In a recent study from China, The effects of Oolong tea (oolong is a slightly fermented variety; darker than green tea but lighter than black tea) were compared to the weight loss drug fenfluramine.

The subjects took 2 capsules 3 times a day before meals for two months. At the end of the study, the oolong tea group was found to be as effective as the prescription drug at loosing body weight, BMI and waist & hip circumference.

What the Chinese formula did not do, which the Western drug did, was reduce the weight of muscles and the weight of water. (This is a good thing.) Further, the Oolong formula was effective at lowering blood sugar levels, raising insulin levels, and improving the ratio between testosterone and estradiol (also all good things).

In general, the Chinese medicinal formula achieved a 41.19% markedly effective rate and a 92.19% total effectiveness rate compared to the “phen-fen” which only achieved 7.5% markedly effective and 37.50% effectiveness rates.

Finally, among the patients who took the fenfluramine drug, many reported side effects such as indigestion, diarrhea, lack of strength, somnolence and elevated liver enzyme levels (a really bad thing); while in the Chinese tea treatment group, no such side effects were reported.

So if you are looking for a safe addition to your healthy weight loss routine, consider oolong tea. It has a subtle, easy distinct flavor compared to green tea or black tea, but it is my absolute favorite. Especially osmanthus oolong. There are hundreds, if not thousands of different varieties of oolong tea (just like wine, there are infinite differences from producer to producer). So do what I do and go on a quest to try many different brands and find your absolute favorite.