The truth about green tea and weight loss, as revealed by experts.

Numerous Americans are utilizing prescription medications such as Ozempic in a quest to shed pounds.

While these medications may be effective, they could potentially have health risks and are often expensive. In certain regions of the U.S., patients are facing medication shortages.

Lately, there has been a lot of talk on social media about using green tea as a way to lose weight without the need for medication or expensive treatments.

So should you try green tea as a way to trim your waistline?

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to experts about the beverage's weight-loss potential.

Here are five key questions they answered.

1. What’s the science behind the green tea weight-loss claims?

Cleveland Clinic reports that the scientific evidence on green tea extract in energy drinks and weight-loss supplements is inconclusive.

Some research suggests that catechins, natural compounds found in green tea, may aid in breaking down body fat and increasing metabolism, which could lead to weight loss.

The Cleveland Clinic suggests that green tea can aid in weight management by controlling appetite and blood sugar levels.

Green tea contains caffeine, which can aid in weight loss.

Green tea, according to Kelli Metzger, a registered dietitian at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C., contains caffeine which can aid in weight loss.

Metzger informed Planet Chronicle Digital that green tea contains caffeine and EGCG, which can aid in increasing metabolism and breaking down fat cells.

EGCG is the most abundant catechin in green tea, per Healthline.

2. Can green tea help with other medical issues?

Metzger stated that EGCG has been shown in studies to decrease blood pressure, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and inflammatory markers, reducing the risk of heart disease.

She added that it may improve insulin sensitivity, thereby lowering the likelihood of developing diabetes.

While this information appears promising, Metzger stressed the importance of discussing it with a healthcare provider.

It is recommended to consult a physician before consuming large amounts of green tea or EGCG supplements, as the EGCG may interfere with the absorption of some cholesterol-lowering or antipsychotic medications.

Green tea contains between 50 to 100 milligrams of EGCG per cup, according to Metzger, and experts recommend consuming no more than 338 milligrams daily.

She cautioned that consuming 800 milligrams or more of EGCG daily could result in liver damage.

3. Should green tea's caffeine levels be a red flag?

Experts advise that individuals who consume green tea or supplements containing green tea extract should be aware of the drug's effects, as green tea contains caffeine.

Compared to a cup of coffee, which contains 95 milligrams of caffeine, a cup of green tea has roughly 29 milligrams.

If you’re sipping green tea all day in the hope of shedding pounds, keep a tally of your caffeine totals.

According to Metzger, most people can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily.

Replacing juices or sodas with green tea is a good dietary choice, according to what she told Planet Chronicle Digital.

If you're drinking multiple cups of green tea daily to lose weight, be mindful of your caffeine intake, advised the expert.

It's also important to be aware of your sensitivity to caffeine.

Metzger advised that for some individuals, the drug could induce anxiety, jitters, restlessness, headaches, increased heart rate, and difficulty sleeping.

4. Is drinking green tea better than taking supplements?

Some experts suggest that it is better to consume green tea instead of taking supplements, they say.

To maximize the impact of a nutrient, it is most effective to consume it when possible, according to LaTasha Perkins, M.D., a family physician at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., who shared this advice with Planet Chronicle Digital.

"Your body can more easily and effectively absorb nutrients from foods and drinks because it knows how to break them down."

Metzger advised limiting EGCG intake to no more than 338 mg per day.

5. How can green tea fit into an overall weight-loss plan?

Experts suggest that incorporating green tea into a larger plan may aid in weight loss.

According to Perkins, combining green tea with other lifestyle changes, such as making healthy diet choices, can be effective for weight loss.

Green tea can also help to stimulate digestion, she noted.

"Green tea aids the body in metabolizing by stimulating digestion and helping the GI (gastrointestinal) system."

Experts recommend adopting consistent habits to achieve a healthier lifestyle and long-term body changes.

Perkins stated that achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through weight loss requires consistent effort and habit formation, which takes time.

She remarked that the best thing one can do is make a conscious decision to eat better.

"Think of food as medicine," the doctor advised.

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Good hydration and exercise are also essential when working toward a weight-loss goal.

Nutrition is a good first step to focus on, but balance is also important.