Green Tea vs Ozempic for Weight Loss


Ozempic leads to 5% to 20% weight loss in three months, while green tea shows minimal impact on weight loss
Ozempic leads to 5% to 20% weight loss in three months, while green tea shows minimal impact on weight loss


Green tea has long been promoted as a weight-loss aid, with claims circulating on platforms like TikTok suggesting it acts as a "natural Ozempic." Ozempic, a medication containing semaglutide, is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes but has garnered attention for its role in weight loss. While the effects of Ozempic are scientifically proven, the idea that green tea could offer similar benefits remains questionable.


According to a report by Danya Bloom in The New York Times (1) , TikTok users are advocating for drinking up to five cups of green tea per day, claiming it can promote the secretion of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone. This hormone, released by the intestines after eating, stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, which in turn lowers blood sugar levels. Additionally, GLP-1 slows down the movement of food through the stomach and affects hunger-related areas of the brain, thereby reducing appetite.


 What Are GLP-1 Agonists


GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, are a class of medications that mimic the effects of the GLP-1 hormone. These drugs help regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. Commonly administered through injections, GLP-1 agonists, including medications like Wegovy, Trulicity, and Saxenda, are designed to target diabetes and obesity. Although these medications effectively reduce weight, they must be used alongside lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, for optimal results.


GLP-1 agonists stay in the bloodstream for days, suppressing appetite more effectively than the natural hormone itself. This longevity distinguishes them from foods or beverages like green tea, which may have a temporary and minimal effect on GLP-1 levels.


 Can Green Tea Boost GLP-1 Production?


Some researchers have speculated that green tea could stimulate GLP-1 secretion. For example, studies in diabetic mice have shown that green tea extract lowers blood sugar levels. However, human studies are limited and inconclusive. A clinical trial involving 92 people with type 2 diabetes found no significant difference in GLP-1 levels between participants who consumed green tea extract and those who took a placebo.


Experts believe any potential increase in GLP-1 levels from green tea would be minor and short-lived. Dr. Jyotsna Ghosh, an obesity medicine specialist at Johns Hopkins University, notes that "any food or drink could slightly raise GLP-1 levels." However, this spike is brief, lasting only minutes, making it unlikely that green tea could lead to significant or sustained weight loss.


 Green Tea’s Role in Weight Loss


Green tea’s reputation as a weight-loss aid centers on two main components: caffeine and antioxidants. Caffeine may theoretically boost metabolism, but Dr. Ghosh asserts that its impact on weight loss is minimal. Green tea also contains polyphenols, antioxidants that protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Animal and in vitro studies suggest that these compounds might improve metabolism and reduce fat absorption. However, human trials have yielded mixed results.


Several small-scale studies have examined the direct relationship between green tea and weight loss. A meta-analysis of more than 12 randomized controlled trials found that people who consumed green tea extract lost only a small amount of weight, which is "unlikely to be clinically significant." Most participants lost less than four pounds, a modest reduction compared to the substantial weight loss seen with medications like Ozempic.


Rob Van Dam, a professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at George Washington University, states that those turning to green tea for weight loss "should not expect any major effects," especially not on par with pharmaceutical options like Ozempic.


Weight Loss: Green Tea vs. Ozempic


According to Healthline (2),  research reviews on green tea supplements indicate that individuals typically lose around three pounds over 12 weeks. In contrast, studies show that with the appropriate dosage of Ozempic, individuals can lose at least 5% of their body weight within three months. With continued use, weight loss can reach 15% to 20% of total body weigh (3) a significant difference compared to green tea’s modest effects.


Can Green Tea Compete with Ozempic?


In short, the claim that green tea is a "natural Ozempic" is not supported by scientific evidence. While green tea may have minor health benefits, its role in weight loss is minimal compared to the powerful effects of GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic. For individuals looking to achieve significant weight loss, relying solely on green tea is unlikely to yield the desired results.

Summary:

Misconceptions About Green Tea as a Weight Loss Aid

The article discusses the efficacy of Ozempic, a diabetes medication known for weight loss, while examining claims that green tea serves as a "natural Ozempic." Although green tea is popular on platforms like TikTok, scientific evidence supporting its role in weight loss is inconclusive.

Research suggests that while green tea might stimulate GLP-1 hormone production, studies show minimal differences in GLP-1 levels between green tea extract users and placebo groups. Green tea's components, caffeine and polyphenols, may slightly enhance metabolism and reduce fat absorption, but results in human trials have been mixed.

In contrast, Ozempic users can expect notable weight loss—5% to 20%—over three months, highlighting that the effectiveness of green tea for weight loss is significantly overstated.

References:

* Aljazeera 

1) The New York Times  ,Is Green Tea Really ‘Nature’s Ozempic’?

2) Healthline, How Green Tea Can Help You Lose Weight by Kris Gunnars, BS

3)  Columbia Surgery , The Ozempic Effect: Everything You Need to Know About Medical Weight Loss

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