Best Tea For Weight Loss

Weight-loss teas are often marketed as quick fixes for slimming and detoxing, but if you’re using GLP-1 medication such as Mounjaro or Wegovy, they’re unnecessary — and in some cases, unhelpful. GLP-1 receptor agonists already work by regulating appetite, digestion, and blood sugar, making most “slimming teas” redundant or potentially irritating to your stomach.

This guide separates fact from marketing and explains how to stay safely hydrated without relying on herbal or detox teas.

Green tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are believed to aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and enhancing fat burning during exercise.

Oolong tea

Oolong tea falls between green and black tea in terms of oxidation. It’s known for its ability to increase energy expenditure and improve fat oxidation. Initial studies have also shown it may also have a role in blocking the absorption of fat and carbohydrates.

Black tea

Black tea is fully oxidised and contains high levels of caffeine and theaflavins, which can help boost metabolism and promote fat loss, particularly in the abdominal area. In addition to this, studies have shown it can act as an appetite suppressant and reduce calorie intake.

White tea

White tea is minimally processed and contains high levels of antioxidants. It is believed to prevent the formation of new fat cells and aid in fat breakdown.

Herbal teas

Herbal teas, such as ginger tea, peppermint tea, and hibiscus tea, are caffeine-free options that may help with weight loss by improving digestion, reducing inflammation, reducing bloating, and curbing appetite.

Matcha tea

Matcha is a type of Japanese powdered green tea that contains higher levels of catechins and antioxidants. It provides a concentrated dose of green tea benefits.

• Boosted metabolism. Many weight loss teas, particularly green and oolong tea, contain compounds that increase metabolic rate, helping the body burn more calories at rest.
• Enhanced fat burning. Catechins in green tea and caffeine in black tea can enhance the body’s ability to burn fat, especially during exercise.
• Increased energy levels. The caffeine content in many weight loss teas can boost energy levels, making it easier to stay active and burn more calories.
• Reduced absorption of fat. Black tea particularly may result in reduced blood cholesterol.

To maximise the benefits of weight loss teas, consider the following tips on how to incorporate them into your daily routine:

1. Choose the right tea. Select a weight loss tea that suits your taste preferences and health goals. Green tea, oolong tea, and herbal teas are excellent choices.
2. Optimal timing. Consume weight loss tea before or during meals to help control appetite and improve digestion.
3. Combine with a healthy diet. Complement your weight loss tea with a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
4. Stay hydrated. Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support overall metabolism.
5. Limit additives. Avoid adding sugar or high-calorie sweeteners to your tea. If needed, use a small amount of honey.

While weight loss teas offer numerous benefits, it’s important to be aware of side effects:

• Caffeine sensitivity. Teas like green, black, and oolong contain caffeine, which can cause jitteriness, insomnia, and increased heart rate in sensitive people.
• Digestive issues. Some people may experience digestive issues, such as stomach upset or diarrhoea, especially with high consumption of weight loss teas.
• Allergic reactions. Herbal teas can cause allergic reactions in some people. Stop drinking a certain tea if you experience any adverse reactions.

GLP-1 medications slow digestion and can make your stomach more sensitive. Many weight-loss teas contain ingredients such as caffeine, senna, or diuretics that can:

• Irritate the gut and worsen nausea
• Increase dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
• Cause cramping or diarrhoea
• Interfere with healthy digestion and medication absorption

Focus on hydration, not detox

Your body already detoxes naturally through your liver and kidneys. The best support is steady fluid intake — plain water, herbal tea, or broth. See Hydration on GLP-1s.

Choose gentle herbal teas

If you enjoy tea, choose mild options that support digestion and relaxation:

• Peppermint tea (for bloating relief)
• Ginger tea (for nausea)
• Rooibos or chamomile (for hydration and calm)
• Avoid teas marketed as “slimming,” “detox,” or “fat-burning.”

Limit caffeine

Caffeine can worsen reflux, nausea, or dehydration, especially when appetite is low. Choose caffeine-free alternatives or limit to one regular tea or coffee per day.

Skip laxative teas

Senna-based teas can cause cramping and dehydration. If you struggle with constipation, increase fluids and gentle fibre instead. See our other article on Fibre while taking GLP-1s.

• Herbal infusions (mint, ginger, chamomile, rooibos)
• Warm water with lemon
• Weak green tea (if tolerated)
• Broth or miso soup for added electrolytes

Speak to a Medicspot clinician if you:

• Use herbal or slimming teas regularly and experience stomach pain or diarrhoea
• Have persistent constipation or bloating despite dietary changes
• Are unsure whether certain teas interact with your medication

Medicspot’s clinicians can help you manage hydration and digestion safely while using GLP-1 medication.

Medicspot’s clinicians and nutrition coaches help GLP-1 users make smart, safe choices for hydration and digestion. Our experts provide evidence-based guidance that supports your treatment without unnecessary or risky supplements.

Take our free online assessment to see if GLP-1 treatment could be right for you, or use the weight loss calculator below to find out instantly if you are likely to be eligible and to see how much weight you could lose.

• “Slimming” or “detox” teas are unnecessary and can cause discomfort on GLP-1s.
• Focus on gentle hydration with water or mild herbal teas.
• Avoid caffeine, senna, and other harsh ingredients.
• Choose teas that soothe digestion, not stimulate it.
• Seek advice if digestive symptoms persist.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See our Terms of Service for more information.