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?
KatR says
Joe,
I have just ordered a bottle of GCB as well as Clenbuterol. I’ve seen a few postings where consumers took this together and had success. I also plan on starting the Atkins Diet within the next week or so. I’m 27, 5’5, and 180 at the heaviest I’ve ever been. I currently exercise 3 days/ week but will be stepping that up to 5 days/ week. My goal is 130 (which is about 5-10 lbs heavier than I was “back in the day”)
Any thoughts on this combination? (Other than it seems to be a little radical?)
Krista – Yes yes yes. Loose and Lose – GAH! Drives me insane.
Joe says
Krista, I would be very careful with Clenbuterol. I have heard people having serious problems with it. I also would not take green coffee bean and clenbuterol at the same time. You always have to be skeptical about what you see online. Don’t assume that everybody online is “real” either when they say something works. Please read this about clenbuterol http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/performanceenhancingdrugs/a/What-Is-Clenbuterol.htm This is written by an exercise physiologist.
Why dont you forget clenbuterol and just try to the green coffee bean for a few weeks. then, if you like, add in the atkins diet. The atkins diet will cause a lot of water loss for first few weeks. Here is something I wrote on low carb diets
http://www.joe-cannon.com/low-carb-diets-how-they-work/
Also see these 13 different points I listed in this post too
http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
I do hope some of this helps Krista.
Tracey says
I was skeptical for sure. I am a couch potato by nature and since I have gained weight from menopause and two years ago thanks to God my cigarette smoking days were stopped, so I decided to give this a shot.
I purchased mine from the amazon site that had the words Svetol. In a two week period I have lost 10 pounds. That blows me away but for me it is an incentive to work harder to lose more and become more active.
But with this and all products, not one thing works for everybody and what works for me may not work for someone else. People need to keep that in mind when researching a prospective purchase.
Joe says
Tracey, congrats -and congrats on quitting smoking!!!! I mentioned the research on svetol in my review too 🙂
Krista says
(nevermind on the lipozene question–i found your review 🙂
Joe says
Krista, glad you found it 🙂
Krista says
Joe, i appreciate all your information and answers you posted here–very informative (on a side note, how disappointing to see so many adults unable to spell the word LOSE properly LOL.. a large percentage of the posts spelled it “loose”…SMH to American education)
Joe says
Krista, thanks Im glad I was able to help! Lose and loose, yep, been there and done that too LOL
dyan says
After watching Dr Oz I also tried this. When they say that there’s no known side effects I beg to differ. I had heart palpations, insomnia, and shakiness. I felt nauseous for days. I would soo not recommend this! Frankly I’d rather be overweight.
Lorrin says
Tried the Green Coffee Beans and was quite disappointed. Didn’t work for me at all and the fact that somewhere in the order process you are automatically signed up for Trim Trainer??? and of course have to contact some call center in India or?? to cancel membership is a bit frustrating to say the least! Dr. Oz what were you thinking??
Paula says
The product doesn’t work, the bottle isn’t even labeled as advertised and before I had time to complain they charged me $79.53. I am very mad.
It is Super Green Coffee cleanse at 1-888-890-8464 and representative 4020 Penny. Don’t try it it is a hoax!
Joe says
Paula, so sorry that happened to you. Were you able to get a refund?
julie says
one more ? Is it safe to tan after taking these pills or should I avoid tanning
Joe says
Julie, I don’t think tanning effects the supplements but I would not tan because its linked to skin cancer and it ages the skin. why give yourself wrinkles? Use a spray on tan if you like but as for tanning booths, I’m not a fan of them.
julie says
my stomach really burns after taking these together . Is it because I haven’t eaten yet.
Joe says
Julie, I’m not sure. I think its always best to start with less than what is recommended to see how you respond, before increasing to the recommended amounts. Id stop taking them until you feel better and if you start back, only use 1 of the products, taking less than is recommended for the first week. This will help you see how you respond to one of the products. I really dont think the colon cleanse product is needed as its juts a laxative.
julie says
ok now im worried I just bought Gcb lean 800 tm stimulant free with a colon cleanser. im hoping to lose 40 pounds in approximately 3 months and I’m doing exercise with bands from the 6 week body makeover by provida hope it works with no bad side effects
Joe says
Julie, Id say try only one of the products at at time to see how you do and to help you know what supplement might be helping you. remember that colon cleansers tend to be laxatives and as such wont burn fat but rather just make you lost water (and fecal matter). I hope some of this helps.
Lori says
Thanks, Joe – the Green Coffee Bean extract bottle states that each pill has 40 mg of caffeine, the equivalent of about 1/2 cup of coffee, so I think I will be OK. Just didn’t want to get all tense and wild-eyed! I have done additional research on the colon thing and am iffy about that, also. I appreciate your comments.
Joe says
Lori, that’s good. I think its always best to start with less than is recommended. Remember when it comes to supplements there is nobody making them put what they say they are in the product. They are on the honor system. most companies are honest but with all the products out there I think starting with less than is recommended to see how you respond is safest.
Lori says
Hi, Joe – I ordered the Green Coffee Bean extract from a reliable source, along with the Colon Cleanse, and received both on Saturday. I am a tea drinker (no coffee), and am concerned about caffeine levels, so I’m a little scared to start this diet! Can you advise how much caffeine is in tea vs. coffee? I usually have two-three cups of hot tea (black – Earl Grey) per day. I wonder about heart flutters, etc.
Thanks,
Lori
Joe says
Lori, the amount of caffeine in coffee can fluctuate by how the coffee was brewed. According to google a cup (8 oz) has 95 mg of caffeine. this article at the mayo clinic discusses caffeine in coffee and tea http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/AN01211
Ive found that the word cleanse, is the fancy name for laxatives, in supplements
Joel says
Hello Joe I am 6’1 203lbs. I have been exercising pretty regulary being that I am in the Army. I also go to the gym and lift weights and do cardio (i.e. Bike, treadmill,rower,and alyptical) I weigh myself from time to time but never seem to loose any weight. I have tried a few different supplements to include metabolism boosters and colon cleansers. the majority of my body looks about average though my stomach does not seem to be slimming up any. I know that exercise and diet are best but wonder if I do need a little extra help sometimes from a supplement. I have changed my eating habits and no longer drink sodas or eat “junk food” and have done so for about 5 months. So I have been doing a lot of research and this is how I found this site. So I guess my question for you is do you know of any that can be trusted and work.
Joe says
Hi Joel, Ive written about this on my personal site and listed several other things that might help also
http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
Joy says
Thank you Joe…I exercise regularly so I guess the only thing is to deal with the existing ones from my previous sedentary lifestyle
Joe says
Anytime jenny, remember its not what we used to do that counts – its what we do today that matters most 🙂
Harry says
hello joe im around 5″7/5″8 weighing in just under 200 lbs and my aim is to lose weight but also to increase my muscle mass. i have been chubby and overweight my whole life. im looking for a change and joined the gym but my motivation is not the best when it comes to looking at how much i have lost compared to my work rate even when i eat well.
So i am looking to start using a supplement as being a vegetarian my protein is not at its best intake, which im hoping to help me a lot. green coffee beans seemed to be great so im keen to buy but im not sure will it work? and also do you recommend taking it with raspberry ketones?
please help me if anything other supplement you recommend thanks Harry
Joe says
Hi Harry,
Im not sure if Green coffee bean would help or not. you should know in a month of its going to work. Ive written about wt loss supplements and other things that might help, on my personal site here is the link
http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
as far as your protein is concerned, try to keep tabs on it by using MyFitnessPal.com. you may be getting enough and not realize it.
Joy says
Thank you again 🙂 I don’t think gotu kola helps with weight loss but I had read it was good for your circulatory system and I have hereditary varicose veins and always worked on my feet or at physical jobs
Joe says
Joy, I think the best thing for varicose veins is to take a walk or any type of exercise. As I understand it, varicose veins occur from a breakdown of the one-way valves in the veins that keep the blood moving in one direction. Exercise, by using the muscles to push the blood through the circulatory system, can help keep those one-way valves healthy. I think that would be better than gotu cola. There are also some procedures a doctor can do to help existing varicose veins. I think any dermatologist can give you the best info on these methods.
Joy says
Thank you :)…I definitely want to keep my liver healthy (a cleanse can work wonders)…lol sorry…one more supplement question…how do you feel about gotu kola? I’ve read a lot of really good stuff about it…but while the internet is a wealth of information quite often it’s not the correct information
Joe says
Hi Joy, gotu kola has been in a few things Ive looked at before (just put gotu kola in the search box and those reviews should pop up). there is a little evidence that gotu kola might also harm the liver but the evidence is far from complete. As for weight loss I have not seen any evidence that gotu kola helps people lose weight. It might make people a little tired too but how much Im not sure.
Joy says
Hi 🙂 just leaving my 2 cents worth…I have finished a bottle of green coffee bean extract recently…it’s not, in my opinion, effective…I put on weight…but I’m convinced it’s muscle weight due to the fact I have intensified my workouts and not the supplement…I find it so sad that people expect instant results in a week or two..
.I have been exercising regularly and being much stricter with what I put in my body over the last 2 yrs and have lost 50 pounds….that will stay away forever unless I stop exercising and eat fast food….not going to happen!!!
I was curious though about your take on borage oil and the claim that it banishes belly fat…please don’t take offense but I’m very skeptical about supplements
Joe says
Joy, that’s fantastic and congrats! Ive never heard about borage oil helping weight loss. I have heard concerns that borage oil may damage the liver and for that reason I wouldn’t take it.
No offense taken on your skepticism 🙂
Kat says
I am almost through one bottle, and am dizzy from low blood pressure, crapped my pants ( humiliating), insomnia and weight gain since I started. And why would I continue? I am miserable, can’t sleep, and am getting even more fatter can’t fit my clothes. I am eating less as well, probably from the green beans
So no, they are not for everyone.
Joe says
Kat, so sorry that happened to you…
lenny says
reading all the experiences of those who have taken the time to write, my conclusion like what i have also observed with other things we take, has a lot to do with ones own bodily makeup,not all antibiotics work the same for everyone, there is no one pill fits all. we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
KL says
I have to be honest, I have gone back and forth over the years with weight gain and loss and the ONLY thing that has EVER worked is to exercise (cardio in combination with some weight lifting) along with eating healthy (no fast food or fried food) and lots of veggies and fruits!
People will most likely go on and on for years to come with claims that they have created the miracle pill for weight loss… but there will never be a miracle pill that doesn’t have side effects and works as well as good old fashioned exercise and a healthy diet. And I’m speaking from experience. I know it’s frustrating, believe me… so good luck to all 🙂