Update 3/10/20. Does green coffee bean help people lose weight? That’s a question a lot of people are asking since seeing this weight loss supplement on the Dr. Oz show. If you’ve been wondering about this also -or wondering if it's a scam – let me try to help you make sense of things by looking at the green coffee bean weight loss research. I believe that only by reviewing it according to its research can we cut through the hype that permeates most websites and magazines about this product.
What is Green Coffee Bean?
Green coffee beans are coffee beans that have not been roasted. Roasting green coffee beans not only changes the color of the coffee beans but also removes a compound called chlorogenic acid (say klor-oh-jen-ick acid).
It's the chlorogenic acid that is at the heart of green coffee bean weight-loss claims. Roasted coffee beans have little chlorogenic acid.
When supplements contain “green coffee bean extract”, chlorogenic acid is the extract they are referring to. Like many plant chemicals, chlorogenic acid also has antioxidant properties. Another extract of green coffee beans that is probably also used in supplements is caffeine.
Foods that naturally contain chlorogenic acid include:
- Prunes
- Peaches
- Tea
- Blueberries
- Sunflower seeds
So, if you are eating these foods, you are getting chlorogenic acid already.
How Does It Work?
The research so far tends to say that chlorogenic acid (an extract in the green coffee bean) disrupts an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphatase, which is involved in how the body used glucose (sugar). I think things might be more complicated than this so I will leave the question of “how it works” to others.
Green Coffee Bean Weight Loss Research
There is research on green coffee beans and weight loss. Below are summaries of some of those studies. While many of the studies involve lab animals, where possible, human research will also be highlighted.
Study
In a mouse study researchers noted that a green coffee bean extract reduced blood triglyceride levels. However, the researchers also noted that neither chlorogenic acid or caffeine by itself was able to reduce reducing body weight gain or fat accumulation in the belly.
Study
In another clinical study researchers compared different types of coffee in 30 healthy, normal-weight people. The study lasted 3 months (12 weeks).
The supplement they used was called Svetol
People drank 5 cups of Slender Coffee – or regular coffee – per day for 3 months.
Results: People drinking Slender Coffee lose about 12 pounds compared to placebo coffee (compared to 3.5 pounds with placebo coffee).
In addition, those drinking Slender coffee people lost more body fat, but body fat was measured using bio-electric impedance which might not be as reliable as other methods.
Study
In a review paper that looked at 3 previous investigations, it appeared that overweight people who use green coffee bean extract have significantly greater weight loss than people who used a placebo. That’s good, but the researchers went on to say that the degree of this effect was “moderate” and that the “clinical relevance is therefore not certain.” The researchers go in to say that “the size of the [weight loss] effect is small.”
In other words, the researchers were saying that while a moderate amount of weight loss seemed to be occurring, it's hard to tell for sure because of the lack of good, quality studies.
In another clincal trial, conducted in India, titled Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, linear dose, crossover study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a green coffee bean extract in overweight subjects (this study has been retracted. See update below). involved just 16 people and lasted 22 weeks (5.5 months) and involved 16 overweight men and women.
This was a pretty small study. This was an investigation of a green coffee bean supplement called “GCA” made by Applied Food Sciences (appliedfoods.com) who funded the study. All subjects received the same treatments (for 6 weeks each) in a double-blinded, random order. The treatments were:
- Placebo (not specified) given 3x per day
- 350 mg GCA taken 3x per day (1050 mg total)
- 350 mg GCA taken 2x per day (700 mg total)
A period of 2 weeks separated treatments to let the compounds wash out of the body.
As an aside, I noticed that Applied Food Sciences is based in Texas. With all of the universities and labs in America, why did they go to India to test their product?
Results
- When used for 6 weeks, people lost about 2 kg (about 4 lbs) when taking 1050 mg of green coffee bean extract and about 1.5 kg (about 3 lbs) when using 700 mg of the extract. Both of these were deemed statistically significant (that’s good).
- A decrease in body fat by about 1% as well as Body Mass Index was also seen in both the 1050mg and 700 mg doses. Both values were deemed statistically significant.
Green Coffee Study Retraction
Update: In 2014 CBS News reported that this study has been retracted (taken back) because the researchers stated that they could not verify the results of the study. It turned out that researchers in India did the actual data collection in the study -not the researchers whose names appeared on the paper.
For more on this controversy, see these links:
In this study, researchers published Lipolytic activity of svetol®, a decaffeinated green coffee bean extract. This was a study of human fat cells. Basically, fat cells were incubated in green coffee bean extract (the product was Svetol) for between 2 hours and 8 days to see if the extract helped release fat stores.
These researchers noted that short-term (2 hours) fat loss might be due to “residual caffeine traces” (odd, since Svetol is said to be decaffeinated) and that long-term (8 day) fat release was not due to caffeine but rather was attributed to Svetol.
While this is interesting, it is basically just a test tube study. Also, for those who are curious, the lead researcher of this study has an association with a supplement company that makes green coffee extract supplements.
Green Coffee and Blood Sugar
Its possible people with diabetes have heard that green coffee supplements might help them reduce blood sugar levels. In a test tube, study researchers note that the green coffee supplement called Svetol appeared to have blood sugar-lowering effects. A mouse study, published in 2012 also appeared to show improvements in blood sugar control. This study also involved the Sevetol supplement. In a study, involving 60 healthy women, higher chlorogenic acid (thought to be the active ingredient in green coffee) levels were associated with lower blood sugar.
What Is Svetol?
Svetol is a proprietary green coffee supplement made by a French company called Naturex. Their address in the US is 375 Huyler Street South Hackensack NJ 07606. This is the only green coffee bean supplement I've seen research on. While I remain skeptical of green coffee, if you're looking for a dietary supplement, I'd go with the one with the research.
How Much Green Coffee Do You Take?
I don't think there's enough human research. Most supplements have 200-400 mg per 1 or 2 capsules. some studies have used this dosage too.
Green Coffee Bean Side Effects
Studies generally don't report any serious side effects but here are some things to think about if you try this supplement. This list is not complete.
- Start with less for the first week
- Always look at the back labels of the weight loss supplements you use to see their list of ingredients. If the research is to be believed, only green coffee bean extract should be needed. Nothing else.
- Investigate the companies whose products they use to make sure you are only getting green coffee bean extract. In this 2011 report, titled Adverse drug reactions of a slimming product contaminated with sibutramine , a green coffee bean supplement was found to be spiked with an illegal weight loss drug called sibutramine. Sibutramine (also known as Meridia) was removed from the US market because it's been linked to heart attacks and strokes.
- Also, as far as I can tell, all the human green coffee studies conducted to date have used “healthy people.” I am not aware of any study that has tested green coffee bean supplements in people with health problems or who take various medications. To be safe, those with health conditions should speak to their doctor or pharmacist.
- One rat study noted that green coffee extract lowered blood pressure. Whether this applies to people or not needs better research. Those taking medications for high blood pressure should consult their doctor.
- Stop taking green coffee supplements at least 2 weeks before having surgery.
- Speak to your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- A small study noted that high doses (2000 mg) of chlorogenic acid increased homocysteine levels in men and women. While controversial, homocysteine may play a role in heart disease. It is unknown if green coffee bean supplements raise homocysteine. People with heart disease who take green coffee bean supplements should speak to their doctor about their homocysteine levels first to be safe.
Does Green Coffee Bean Work?
There is no doubt that green coffee bean has some weight loss research. There is also no doubt that the weight loss proof is much less than what most would have you believe. Most f the research involve lab animals. If you're going to try it the supplement that has been clinically studied is called Svetol. That said I remain skeptical.
What do you think?
Amy Armstrong says
Have you hear of Victory V3 supplements? They are expensive, but a lot of people losing weight? Please let me know your thoughts.
Joe says
Hi Amy, I have not heard of victory V3 supplements. Ill add them to my list to take a look at.
Eric says
I have read most of the comments here and I notice a common thread. Everyone is concerned with weight. I hear little or nothing about BMI or various bodily measurements.
Many people exercise quite a bit which leads me to believe they could be gaining muscle weight. If I remain at the same weight or even gain some, but my bodily measurements decrease, I feel I’m on the right path. This assumption is also based on whether or not blood chemistry and pulse/pressure is normal.
Joe says
Eric, Id agree, body mass index (BMI) does matter. its also a good measurement of health. People whose BMI is in the normal range (18.5-24.9) use the healthcare system for an average of about $3000 per year while those who have a BMI over 35 use it for about $9000 per year.
Jacqui says
I don’t really trust Dr. Oz. I like him because he is informative, but I tried the lipozene he got behind and the side effects were terrible with no weight loss. I would be curious to know how many weight loss supplements he has endorsed during his television career?
Joe says
Jacqui, thats a good question. It would be interesting to do a review of the different weight loss products Dr Oz has said were good -and compared them to the evidence. I have covered a few of them here Im sure there are others I missed.
Nichola says
A lot of people is saying it makes you gain weight. i am afraid to take it for that reason….
Joe says
Anybody else gain weight with green bean coffee bean?
Kim says
I saw no weight loss (in fact I gained weight towards the middle of the month, then lost what I gained to end up back where I started). I also saw no significant decline in my measurements.
Susan Ducloux says
I thought I would try this. I’ve been taking the green coffee bean extracts for one week. I haven’t lost any weight, but my menopause night sweats went away immediately as soon as I started taking these. That’s an interesting side effect in itself, which has been a miracle to me, so I think I may continue using them for this reason alone.
Paula Bogue says
Funny, I’ve been taking for a month now, about 400 mg/day. (Mainly because I always forget to take my afternoon dose.) I have had a boost of energy and have lost weight (10lbs). However my menopause symptoms worsened. Also, I have had a problem with bloating and gas. I did read that potassium helps, so I have since added a half of a banana to my daily diet and it does help with the latter symptoms. I believe I am insulin resistant, and since taking this supplement, I feel more “normal”.
Joe says
Paula, have your doctor check your “A1C” level. it will give you an idea of your risk of diabetes.
Kim says
My sister mentioned this product to me back in January.
I already workout 6 days a week for at least 45 minutes a day and track my calories on MyFitnessPal. I wanted to see if this ‘miracle product’ could help shed more pounds or get me over a plateau.
I took two of the GCB in the morning a half hour before breakfast for 30 days. I recorded my weight and measurements on Day 1 and Day 30.
I saw no weight loss (in fact I gained weight towards the middle of the month, then lost what I gained to end up back where I started). I also saw no significant decline in my measurements.
Once my 30 days of the GCB were done, I saw no need to continue taking it and have not purchased any more. The weight is coming off now, so at least in my experience, it seemed to have the opposite effect and kept the weight on.
Just my two cents. 🙂
SHANA says
I’VE BEEN ON GREEN COFFEE BEAN FOR 2 WEEKS AND BEEN EXERCISING EVERYDAY FOR LIKE A HOUR DOING HIP HOP ABS AND A HOUR IN A HALF AT THE GYM. I DON’T SEE ANY CHANGES AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG.
Joe says
Shana, I dont think your doing anything wrong. you are doing a lot of exercise but research shows that exercise alone isn’t usually enough for weight loss. it has to be combined with eating a few less calories. Im not sure if you are or are not. Just wanted to toss it out to you. Try keeping tabs of things with MyFitnessPal and see if you can track calories.
Anonymous says
I have been eating healthy
Jdmackeigan says
For the lady exercising r u accounting for the fact that muscle mass weighs more than fat? The only true way to test this is with moderate to no excersies, hip hop can be an intense workout
Joe says
JDmackeigan, muscle has a greater density than fat does. muscle technically doesn’t “weigh more” than fat. For example, 1 pound of muscle and 1 pound of fat, both weigh 1 pound. The density of muscle is greater though.
Mj says
I have been taking green coffee bean with svetol from genesis for 2 wks and have lost 8 lbs. I started taking it after doing advocate herbal cleanse. No side effects at all. I did 1/2 the dosage the first couple days then increased to 800 mg 2 times a day.
Milyne says
Hi Joe,
Any reviews on Jenny Craig?
Joe says
Milyne, since its not a supplement but an eating program, I dont but if I remember I think consumer reports gave it high marks in the past.
Milyne says
Thank you Joe for your quick response. What about apple cider vinegar?
Joe says
Ive never seen any research it helps weight loss. give it a shot and let me know what happens. you should know in a week if it works.
Big Red says
*sigh* At this point, I’m willing to try anything. I was taking OxyElite Pro, but it made me so jittery! At 5’0 and 168 lbs, I’ve never been this heavy or depressed. I haven’t felt comfortable in my own skin for years. I’m a recovering addict (alcohol), and I know that I am so nutritionally defunct. A lot of people don’t understand it’s not a moral or spiritual weakness, but an actual physiological disease. Neurotransmitters in the brain don’t work correctly, and you become physically dependent. It’s awful. I’d rather have rectal cancer. That being said, I’m trying Medifast – again. I like that I’m eating fresh veggies once a day, but I tend to only be able to last a week before I crave carbs and alcohol.
It’s very low calorie -less than 1000 cal/day. I don’t know if I should see a naturopath or nutritionist, but I’m pretty sure I’m hypoglycemic and have adrenal fatigue and possible Candida overgrowth (all common in alcoholics).
I feel stuck in this awful cycle of failure. What honestly works?
Joe says
Big Red, I think medifast has some social interaction with people and I think that is a good thing. Im not sure if they use supplements in their program. Id just stick to the food personally. weight watchers an jenny craig get high marks. when it comes to supplements, I dont see any easy fixes without doing other stuff. Id ask medifast how you will keep the weight off once you go off of their program. 1000 calories is not a lot. its less than Id like.
Yasi N. says
Hi Joe
My first time in this site. I was wondering if you had any information on a diet pill called phentermine 37.5 mg. I have high blood pressure, and I take medication for it beta blockers. I know that this pill may not be good for people with HBP, but i have always struggled with my weight. I feel that if I lose this weight using this pill i will get rid of the high blood pressure too. If I don’t use this pill to lose weight, the blood pressure will eventually kill me. so if you could tell me a little more on this pill i would really appreciate it.
Joe says
Yasi N. Phentermine is a drug and not a supplement so its outside my area of expertise. Given what you said about your health, I understand your feelings on this and I want you to talk to your doctor about this before you use it. you are taking other medications and your doctor is the best person to tell you if phentermine is appropriate for you or not.
M.Y. says
I have recently started taking this Green coffee bean supplement. ive had two children the youngest being 6 months. I fed my child naturally for as ling as i could. But before my pregnancy i was around 130 at 5ft 5in tall. Now im about 170. I started the supplement march 1 st. So i could keep track easier time wise. Ive had no side effects other than have a bit more energy and a more controlled appetite.
Really hoping this works. I researched this product on google starting out and read about buying warnings via videos from youtube from a pharmacist and that should should spend at least $53 per bottle to know you are getting the correct product…ummm not truly believable considering most prices were around this anyways. Also im just a commoner and spend time in walmart and they have these green coffee bean supplements for about ten bucks a bottle. Not sure i trust them. So i passed.
However i do intend to take the bottle of supplements i have purchased until gone and exercise as well as eat healthy. Fresh foods even if i have to grow my own since the govt has corrupted our food sources and there’s no clean air to breathe or clean water to drink anymore, though this is another story in itself. Anyway i dont plan on looking at the scale until my trail is done.
I think it will motivate me more and i don’t have to be on edge to see if i lost anything from a day to day basis. And if Ive lost a significant amount im happy with then i will be motivated to keep going with my goal. Maybe this theory is crazy but for me i think its ideal
Angie says
Just bought a bottle to try. I will fill you in. I plan on starting on Monday 3/4/13. I am Registered Nurse, & very skeptical. I do hope it helps to kick start my weightloss!
thank you for the website….very informative
Linda says
Thank you for your good, clear article. You’re a good writer.
I bought a supply of the beanz capsules a couple of months ago, and have been working up the nerve to try them. First I had to have dinner out plus dessert, and finish a quart of ice cream. I’ll let you know how it works for me.
Joe says
Thanks Linda – I like your website also 🙂
henry V says
Why skeptical about studies made in INDIA?
I find notion of such is rather ill conceived or an attitude that endorse a behavior seen in most western scholar being more superior. A lot of studies conducted in the west are deem worthless years later and it seems the trustworthiness is lacking here more then anywhere else.
In the future the very thing you are talking about will be seen worthless even to mentioned about.
Joe says
There is a lot of good things about India and I did not mean to disparage the country but I found it odd that a company in Texas had to go to India to have their research done. I’m all for saving money, but I have heard stories that human trials may not have the same oversight as those done in more industrialized countries. There was a segment on Dateline NBC about drug trials in India that I found interesting and sad. Here is a link
http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/03/04/10562883-in-india-oversight-lacking-in-outsourced-drug-trials?lite
Anonymous says
I tried the green coffee beans and actually gained weight too. i would not reccommend them at all
Anonymous says
me and my husband took them for a week and hated them we almost passed out from being dizzy never have we had anything too make us feel like that will not take them again scared us too death passing out is not something I want to do too loose weight.
Linda says
Does this green coffee bean product work with a Adkins diet or are they not compatable?
Joe says
Linda, I’ve never seen any research on the combo of green coffee bean and Atkins diet. I’d assume they would be fine together. But its hard to say for sure.
KG says
I’m a 24 year old female, 5’1″ started at 170, trying to drop the weight I gained from being a law student — no medical conditions, completely healthy aside from the weight. I started taking green coffee bean and raspberry ketone supplements on Wednesday (2/13/13). I also cut bread, pasta, rice and sweets out of my diet, no exercise yet to test the waters.
Thus far I have lost 1.6 pounds as of this morning (168.4). I’m certain a pound or so of that is due to the diet change, but I think the supplements (probably the green coffee bean mostly) helped take off an extra half pound.
I have found that when I cut out bad carbs I tend to drop 2 a week without exercise. It will be interesting to see how much weight I can lose consistently over the coming months with exercise. My goal is 125, ultimately.
Joe says
KG, correct when we cut out/reduce carbs we force our bodies to use something called glycogen. its carbs that we store. When we use those carbs we release a lot of water. you may have noticed going to the bathroom a little more frequently. Thats a sign we are using glycogen and likely accounts for most of the weight loss you saw. Here is something I wrote on low carb diets that might help http://www.joe-cannon.com/low-carb-diets-how-they-work/
B. says
thanks for the info –I will stop taking them as of today ..I was taking 3 each morning ..what a rip off like all the others ..people only out to sell ..even a doctor ..I am so disappointed ..the only way to really lose is to move away from the food trough…..or go to weight watchers ,or better yet teach yourself ,self discipline/control…thanks
Jdmackeigan says
I was roughly the same weight for 4 years and have had three kids, decided to try GCB just to see what the big fuss was. I took the dr. Oz svetol brand (200mg capsules); 2 before lunch and 2 before supper in 2.5 weeks i lost 5.5lbs and changed nothing about my lifestyle or eating habits.
I had no side effects at all and the weight came almost all from my stomach! Needless to say i am very impressed. I should also mention i started this at the high end of the “normal” bmi scale and am a healthy individual with a crummy diet my fav food is pizza and the only exercise i get is doing my everyday household chores.
One thing i will mention is i lost nothing in the first week but it took away all my bloating that i normally get from my poor eating habits that was my first clue it was doing something then the pounds went.
I would recommend this product most definitely, but people need to understand everybody’s body works differently and compared to the cost of most diet products this is worth trying your body may or may not respond to it. One item does not fit all, its a fact of life!
Joe says
JDmackeigan, thanks for the feedback. Just a heads up for everyone, Dr Oz has said that he doesn’t endorse supplements but its interesting you said you used Svetol as this was the type of green coffee bean I mentioned in my review as being the brand that had the research. Here is Svetol on Amazon for those who are interested. Glad GCB worked for you.