Can EGCG reduce abdominal fat in obese subjects?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate metabolic effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) supplementation when combined with a program of regular aerobic exercise in overweight/obese post-menopausal women.


METHODS
Thirty-eight overweight or obese postmenopausal women exercised at moderate intensity, viz. walking three times per week for 45 min at 75% of age-predicted maximum heart rate (HR), and took a 150 mg capsule of EGCG (Teavigo) or placebo (lactose) twice daily for 12 weeks. Blood parameters (lipids, glucose and insulin), blood pressure, heart rate, arterial function and anthropometry were assessed at 0, 6 and 12 wk. At wk 0 and 12, body composition was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and abdominal fat was assessed by DXA and computed tomography (CT).


RESULTS
Waist circumference (p < 0.01), total body fat (p < 0.02), abdominal fat (by DXA) (p < 0.01) and intra abdominal adipose tissue (by CT) (p < 0.01) were reduced in both treatment groups, with no difference between placebo and Teavigo. Teavigo significantly decreased resting HR (p < 0.01) and reduced plasma glucose in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Moderate consumption of EGCG can improve the health status of overweight individuals undergoing regular exercise by reducing HR and plasma glucose concentrations. Loss of body fat, however, may require a higher intake of EGCG, other catechins or addition of metabolic stimulants.
Hill
Alison M
AM
ATN Centre for Metabolic Fitness, School of Health Sciences University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
Coates
Alison M
AM
Buckley
Jonathan D
JD
Ross
Robert
R
Thielecke
Frank
F
Howe
Peter R C
PR
D050153:Abdominal Fat / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002392:Catechin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D050177:Overweight / Q000628:therapy; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000378:metabolism; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D049629:Waist-Hip Ratio; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*; D015431:Weight Loss
D001786:Blood Glucose; D002392:Catechin; C045651:epigallocatechin gallate