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.