared to Asians although this difference was not significant. Ethnicity and usual caffeine intake were found to be significant moderators of this effect whereas different doses of cathechins did not have a differential effect. It is suggested that more research is needed to better understand to what extent people are genetically predisposed to the effect of EGCG-caffeine mixtures.
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