15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY
 

15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY

Buy 1 Get 1 Free: One week onlyOffersOffers HubBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventShort Dated2 for €74 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionWater RetentionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianRescue RemedyAshwagandhaEchinaceaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouNatures AidBioglanGrass & Co.Bach Original Flower RemediesPE NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubFood & Drink Shop AllEasterVegan FoodHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateTeas & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksGreen TeaPeppermint TeaHerbal TeaFruit TeaSlimming TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaTeaDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsNutsDried FruitSeedsMixesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSpirulinaSuperfood PowdersGoji BerriesBaobabMoringa PowderChia SeedsSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsDrinksShop all DrinksKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 priceHolland & BarrettNaturyaPukkaGrenadeHeath & HeatherTwiningsMeridianOptimum NutritionNakdPhDGluten FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeMustard FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAL-LysineGlutamineArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneSports CollagenRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchPE NutritionOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePhDApplied NutritionFoodspringHuelSiSHigh5Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 get 1 free eventDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+AEthiqueTrilogyChilds FarmAlcohol FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management HubWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettPulsinPhDUSNEat WaterNatures AidSlimExpertApplied NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodGut Health SkincareHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaNew NordicSolgarHeath & HeatherOptimum NutritionEthiqueDairy FreeGluten FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inShop for your WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseWomen's HealthFood & DietMuscle & Joint PainSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthChildren's HealthLearn about WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseFood & DietJoints, Bones & MusclesSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
glass of herbal tea next to measuring tape

Does slimming tea actually work?

23 Nov 2022 • 2 min read

We tend to think that slimming tea is a new phenomenon, ushered in by the 21st-century wellness craze and image-obsessed internet culture.

This couldn’t be further from the truth, with the ingredients in modern herbal slimming tea dating back thousands of years and have been used across the world to promote good health.

What do we mean by a slimming tea? 

Tea marketed as slim tea is usually a blend of black tea, white tea and herbal teas. Ingredients are chosen based on their supposed weight-loss causing properties. These include faster metabolism and suppressed appetite.1

Different types of slimming tea 

There are different types of slimming teas, which claim to work in different ways.

  1. Metabolism-boosting

The claim with this type of tea is that they offer a temporary boost in metabolic rate- which refers to the amount of calories you’re able to burn at rest. This can help support weight loss by burning a few extra calories each day, adding up to weight loss over time.2 Caffeine and green tea are common ingredients.

Possible side effects include: rapid heartbeat, nausea and anxiety

  1. Appetite suppressing

These teas help reduce the appetite, making you less likely to over-eat.

Some common slimming tea ingredients, such as fenugreek, are thought to have appetite suppressing properties – but only fenugreek seeds which contain lots of fibre.3

Also, just by drinking tea you’re taking on water, which is always good in terms of stopping you feeling excessively hungry.

Possible side effects include: some ingredients, such as garcinia cambogia, can cause symptoms including headaches and diarrhoea.4

  1. Diuretic

This type of slimming tea work on the principle of encouraging you to pass urine more often, meaning you will technically lose weight in the form of water. High-caffeine teas tend to have a diuretic effect.5

Diuretic teas may also be marketed as a form of detox aid.

Possible side effects include: dehydration and muscle cramps

  1. Laxative

These teas make you need to ‘go’. Usually containing a natural laxative like senna leaf, these teas stimulate the muscle activity of your intestines to cause a bowel movement.

The weight lost is not fat – it’s water, minerals, electrolytes, and indigestible fibre and wastes from the colon.6

These teas are not recommended for long-term use and can be harmful if used consistently over time.

Possible side effects include: stomach cramps and diarrhoea. If used excessively, laxatives can lead to colon damage.

Common ingredients in slimming teas – and the science behind them 

  1. Green tea 

One of the best slimming tea ingredients, green tea is found in many diet tea blends.

Green tea contains catechin which has been shown to boost metabolism and help the body burn fat.7,8

You might also see matcha tea on an ingredients list for slimming tea - matcha is a form of concentrated green tea.

  1. Caffeine 

Found in many weight loss teas, caffeine consumption has been linked with a reduction in fat mass in some people.9

Further, high amounts of caffeine have been linked with a temporary increase in metabolism by up to 13%, which could lead to weight loss over time.10

  1. Peppermint tea 

Just the scent of peppermint alone can reduce hunger levels.11

In one study, drinking peppermint juice led to weight loss in 43.8% of the people who participated.12

This cooling tea can also help promote good digestion, which in turn can help with weight loss. In fact, people across the world have enjoyed peppermint tea after meals as a digestive aid for centuries.

  1. Oolong tea 

Well-known as a Chinese slimming tea, oolong is made from the same plant as black tea, green tea and white tea. The difference is in its preparation, which involves drying, fermenting and oxidizing.

A Chinese study published in 2009 found that oolong tea helped people decrease body fat content and reduce body weight over six weeks.13 It’s thought this is down to oolong stopping your body from absorbing as much fat from food.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the subjects in this study consumed 8 g of oolong tea a day for 6 weeks – more than you’d get from weight loss teas alone.

  1. Ginger 

Ginger can help boost metabolism by enhancing thermogenic effect of food – meaning we burn more calories eating the same diet when we supplement with ginger.14

Ginger might also be able to help reduce feelings of hunger, making it a great ingredient to have in a tea if you’re trying to lose weight.15

  1.  Yerba mate 

Native to South America, this smoky leaf tea is extremely popular Paraguary, Uruguay and parts of Brazil. It contains as much a caffeine as coffee, which could partially account for its ability to boost metabolism.

One study showed that drinking yerba mate led to weight loss in overweight people in 12 weeks, compared to overweight people who didn’t drink it.16

  1. Garcinia cambogia 

This is a fruit eaten across South and South East Asia.

Scientists have found that HCA – an active ingredient in garcinia cambogia - can help to metabolise fats in the body, as well as acting as an appetite suppressant.17

Other studies have pointed to the efficacy of garcinia cambogia as a weight loss aid, too.18

  1. Liquorice

It’s thought that adding liquorice to the diet can help with weight loss. One study showed liquorice was able to reduce body fat mass without changing anything else about the diet.19

  1. Senna leaf

Senna leaf works by stimulating the muscles that line the gut, helping them move stool along and encourage a bowel movement.20

Teas containing senna leaf can be an effective short-term solution to constipation. However, these aren’t recommended for long term use, and can actually damage your gut health if taken too regularly.

Things to watch out for 

As with any health product, beware of ‘miraculous’ claims.

Even if a study was done under optimum conditions, there might be other factors at play which affect the results. For example, people who drink weight loss teas might be more likely to weigh less than people who don’t – but they could also be more likely to drink more water, be more active, and choose healthier foods in general.

Also, some studies are based on the activity of the tea in a test tube, not in a real human subject.

Does slimming tea really work?

Nutritionist Alexander Thompson says:

“It’s important to remember that the main effect for weight loss comes from sensible changes to a person’s diet. However, slimming teas are useful to give a helping hand, especially in the early stages of a weight loss program when you’re yet to establish better diet habits.

Slimming teas are also great to drink pre-exercise, as their stimulant effects supporting physical energy levels and mental focus, reducing perception of fatigue and allowing you to exercise harder, therefore burning more calories.”

The bottom line is - slimming tea can’t cause you to lose weight if you’re taking in more calories than you’re burning.

But by potentially helping you burn fat, curb your appetite, beat constipation and boost your metabolism, slimming teas – when used safely- can support your healthy diet and help you lose more weight than you otherwise would.

Last updated: 13 April 2021

donia-hilal

Donia Hilal

Author

Nutritionist

Joined Holland & Barrett: January 2018

Bsc in Nutrition, Registered Associate Nutritionist and Certification in Pre and Post Natal Nutrition

Donia started her career as a freelance nutritionist, later she joined Nestle as their Market Nutritionist to help support their healthier product range, before joining the team at Holland & Barrett in January 2018.

Donia has over 6 years experience as a Nutritionist and also works with clients on a one to one basis to support their goals which include weight loss, prenatal and postnatal nutrition and children’s health.

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • AmericanExpress
  • PayPal
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Limited. Registered office: 45 Henry Street, Dublin, Dublin 1, D01 E9X8. Registered in Ireland: Company no. 79819. Registered VAT no. 4682002U.