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Can EGCG Reduce Abdominal Fat in Obese Subjects?

Nutritional Physiology Research Centre and ATN Centre for Metabolic Fitness, University of South Australia (A.M.H., A.M.C., J.D.B., P.R.C.H.)
Discipline of Physiology, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide (A.M.H., P.R.C.H.), AUSTRALIA
School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Ontario (R.R.), CANADA
DSM Nutritional Products, Kaiseraugst (F.T.), SWITZERLAND

Address correspondence to: Professor Peter RC Howe, ATN Centre for Metabolic Fitness, School of Health Sciences University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, AUSTRALIA. E-mail: peter.howe{at}unisa.edu.au

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.

Key words: epigallocatechin gallate, catechins, obesity, abdominal fat

Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index • BP = blood pressure • CT = computed tomography • CV = cardiovascular • DXA = Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry • EC = epicatechin • ECG = epicatechin gallate • EGC = epigallocatechin • EGCG = epigallocatechin gallate • FMD = flow-mediated dilatation • GTN-D = glyceryl trinitrate-mediated dilatation • HR = heart rate • IAAT = intra abdominal adipose tissue

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