Green Coffee for Pharmacological Weight Loss

Abstract

This review article evaluates if clinical data support the use of green coffee for weight loss. A literature search was conducted that yielded 5 clinical trials and 1 meta-analysis. Studies were evaluated for quality in accordance to clinical practice and US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The amount of weight loss ranged from approximately 1 to 8 kg, with the meta-analysis finding a statistically significant difference in body weight, with a mean difference of -2.47 kg between green coffee and placebo (95% confidence interval = -4.23 to -0.72). The duration of trials varied between 4 and 12 weeks, and the dose of chlorogenic acid varied from 81 to 400 mg. Few published studies were in compliance with the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. Despite the potentially clinically significant weight loss achieved in some published studies, all held significant limitations. Green coffee extract is not recommended as a safe or effective treatment for weight loss. © The Author(s) 2013.