No, tea, in general, does not add weight and may even be associated with lower weight.
Based on available research, particularly regarding hot tea consumption, there's evidence suggesting that tea consumption is inversely related to obesity. In other words, drinking tea may actually be associated with lower weight.
Tea and Body Weight: What the Research Shows
Here's a breakdown based on the reference provided:
- Lower Waist Circumference & BMI: Individuals who consume tea tend to have a lower mean waist circumference and a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) compared to non-tea drinkers. For example, in a study referenced, men who drank tea had an average BMI of 25 kg/m2, while non-tea-drinking men had an average BMI of 28 kg/m2. Similar results were observed in women (26 vs 29 kg/m2, respectively).
- Controlled Studies: These findings remained significant even after researchers accounted for factors such as age, physical activity levels, total energy intake, and other potential confounding variables. This suggests that tea consumption itself may play a role in weight management.
Important Considerations:
- What kind of tea? The type of tea (e.g., green tea, black tea, herbal tea) might influence the effects. The reference specifically mentioned hot tea.
- What else is added to the tea? Adding sugar, milk, or other high-calorie ingredients to your tea can, of course, contribute to weight gain. The benefits are most likely associated with drinking plain tea.
- Overall Lifestyle: Tea is not a magic bullet. A healthy diet and regular exercise are still crucial for maintaining a healthy weight.
Tea vs. Sugary Drinks
Substituting tea for sugary drinks like soda or juice can significantly reduce your calorie intake and potentially contribute to weight loss.
Key Takeaway
While tea itself is very low in calories and potentially beneficial for weight management, how you consume tea matters. Choosing unsweetened tea as part of a balanced lifestyle is most likely to support healthy weight.
