Daily consumption of Puer tea extract results in significant weight loss, reduced body fat, and improved lipid profile in a non-Asian overweight population.
This study employed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to evaluate the effects of Puer tea extract. A selection of 59 overweight or mildly obese subjects with high cholesterol levels were chosen and assigned to either consume Puer tea extract or a placebo daily for 20 weeks. Measurements were taken at the beginning and every 4 weeks to analyse lipids, C-reactive protein, and fasting blood glucose. Body composition changes were also observed using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. Appetite and energy levels were also self-reported by the participants at each visit.
The results indicated a significant weight loss tied to Puer tea extract consumption compared to the placebo. Reductions in fat were noted across several body areas and overall fat mass. These findings were significant within the Puer tea extract group but not when compared to the placebo. The consumption of the tea was further associated with an improved lipid profile, including a significantly reduced cholesterol ratio after 4 weeks and a sustainably normal level of other lipoproteins. The tea consumption was also related to a temporary reduction in appetite but showed no notable changes in fasting glucose or C-reactive protein levels compared to the placebo.
