Weight gain and psychiatric treatment: is there a role for green tea and conjugated linoleic acid?
2007

Weight Gain and Psychiatric Treatment: The Role of Green Tea and CLA

Sample size: 4 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Katzman Martin A, Jacobs Leslie, Marcus Madalyn, Vermani Monica, Logan Alan C

Primary Institution: START Clinic for the Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Toronto, Canada

Hypothesis

Can green tea extract and conjugated linoleic acid help manage weight gain in patients treated with psychiatric medications?

Conclusion

The self-administration of green tea extract and conjugated linoleic acid appeared to help reduce body fat in patients taking quetiapine.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients reported a decrease in total body fat mass and body fat percentage.
  • Two patients experienced an increase in total body weight despite losing body fat.
  • The study suggests the need for further controlled trials on the effects of these supplements.

Takeaway

Some people taking mental health medications might lose weight by using green tea and a special fat-burning supplement.

Methodology

Four patients with anxiety disorders were treated with quetiapine and self-administered green tea extract and CLA, with body composition measured over time.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the self-selection of patients who chose to use the supplements.

Limitations

The study involved only four patients, which limits the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Four adults with generalized anxiety disorder, ages 30 to 44.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-511X-6-14

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication