Association of Hot Tea Consumption with Regional Adiposity Measured by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in NHANES 2003-2006.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the potential antiobesity benefits of hot tea consumption at the population level.

METHODS

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2006, the association between hot tea consumption and dual-energy x-ray-measured body fat was examined in a large representative sample of US adults (n = 5,681, 51.9% women).

RESULTS

Compared with non-tea drinkers, men who consumed 0.25 to 1 cup per day of hot tea had 1.5% (95% CI: 0.4% to 2.6%) and 1.7% (95% CI: 0.4% to 3.0%) less total and trunk body fat, respectively. The associations were stronger among men 45 to 69 years old compared with younger men (20-44 years). For men who consumed 1 or more cups per day of hot tea, lower total (-1.2%, 95% CI: -2.3% to -0.2%) and trunk body fat (-1.3%, 95% CI: -2.6 to -0.1%) was observed among men 45 to 69 years old only. In women, those who drank 1 or more cups per day had 1.5% lower (95% CI: -2.7% to -0.3%) trunk body fat compared with non-tea drinkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of hot tea might be considered as part of a healthy diet in order to support parameters associated with metabolic health and may be particularly important in older male age groups in supporting reduced central adiposity.