Menopause is characterized by weight gain and increased visceral fat, which acts as an endocrine organ secreting proinflammatory adipocytokines, with consequent increased risk of metabolic disorders. The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial was to evaluate the effects of a 60-day dietary supplementation using Camellia sinensis leaf extract on adipose tissue dysfunction in overweight or class I obese post-menopausal, sedentary women. Primary endpoints were the respiratory quotient (RQ), the percentage of carbohydrates (%CHO), the percentage of fat oxidation (%FAT), and the resting energy expenditure (REE) measured by indirect calorimetry. Secondary endpoints included body composition, by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), glucose profile, lipid profile, inflammatory state, liver and kidney function, hormonal status regarding satiety, and status of catecholamines. Twenty-eight women were randomized into two groups: 14 (BMI 31.1 ± 3.5) were supplemented and 14 (BMI 31.9 ± 2.2) received placebo. In regards to the between-group differences over time (β), a statistically significant difference between the supplemented and placebo group was observed for: RQ (β = -0.04, p = 0.009), % fat oxidation (β = 11.04, p = 0.0006), insulin (β = -1.74, p = 0.009), HOMA (β = -0.31, p = 0.02), waist circumference (β = -1.07, p = 0.007), REE (β = 83.21, p = 0.009), and CRP (β = -0.14, p = 0.02). These results demonstrate that a 60-day green tea extract supplementation counteracts the dysfunction of adipose tissue in overweight post-menopausal and class I obese women.
Keywords: dietary supplement; green tea extract; menopausal women; obesity; phytosome.