Reader Inquiry: How effective is green tea for weight loss? I tend to gain weight easily, struggle to lose it, and don’t have time to exercise, so I want to manage my weight through my diet. I’ve heard that drinking green tea helps with weight loss—what is the right way to do it?
Chang-Hsing Tea: Hello, Ms. Li. While green tea can support weight loss, we always remind people that a healthy weight loss routine should rely primarily on exercise, supplemented by a balanced diet. This approach minimizes the risk of harming your body or experiencing rebound weight gain.
Tea contains catechins, which help inhibit starch- and sucrose-digesting enzymes and prevent body fat accumulation, so drinking green tea can indeed aid in weight loss. Studies have shown that catechins help reduce body fat storage. Additionally, the caffeine in green tea promotes thermogenesis in the human body, increasing calorie expenditure and further supporting weight management. The proper way to use green tea for weight loss is to maintain proper nutrition, get regular exercise, and enjoy a cup of green tea morning and evening. This is a healthy and effective approach.
However, we should note that individuals suffering from insomnia, those who are already underweight, people with low blood sugar, pregnant women, and children should still avoid drinking green tea in excess. If any of these apply to you, please consult your family doctor before deciding on your daily green tea intake.
▲ While green tea helps with weight loss, it should be consumed in moderation and paired with exercise for the best results.