Weight reduction effect of Puerh tea in male patients with metabolic syndrome

Puerh tea has been proposed to promote weight loss and favorably modify glucose, insulin and blood lipids. This study tested the effect of daily Puerh tea consumption for 3months on weight and body mass index (BMI), and select metabolic parameters. The effect of daily Puerh tea intake on weight, BMI and changes in glucose, HbA1c and lipids was evaluated in patients with metabolic syndrome. The patients (N=70) were randomized into two groups: those taking Puerh tea extract capsule (333mg Puerh tea extract) three times a day and those taking a placebo tea for 3months. There was a decrease in body weight of 1.3kg in the Puerh tea group (p=0.077) versus 0.23kg in the placebo arm (p=0.186). There was also a slight decrease in BMI 0.47kg/m2 in the Puerh tea group (p=0.076) versus 0.09kg/m2 in the placebo arm (p=0.185), suggesting a trend of weight change, but without statistical significance. Subgroup analysis of the male patients demonstrated statistically significant improvements in body weight reduction (p=0.004) and BMI (p=0.004). However, the change in other metabolic parameters (cholesterol or triglyceride) or HbA1c was not statistically significant. Intake of Puerh tea for 3months was associated with a slight reduction in body weight and BMI, especially in the male patients. Therefore, daily Puerh tea consumption may be an alternative choice to modify body weight.