Oolong is the medium colored tea (between green and black) that is often served in Chinese restaurants.

"...These data suggest that oolong tea may promote weight loss by increasing energy expenditure [increase rate of metabolism] 10-20%." The scientists then noted that caffeine [present in tea] also is known to increase the rate. Their research was to determine how much if any, other factors in oolong tea added to the effect.

They also noted that "No consistent scientific evidence links moderate caffeine consumption to any health risks..."

They concluded their report with "It is clear that consumption of oolong tea stimulates both energy expenditure [thereby burning calories] and fat oxidation [also helpful] in normal weight men. This raises the possibility that tea consumption could have some beneficial effect on the individual's ability to maintain a lower body fat content. However, any beneficial effect would only be realized if the effect was sustained on [substantial] consumption of tea and the individual did not compensate with greater food intake in response to tea consumption. Emphasis added.

In: The Journal of Nutrition, vol. 131, 2001. [Note: In 2003 we reported on the effects of green tea on weight.] By:Tsui, Kasai, Kondo, et al., Div. of Health Care Science Res., Nisshin Oil Mills, Kanagawa 239-0832, Japan, Kagawa Nutrition U., Saitama 350-0288, & Inst. of Environmental Science for Human Life, Ochanomizu U., Tokyo 112-8610.