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 
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.
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?
I heard these pills were good n they work… I just started taking them, how long does it take for them to work…..
Carmen, Please read my review. Based on the evidence I could find, I am skeptical about green coffee bean used for weight loss.
Thanks for the great post Joe. So much info which is great.
I started on green coffee bean extract recently combined with a low calorie diet. It’s working well so far so too early to tell for sure.
Cheers
Paul, glad to help and I hope it works for you. Do let me know.
please suggest, iam planning to buy the green bean coffee capsules to lose weigh, will this work or not.
Praveena, I don’t think green coffee bean works. If you read my review you saw that one of the best studies was retracted. My advice is to save your money. Here is a list of products that I feel have evidence, along with other things that can help too http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
Hi there
I eat Green Coffee Beans and saw result as well. It was good for me. I tried eat healthy food + Green Coffee Beans and lost my weight about 34 pound for 4.5 months.
I am very happy for those of you that can take the Green Coffee capsule. I have been diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation so I don’t feel that the caffeine is something I should be taking. Any other suggestions. I need to lose weight very badly.
Christine, Remember, its not just about supplements when it comes to weight loss. That said, here is a post that goes to my personal website where I discuss the different types of supplements, along with what I feel are safest: http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
I hope this helps.
started on green coffee bean extract today, along with a low calorie diet let you know how I get on
Eileen, sounds good. Much success!
One more thing I live in Saudi Arabia. So the only store I trust here is GNC. I bought green coffee bean extract but can’t find colon cleaner. There is a product called colon care. I was wondering if it’s the same as colon cleanser?
The supplement facts are:
Fructooligosaccharides 500mg
Psyllium seed husks powder -plant ago ovarian 400mg
Oat bran powder -avena sativa 200mg
Wheat bran powder -triticum aestivum 200mg
Lactobacillus acidophilus 200mg
There r other ingredient too. Like whey powder, vegetable cellulose capsule, glucose, fructose , sucrose, …..
Aqusa, the ingredients you listed just proved my point about colon cleanse supplements. What you listed was a mostly fiber (psyllium, oat bran and wheat bran).
For more info on Fructooligosaccharides see my review of Yacon syrup
Thank you for reply
So I should only take green coffee beans extract pills for weight loss?
Aqusa, I really prefer to provide the best evidence I can find and let you make the choice for yourself. People do say some interesting things about it (read the comments). I can say that from what I was able to gather Svetol is the brand that appears to have most of the evidence. I discuss that also in my review. If you try it and it helps – or doesn’t – do let me know. Im sure others would also benefit from what you have to say.
Hi there,
I need to know the supplement facts of colon cleanser. And how many of colon cleanser pills should I take with green coffee bean extract? When should I take colon cleanser ? Along with coffee bean pill ? Please guide me exactly how these 2 green coffee bean extract pills and colon cleanser should be used?
Thank Aqsa
Aqsa, I dont think healthy people need colon cleanser supplements and here’s why: Cleanse = laxative. the ingredients in colon cleanse supplements are usually just fiber or things that cause the colon to be more active.
Here’s the thing: laxatives work on the colon (where the poop is) but they do not work at the small intestine (where we absorb calories). This means that the weight colon cleanse supplements make us lose is mostly made up of water and poop.
Here is my review of Colon Flow a popular colon cleanse supplement for more info.
Just wanted to say, you rock Joe! Getting back to people and making this awesome site! Thank you 🙂 x
Nikki, thanks so much for saying that!! You rock too 🙂
Dear joe,
I have yoyo diet back and forth, I always succeed to lose weight but easy to gain, tried so many supplements and afraid to ruin my kidney. My question is, I suffer from low blood pressure, having read some reviews, said that caused heart palpitation. What do you suggest?
(Hope I didn’t make to much mistakes, as I live in German speaking country 🙂 )
Cheers,
RosaRi, your English is better than some of the people I know here in the US! Here is something I wrote about weight loss supplements that I felt were safest and had the most research. I also discussed what causes us to burn calories and added several other things that can help us lose weight also http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
After seeing Dr Oz and also doing as much research on GCB I decided to give them a go and ordered mine through a NZ source. I used them in conjunction with watching what I ate and either going to the gym or excercising at home. I found even using the directions on the bottle that I had fluctuations in my energy levels and found they gave me constipation. I have lost weight – by my clothes not by scales and unsure of whether the GCB helped or not but feel much better now i’m not taking the GCB. Like other people on here have said.. everyone is different and things work differently for everyone. Either way it’s only the begining 🙂
Hi. I`m in South Africa. What would be the best product name in this range and / or website to order from to ship to SA? Your advice / suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks! Brad
Bradley, I honestly have no idea.
Hi Joe,
Any idea on how to burn belly fat? Maybe it will be nice to know how the belly fat is formed as well. I placed the order for green coffee bean yesterday. This is my first time to do such (buy weight loss pills). Please advice me.
Thanks
Phil
Phil, I really feel it all boils down for the most part to calories. I reviewed the various types of weight loss supplements -and which ones I felt most comfortable with as well as other stuff that I think can also help – on my personal site. here is the link :
http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
I hope green coffee bean helps you. do let me know either way, what happens.
Very helpful, thanks for doing this.
Stuart, you are very welcome 🙂
What about the raspberry kentone mixed with the green coffee bean?
Gabby, I do have a review of raspberry ketones. here is the link:
http://supplementclarity.com/raspberry-ketones-weight-loss-review-side-effects/
whether they work better together is anyone’s guess. I have noticed several products adding them into the same supplement so it sounds like makers are starting to think the same way as you are. One such product is Saba ACE weight loss pills. Here is my review of that:
http://supplementclarity.com/saba-ace-weight-loss-review-side-effects/
they suppliers as such liars they just tell you that you will receive a free trial pack for which you have to pay a certain amount and later on they debit money from your account without asking you this is basically stealing peoples money and without informing i will suggest those people who are interested not to buy as they are just stealing your money. they do not also reply the emails quickly.
this is the worst experience i have ever had and i regret because they stole my money without asking me whether i wanted the products or not and dont also inform. later on i had to send them email and they just said they are sorry what a stupid reply. stealers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jessy, sorry that happened to you. Dealing with companies that you have never heard of is one reason I like buying from Amazon or Ebay because it usually avoids auts-shipmenets and debits from your credit card. Also these companies are likely to help you if anything like this happens. if the products are sold at local stores, I like dealing with them also for the same reasons.
Bulk barn sells the doctor oz one for$22 cnd, costco sells a bulk pack 400mg for 29.99
WANT TO KNOW HOW LONG I CAN SAFELY TAKE GREEN COFFEE BEAN EXTRACT. I TOOK IT FOR 8 MONTHS 800 MG 2 X A DAY. EXERCISED AND HEALTHY DIET LOST 28 POUNDS. NOW AT GOAL, STOPPED TAKING THEM AND FEEL A LOT OF DISTRESS IN MY GI TRACT, LIKE BODY IS REBELLING ABOUT NOT HAVING THIS SUPPLEMENT. ANY COMMENT. DID I TAKE IT TOO LONG?
please modify my name to leave off last name….
Thanks Mary Ann. I’ve removed your last name 🙂
Mary Ann, Im not aware of any research on how long you can take green coffee bean. wish I had a better answer for you.
I don’t get the people that say: ‘Don’t buy it, I spent $250 and gained 10 kg.’ First of all, I bought mine at Walmart, the 100% pure. $10 a bottle, which will supply you for 2 weeks. I just finished my first week using the green coffee bean and so far I’ve lost 3.8 pounds. I didn’t exercise at all. I started at 138.4 and now I am 134.6 after exactly 7 days. I hope to lose 9 more pounds. I would definitely recommend this product. Just make sure you have the 100% pure ones and use it before breakfast and dinner with a big glass of water.
I tried the GCB extract in hopes to supplement my 2 year diet….to help get that last 20lbs off to reach my final weight loss goal. I bought the one with the svetol…and I didn’t lose any weight. I think it really depends on your body and what you can handle.
The problem with overweight people (myself included) we want to try the fad diets to lose weight quickly because we are not happy with our bodies or our size or we are unhealthy. This is unsafe!! I started my diet two years ago…with a fad diet…HCG and phentermine at a clinic….i paid 150.00 a month to get shots and pills…i lost 22lbs my first month…and then I got really sick.
It turned out that this clinic was mixing hcg and clomid and my body reacted in a negative way. It took me months to get myself together and back to my “normal self”. I then…started monitoring what I eat and how I eat in order to trick my metabolism into working faster.
Eating six times a day…monitoring what I eat and working out when I can has been the most successful for me. I have lost 100lbs…went from a size 24/26 to a 14/16 and can do things that I could never do before. I know sometimes its discouraging when u start losing weight or u start a diet and you step on that scale and see u gained 5lbs…so u say…”screw it” and give up….i went thru that too….so I threw the scale in the closet…only got it out once a month and let my clothes and my friends be the judge of my weight loss..not a scale.
I will be more than happy to share my eating journal or habits with anyone who is interested….as well as before and after pictures. Diet and exercise and lifestyle changes will always be the best choice….it takes time…but if u stick with it like I did…u will reach your goals as well!!
Heather, thats fantastic -and sorry to hear about the problems you had prior to your weight loss.
Hi Heather,
Your story is really interesting! I’d like to know how you lost all that weight. Can we e-mail?
Noor
Noor, if heather says yes I will email you her email address. that way, it will cut down on any spam she might get from robots that collect email addressees on the web.
Perfect! Thank you Joe. Also, I was wondering if you could do a review on Dynamite Fatburners? I couldn’t find much criticism on them online.
Noor, Thanks. Ive never heard of Dynamite Fatburners but Ill try to look up their ingredients.
I would love to see your eating journal. I am trying to lose 20lbs and I am having problems doing so. HELP! Please 🙂
– Sorry. Forgot to mark the notification box for future comments. Have to repost to use the feature.