When will we finally expose the ‘green tea for weight loss’ scam?
Green tea is excellent for overall health, but it is not a miracle solution for weight loss alone. So, what made this tea a ‘superfood’?
At one time or another, we’ve all heard it: “Drink green tea to lose extra weight, it works.” Whether it’s on social media, in advertisements, or in casual conversations, the connection between green tea and weight loss seems to be almost universally accepted.
But is it really the magical solution it’s marketed for?
The answer may surprise you — and not in the way the wellness industry wants you to believe. The truth behind the so-called weight-loss benefits of green tea is completely unclear, and now it’s time we told the truth: misleading and exaggerated (not to mention the bitter taste).
Is Green Tea for Fat Loss a Scam?
Green tea’s rise to stardom for weight loss didn’t happen overnight. It started with studies that showed that tea contained catechins, a type of antioxidant that is thought to boost metabolism.
Marketers immediately embraced the idea and soon, green tea became synonymous with weight loss. But most people miss the good stuff: green tea’s effects on metabolism are minimal, temporary, and often exaggerated.
Deepali Sharma, clinical nutritionist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, says, “Green tea can actually aid weight loss, but Effects vary widely It depends on the person’s lifestyle and exercise habits. this is a minor effectsMainly by boosting metabolism, suppressing appetite and increasing the feeling of satiety (satiety). Additionally, it promotes the breakdown of fat in the body.
“However, relying only on green tea for weight loss is not effective. For best results, it should be combined with lifestyle changes and regular exercise. The timing and pattern of consumption also affects its effectiveness. Green tea works as part of a comprehensive approach to health,” she adds.
Nupur Saraf, Consultant Nutritionist, Nutrimend, further explains, “Fat loss cannot be attributed to the intake or removal of any one particular item from one’s diet and depends on the overall lifestyle and calorie balance maintained by one. It depends. The only way green tea will help with any kind of fat loss is to use it as an alternative to regular tea, i.e. without milk and sugar, which helps reduce calorie intake.
Dietitian Chayanika Sarma also expressed similar views and said, “It Subtly boosts metabolismWhich is negligible. Difference may be visible only if proper diet is maintained, Even with diet, it’s not just about reducing calories but also keeping in mind the quality of the food you’re consuming.”
marketing talent
According to a report by Allied Market Research, the green tea market was valued at $14.8 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $29.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.04% from 2022 to 2030.
Demand for healthier beverages is driving this growth. But let’s give some credit to clever marketing. Brands have established green tea as a health symbol, pushing it into everything from supplements to skin care. Although most of the “evidence” comes from small, poorly controlled studies or animal research, the hype persists because, let’s face it, quick fixes sell.
There’s no denying that green tea is good for your health, but its marketing as a superfood is the problem.
Varsha Sharma, ShardaCare-Healthcity, Uttar Pradesh, says, “The benefits of EGCG in green tea have been widely researched, but the evidence is inconclusive. So far, studies have not provided enough evidence that it effectively detoxifies the body, treats diseases, or promotes longevity.
‘other benefits’
While green tea is often marketed as a weight loss elixir, its benefits go far beyond reducing stubborn fat.
Mumbai-based consultant clinical dietitian Pooja Shah Bhave explains, “Oxidative damage caused by free radicals can lead to cancer, artery blockage and accelerate ageing. Green tea, rich in antioxidants like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), fights this damage.
She further adds that drinking 1-2 cups per day not only means weight loss but also overall health, better skin and heart health.
last sip
Green tea is not the villain here, nor does it deserve to be one. The real culprit is the marketing hype that has changed our perception of this drink. Although green tea has health benefits, it is not a miracle cure for weight loss. True well-being comes from balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and a sustainable lifestyle.
