Supplement Detective

By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist

Summary: A number of small studies have looked at Oolong tea & weight loss and have shown some small benefit.  Oolong tea can increase your energy expenditure and calories burned – but only slightly.  Don’t believe the claims that you can burn 20 pounds in 30 days.

Q: Can I drink Oolong tea for weight loss?  Will it really help that much?

A: For the most part, when someone says Oolong, weight loss tea seems to be what comes to mind.  And that’s probably for two main reasons.  Number one, several small studies have shown that, yes there can be some small weight loss with Oolong tea.  Secondly, none other than Oprah and Rachel Ray have personally endorsed Oolong tea as a viable weight loss supplement.

The first point I brought up is a reputable one.  The studies seem to show that there can be some benefit – but it is small.

But, too many people in this country, particularly women, place far too much weight in what Oprah or Rachel Ray say.  But, in a way it makes sense, because both of these women have publicly struggled with their weight and have yo-yoed at times on fad diets, losing weight, gaining more back, etc.  In short, I don’t think they are the best source of information on the subject.

So, let’s focus on the objective data that we have on Oolong tea and weight loss so you can get a realistic expectation of what you can expect.

1. Oolong tea has shown to raise energy expenditure in studies.  As the name implies, oolong tea causes you to burn more energy.  But again, it’s not a lot.  On average you’ll burn about 3% more energy than you would if you hadn’t consumed any tea.  You’re talking about 60 to 70 extra calories.
2. Oolong tea doesn’t contain as much caffeine as green tea.  So, it was compared to green tea thinking that it was the caffeine that was causing the weight loss.  Oolong tea still produced more energy expenditure than green tea which suggest it’s effects are related to it’s polyphenol content – which is much higher than green tea.  Polyphenols are compounds which are believed to have antioxidant properties.
3. Almost all Oolong tea on the market which is specifically labeled for weight loss is overpriced – and that’s being nice.  I’ve seen prices as high as $40 for a 30 days supply – that’s a rip-offf.  If you want to try Oolong, just by regular Oolong tea.
4. Don’t believe the weight loss claims of 20 pounds in 30 days.  As I showed in the studies above the weight loss will be minimal – supplemental.  If you are eating naturally with sensible exercise it might be worth trying to supplement a bit with Oolong.  Again, because of the caffeine content you wouldn’t want to get carried away with it.  You can always have too much of a good thing.