Fact Check: Can drinking turmeric tea help shed excess weight?

Hyderabad: A Facebook video has gone viral on social media claiming that drinking a magical tonic laden with turmeric and honey can help you get a flat belly in just five days.

The post's caption reads, “Turmeric Tea DIY Mix For Weight Loss-Get Flat Belly In 5 Days Without Diet/Exercise. Get a flat belly in 5 days without diet or exercise with homemade turmeric tea mix, a remedy for stomach bloating, quick weight loss with turmeric tea. (sic)”

It also adds, “Facts about Turmeric, Turmeric tea helps to reduce belly fat and weight loss Turmeric tea helps to reduce stomach bloating. Turmeric tea is also a good immunity booster. (sic)”

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim is misleading.

Obesity is having too much body fat. Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern but a medical problem that increases the risk of many other diseases and health conditions like heart diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea and certain types of cancers.

Obesity can be a result of psychological and environmental factors, poor diet, genetics, activities and poor lifestyle. Body weight can be improved by controlling the BMI (Body Mass Index). A healthy BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. A BMI of more than 25 is considered overweight and above 30 is considered obese.

Can turmeric or curcumin help reduce obesity?

A study found that curcumin in turmeric is a promising natural bioactive compound that possesses numerous pharmacological activities. It shows multiple mechanisms that can affect cellular biochemical and physiological regulation. In pharmacies, more and more preparations containing curcumin are being recommended for the prevention of obesity.

However, more comprehensive and definitive human studies should be performed to assess the possibility of using curcumin in preventing and managing obesity in humans.

According to an article in Healthline, test tube studies have suggested that curcumin may surprise particular inflammatory markers that play a role in obesity. These markers are typically elevated in people with excess weight or obesity.It further adds that animal studies indicate that this compound may promote weight loss, reduce fat tissue growth, curve weight regain and enhance the body’s sensitivity to the hormone insulin.

It should be noted that the research on the effect of curcumin on weight loss is still ongoing. More research and human studies are needed before turmeric can be recommended as a weight loss supplement. The results of the study are anecdotal.

Moreover, there are certain adverse effects on people having bleeding disorders, diabetes, iron deficiency and kidney stones. Additionally, there is insufficient evidence to find the safety of this supplement among pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is advised to avoid excess turmeric intake for people with these conditions as they may experience side effects such as allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, skin rash or diarrhoea.

If you have severe concerns related to your weight and are unable to reduce it, speak to your physician or dietitian and get safe and professional help.