
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Scientists have evaluated the effect of tea on weight loss
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
American scientists have found that regular tea can help you lose weight, but it can also add a few extra pounds.
Experts from the American University of Illinois, who study various metabolic disorders within the human body, expressed the opinion that excessive passion for tea drinking gradually leads to the appearance of extra pounds, or even obesity.
These conclusions were made after conducting an experiment involving about thirteen thousand volunteers. The participants were divided into two groups in advance: the first group had to drink tea daily with 1-3 spoons of sugar per cup, and the second group drank the same amount of tea, but without sugar.
Certain results were obtained at the very beginning of the study: the sweetened drink increased the daily caloric intake of the diet by thirty percent.
By the end of the experiment – which lasted 12 months – almost all of the participants who added sugar to their tea had gained at least 1 kg of excess weight, and often more. It is noteworthy that they all consumed five cups of the drink per day.
Experts say: if you want to lose weight or keep it stable, give up adding sugar to drinks, or better yet, give it up altogether.
By the way, the positive effect of tea when consumed daily was also established. Thus, during the study, scientists discovered that tea itself in any quantity does not affect the formation of adipose tissue in humans. However, its use helps to reduce appetite or even discourage the desire to eat for some time. This property applies to drinks without the addition of cream and sweeteners.
Experts have concluded that tea, if brewed without sugar and cream, will not only help you lose extra pounds, but will also help you organize your diet and speed up the removal of toxic substances from your body's tissues.
The unconditional benefits of tea are known not only to scientists, but also to many generations of people of different nationalities - it is not for nothing that they say that this drink can give strength and energize you for the whole day. Its properties have been known for a long time, and they are explained by the rich composition of tea leaves: these are essential oils, tannins, and microelements.
Experts advise: at home, tea can serve as a first aid medicine for poisoning, as it can quickly relieve intoxication and bind toxic substances, removing them from the body. For this purpose, the drink should be strongly brewed, should not contain sugar or other additives. It should be drunk in large quantities, but in small sips, throughout the day. In this simple way, you can quickly calm an irritated digestive system and improve the condition of the victim. However, in this case, you should choose tea not in bags, but only in the form of dried leaves - only such a drink can bring maximum benefit to the body.