Weak evidence · Fat loss
Green tea extract
also: EGCG
Sold for fat burning
Weak evidence
Mostly small studies, animal trials or conflicting results. Not worth your money as a foundation.
A Cochrane review of studies in people with overweight found a small, non-significant weight loss and no effect on keeping weight off. Drinking green tea is fine; buying a concentrated extract for weight loss gains you little.
- Dosage
- Not recommended as a supplement
- Timing
- —
- Approx. price
- €10–25 per month
Watch out
EFSA found signs of liver damage with supplements containing 800 mg of EGCG or more per day, and could not establish a safe dose for supplements. Tea from a cup is considered generally safe.
Frequently asked questions about supplements
Does Green tea extract really work?
Weak evidence. Mostly small studies, animal trials or conflicting results. Not worth your money as a foundation.
What does Green tea extract cost?
€10–25 per month
Basics first, then the tub
Supplements are called supplements because they add to something. Sleep, a protein intake that hits your protein calculator , a programme where you lift progressively heavier and enough food together do a hundred times more than the best-researched item on this list. Once those are in place, creatine, caffeine and vitamin D in winter are the three you can spend money on with a clear conscience — for less than ten euros a month combined.
Sources
- Jurgens TM et al. (2012). Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev CD008650. (Cochrane review)
- EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources (2018). Scientific opinion on the safety of green tea catechins. EFSA Journal 16(4):5239. (regulatory opinion)
More supplements in this category
Last updated: October 2026
This page summarises scientific research and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a liver, kidney or thyroid condition, discuss supplements with your doctor or pharmacist — even the innocent-looking ones.
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