What is Skinny Teatox?
Skinny Teatox claims their teas will “detox” and “cleanse” your body.
As of 2019, they boast that they are the “number one teatox in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Germany, Singapore, Netherlands, and France” and highlight that their products are “made with 100% natural ingredients that promote good health and weight loss.”
They also claim their teas can “burn calories, suppress appetite, and boost metabolism and energy levels.”
Sounds great, but is it all just marketing hot air and hype?
Is there really any evidence that you can “detox” yourself plus all these other benefits just by drinking a tea?
Are there any potential health risks? Or is this just yet another golden unicorn to piss away your money?
In this review, I will put Skinny Teatox under the microscope and evaluate their marketing claims, break down the ingredients, and weigh out the potential risk for side effects.
What does “detox” actually mean?
Before we get into Skinny Teatox’s specific marketing claims, it’s important to look at the marketing juggernaut that is the word “detox.”
What is “detox” and why is it plastered all over different products these days?
Popularised by questionable internet personalities such as self-styled toxin-hunter Vani Hari (aka Food Babe), the term “detox” has been recklessly bandied around with little consideration for accuracy of use – and frankly, it’s terrifying consumers.
But if you buy into the hype, then you are fat, tired, and unhealthy because “dangerous toxins” have accumulated in your body.
Scary stuff. If only it were true.
Scott Gavura eloquently provides a real definition for detox in a recent article on Science-Based Medicine:
“Detox” is a legitimate medical term that has been co-opted to sell useless products and services. It is a fake treatment for a fake condition. Real detoxification isn’t ordered from a menu at a juice bar, or assembled from supplies in your pantry. Real detoxification is provided in hospitals under life-threatening circumstances — usually when there are dangerous levels of drugs, alcohol, or other poisons in the body. Drugs used for real detoxification are not ingredients in a smoothie.
Other detox reviews on this site:
Interactive health tools:
Review of Skinny Teatox marketing claims
Skinny Teatox makes explicit claims on its website that the product can not only “detoxify” and “cleanse” you but will also cause you to “lose weight, burn calories, increase your energy levels, and keep your appetite in check.”
But are these claims truthful and can the product actually deliver?
Claim 1: “Detoxify”
“Detox” is the primary marketing claim found across the Skinny Teatox website. But nowhere on the website did I find any mention of specifically WHICH “toxins” the tea actually “detoxifies.”
This is a critical piece of information. Are we talking about hexavalent chromium? Lead? Mercury? What’s the story?
How can you KNOW if the tea is actually working?
If you don’t know specifically which toxins were talking about, how much or how many are in your body before you start drinking the tea, and you don’t have a measure after you’ve drunk the tea, then how do you know it’s “detoxifying” you?
Claim 2: “Cleanse”
Following on from “detox” above, Skinny Teatox claims their teas will “cleanse” you too. To me, this sounds like similar marketing jargon that goes hand in hand with “detox.”
Remember there is no legal or standardised definition for “detox” or “cleanse” in a marketing context, so they can be used any which way a company pleases.
And for all this “detox” talk out there, remember your body has its own built-in filters your, liver, lungs, spleen, and kidneys.
But wait, don’t my body’s filters get gunked up with “toxins” and need a good “cleansing?”
Unless you’re eating a steady diet of heavy metals and other known pollutants, probably not. Check out this SBS article on detoxing to read more.
It’s also important to note that many of the ingredients in Skinny Teatox teas are both laxatives and diuretics.
If your body’s bowel and bladder movements are normal, then you are naturally “detoxing” and “cleansing” yourself without the need of teas.
Claim 3: “Lose weight”
I believe this claim is truthful, but it deviates from what consumers expectations might actually be. I don’t think there is any question that you will “lose weight” if you are drinking teas loaded with laxatives and diuretics.
However, for many people that want to “lose weight,” their expectation is that they would like to reduce body fat from those trouble spots like the hips, thighs, belly, and arms.
And one of the quickest methods to check for “weight loss” is the woefully misleading bathroom scale.
Unfortunately, the bathroom scale gives you absolutely no indication if you’re losing fat, muscle, water, or anything else for that matter.
Bottom line: Can Skinny Teatox cause you to “lose weight?” Yes. Mainly in the form of water and feces.
Can Skinny Teatox cause you to “lose fat?” Unlikely.
You might lose fat if you’re eating a healthier diet and exercising whilst drinking the teas, but the results would mostly be due to your change in lifestyle over the teas.
For more information on this, please read my articles on healthy body fat and permanent fat loss.
Claim 4: “Burn calories, boost metabolism, increase energy levels”
There are countless products on the market that claim they can help you “burn calories, boost metabolism, and increase energy levels.”
Sounds great, but is it true? Yes, no, and kinda maybe based on your expectations.
Yes, it is true that Skinny Teatox products contain caffeine in the form of tea leaves and this may cause a small increase in how many calories you burn.
It might also make you feel more alert much like you would after drinking a regular cup of tea or coffee.
But now we have to look at these claims in a practical context rather than a technicality.
“Boost metabolism?”
Translated to plain English, a “boost” in metabolism means that a person’s calorie burn should increase and remain elevated after drinking the tea.
But exactly how many calories are we talking about? And how long is this elevation in metabolism? What evidence is this based on? Not much.
I performed a search of the medical journal databases and was unable to find a single study on Skinny Teatox that related to its effects on metabolism and calorie burning.
I did, however, find an article in the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism which found that 12 healthy young male volunteers who consumed 200 mg of caffeine increased their metabolism by approximately 7% (or 13 calories in absolute terms).
Bottom line: “technically” yes, caffeine will bump up your metabolism, but unlikely in any noticeable or meaningful way that it will cause you to shed copious amounts of fat.
And since we do not know the actual amount of caffeine in Skinny Teatox, there is no way to know to what extent these findings apply, if at all.
Claim 5: “Suppress appetite”
This claim is true.
Skinny Teatox contains caffeine, along with ginseng, dandelion, liquorice, green tea, cinnamon, and cloves, all of which may exert an appetite suppressant effect in the body. This is desirable for people trying to lose weight.
Skinny Teatox ingredients list
Skinny Teatox claims their ingredients are “100% natural with no chemicals or preservatives.”
I was unable to find a complete ingredients list for each of the listed teas, but was able to scrape together this comprehensive list from their website and also by sending the company an email request for ingredients.
Tea leaves
Standard tea leaves contain caffeine which might make you feel more alert and suppress appetite.
Green tea
Green tea contains a small amount of caffeine which might give you a feeling of pep in your step and help suppress appetite.
Senna leaf
Senna‘s active constituents are called sennosides which stimulate the bowel and causes a laxative effect.
Ginseng
It is not clear which type of ginseng is used in Skinny Teatox products, but the effects can vary from one species of ginseng to another.
Licorice
Licorice may help people with irritable bowel syndrome by soothing inflamed tissue, helping to relax muscles, and exerting a mild laxative effect on the bowels.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum tea has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects in clinical trials.
Cinnamon bark
Cinnamon bark may be helpful for soothing irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea, and bloating.
There is inconclusive evidence on its effects on appetite, with some research showing it can increase appetite and other reports showing the opposite.
Cloves
Cloves are used for upset stomach and may relieve intestinal gas, nausea, and diarrhoea.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb exerts a laxative effect for the relief of constipation but care must be taken, as a high enough dose can induce diarrhoea as a side effect.
Rhubarb may also be helpful for a number of other gastrointestinal disturbances like heart burn and stomach discomfort.
Ginger
Ginger may exert a laxative effect on the body by stimulating the bowels and may be useful for upset stomach, gas, and diarrhoea. It may also promote fluid loss as a diuretic.
Ginger might also stimulate appetite which may counter other ingredients in the teas that decrease appetite.
Buckthorn bark
Buckthorn bark contains chemicals which have a laxative effect for constipation relief.
Dandelion leaves
Dandelion leaves may exert a diuretic (makes you pee) and laxative effect to increase bowel movements. It may also increase appetite.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass may help improve digestive tract spasms and relieve stomach aches.
Burdock root
Burdock root has a diuretic effect on the body which will promote weight loss (not fat loss).
Peppermint leaves
Peppermint leaves may be helpful for digestive problems such as heartburn, nausea, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Depending on the dose, it could have a laxative effect on the body.
Rosehips
The fruit acids and pectin in rosehips may exert a mild diuretic and laxative effect.
Rosehips might also help settle your stomach from irritation.
Safflower
Safflower may help improve blood lipid profiles and may possibly exert a laxative effect.
Cornflower
Cornflower may exert a diuretic and laxative effect to reduce water retention and relieve constipation, respectively.
Turmeric
Turmeric may be helpful for irritable bowel syndrome, stomach discomfort, and diarrhoea.
Natural lemon flavouring
I don’t have any other information from the company as to exactly what this means.
How Does Skinny Teatox Work?
According to the Skinny Teatox website, the morning tea is a “stimulant and gives you a steady and constant supply of energy throughout the day, increases your metabolism, and aids with appetite suppression.”
The evening tea purportedly “cleanses and detoxifies your body” and cleanses the colon to “flush out your digestive tract of toxins and unwanted excess which could be making it more difficult for you to lose weight.”
Given the number of diuretic and laxative ingredients, Skinny Teatox works by making you pee and poo a heck of a lot more than usual. This would explain the “weight loss” (notice I did not say fat loss).
If you define “detox” and “cleanse” as running to the toilet more frequently, then yes, maybe it’s “working” but it’s unlikely to be detoxifying you in any clinically meaningful definition of the word.
Any increase in metabolism or calorie burn is questionable and will likely be dose-dependent.
You might burn an extra 15 calories but in practical terms it will have no significant effect on your body fat levels.
Are there any side effects?
Skinny Teatox and other similar products on the market are unlikely to cause harm when used as directed (and for the short term). But there is always a potential for side effects.
Dehydration
First, senna leaves and a number of other ingredients in the tea exert a laxative effect on the body that could lead to diarrhoea and possibly dehydration, particularly if you are consuming a lot of the tea and leaving the bag in the water for longer than recommended.
Electrolyte imbalances and nutrient deficiencies
Second, the combined diuretic effect of many of the ingredients could further promote dehydration.
If you have diarrhoea, then it could further hasten dehydration and contribute to a dangerous electrolyte imbalance and nutrient deficiencies.
Low blood pressure
Third, if you have cardiovascular disease and are taking medications that promote fluid loss, then the tea could have a compounding effect which might further lower your blood pressure and make you susceptible to dizziness and fainting.
Reduction in birth control effectiveness
Fourth, by Skinny Teatox’s own admission, the teas “can potentially reduce the effectiveness of birth control if you take your pill within 4-5 hours of the laxative effect.”
Reduction in bowel movements
Fifth, the tea should be used for the short term. Long term use could result in your body habituating to the laxative which may lead to a reduction in bowel motility (leading to intestinal paralysis, lazy gut, and IBS) and make you dependent on the tea for normal bowel movements.
If you’re having problems with your bowel movements after using the tea, you should consult your doctor for further evaluation.
Weight loss abuse
Sixth, because the teas promote “weight loss” through increased urine and feces loss, consumers obsessed with quick-fix weight loss products may be at higher risk for abuse.
If you’re the parent of a teen with body image issues, you should pay particular attention to their use of the products.
The fine print: Skinny Teatox “results not typical”
Skinny Teatox is quick put the brakes on too much enthusiasm. On their website they state:
Testimonials, reviews and images found at Skinny-Teatox.com and/or from Skinny Teatox are unverified results that have been forwarded to us by users of our products; may not reflect the typical user experience; may not apply to the average person; and are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. You should always perform your own research and not take such results at face value. It is possible that even with perfect use of our products, you will not achieve the results described or shown. They are meant to be a showcase of the best results our products have produced, and should not be taken as the results a typical user will get.
In my opinion, if “results are not typical” then it’s misleading to only highlight the small proportion of anomalous testimonials that had great “results.”
It’s these types of disclaimers that make me think what we really need is a “detox” from advertising bullish*t. International laws should “cleanse” marketing claims to better protect consumers from being misled by myth, innuendo, and half-truths.
Does Skinny Teatox work? The verdict
Whether or not Skinny Teatox actually “works” depends on your individual definition of the words “detox” and “cleanse.”
If you consider urine and feces to be “toxins” then, sure, diuretics and laxatives will do the trick.
But it’s unlikely to fix that little mercury poisoning thing you’ve been dealing with.
You’re going to get real cozy with your toilet while using the product and you probably will “lose weight.”
But if your expectation is that you’re going to lose stored body fat, then you’re probably going to be disappointed.
It won’t turn your metabolism into a raging inferno, nor will it send your energy levels spiking through the roof.
You’re free to spend your money on whatever you please, but remember that no teatox on the market is a substitute for a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a nutrient-rich diet, doing regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and reducing stress.
In closing, my final recommendation actually comes directly from Skinny Teatox website:
Skinny Teatox should not replace a healthy diet or exercise! Use your head, and continue to eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, eat the recommended amount of calories per day, and be happy with who you are.
I couldn’t agree more.
My take on “detox” in its popular sense is that it is best understood as the secular equivalent of the purification/abstinence rituals which are part of many religions (eg, Ramadan in Islam, Lent in some forms of Christianity, Pesach in Judaism). These rituals may provide some psychological comfort but are unlikely to be of much physiological benefit.
The obvious exception to this is that if somebody has ingested something (by accident or on purpose) at toxic levels then urgent medical attention is needed.
Cheers Simon. Excellent point. I always love your insightful comments on my website. Thanks for stopping by.
Hello Bill or should I address you as Dr Sukala, after reading almost all the comments about Skinny Detox I felt like you were my friend…a little explanation of my greeting. So…yes I also got the pop up on Facebook. Anyone who wants to lose weight, have more energy you instantly think, “Ahhhh…maybe this is the one!” The easy way right, just maybe right…thank you for your sharing on this product I will not waste my time or money on false promises. Just my opinion not wanting to offend anyone out there if it’s working for them. Losing weight has always been the same for me, make healthy eating choices and exercise exercise exercise. I am Grateful in my research on this product I happened upon your site for answers!!
Hi Donna
Thanks for your kind words. I’m glad you found the article helpful. It’s nice people like yourself that make it worth writing articles. Keep up the good work with a healthy lifestyle. Kind regards, Bill
This does not work. a waste of money very upset
I order this too, did nothing for me @ taste awful
Thank you Dr. Sukala! I really need to learn to read reviews of products BEFORE ordering them online!!! You think I would have learned by now!!! lol In Any event, I decided to try the product. As a matter of fact, I am awaiting my first cup of tea as we speak! I boiled 8 oz. of water, and, as directed, am seeping the tea bag. It has been seeping now for over 10 minutes, and the water is BARELY tinged with color. This concerns me. I am a somewhat healthy, 51-year-old woman. I eat healthy (most of the time), I walk at least once, if not twice a day for approximately 30 minutes (each), and I also exercise and “work-out” for approximately 30-45 minutes a day. Two weeks ago I had to have surgery on my foot, which hindered my from my walk as well as some of the few work-out routines and was only able to exercise my upper body. I am now going on 2 weeks without a walk and without my normal exercise routine and I am most definitely feeling it! When I realized that I could not walk or work-out as usual, is when I decided to order the “Skinny Fit”. I own my own sportsmen-related advertising company, and am leaving for Mexico Bay (upstate New York) tomorrow, July 5, to film one of my charter clients. I am scheduled to get my stitches out of my foot right before I leave. So, I am anxious to start walking and exercising again, however this does me no good now…lol. I CRAVE a lot of energy, so this is why I decided to try “Skinny Fit” and also to try and lost some of this weight that I have gained in the past 2-4 weeks. I, of all people, know that in order to lose weight properly, you must maintain a balanced diet and exercise. I, in no way, expected “Skinny Fit” to help me lose weight without the above forementioned…BUT…I truly was hoping that it would help me out of the bind that I am in at the moment. I only ordered one months’ worth of the product…however, seeing that the tea is not even seeping…AT ALL…I am EXTREMELY weary of the product…but yet trying to keep positive thoughts. AGAIN, I should have read the reviews BEFORE ordering. I will keep my fingers crossed and get back to you!!! Thanks for your research! HAPPY 4th of JULY!! #celebratingmyfreedom #premiersportsmansguide, #OATHINC
Hi Bev,
Thanks for your comment. Nothing wrong with giving it a try, but I would advise to keep your expectations in check. Remember “losing weight” is different than “losing fat.” These types of products will cause you to “lose weight” on the bathroom scale but that tells you nothing about what’s happening on the inside. Body composition is most important and these types of products, by nature of being loaded with diuretics (pee more) an laxatives (poo more), may make you “lose weight” but this is all easily gained back once you stop taking the product. But no matter how you slice it, it is still about healthy eating and regular activity (as you pointed out). Best of luck tomorrow in Mexico Bay! Enjoy 🙂
I’m going to add you as a favorite. I have a BSN in nursing. I always do research on products. Your’s was great. I truly appreciate this review.
Thanks for the kind words, Robin. I’m usually the target of trolls who don’t like honest reviews when they go against their deeply engrained beliefs. Always nice to have a friendly comment from time to time 🙂
I’ve been using Skinny Fit for three months. The price is outrageous that’s why I’m reading reviews before reordering. I took it to Whole Foods to see if they sell anything like it cheaper and was told there is not at their store. The employee who seems to know what she was talking about said the ingredients are a healthy combination and the only questionable ingredient is the peach flavoring. It is very light in flavor and color. I enjoy it every morning along with a cup of coffee. I do have more energy but the coffee duo helps I’m sure. It does NOT cause loose bowels in me at all. As far as weight I’ve been dieting along with it and my stomach is much flatter. There’s no miracle product out there. It takes great effort to get results. I’m neutral to whether I’d recommend it. I doubt their claims are honestly accurate. I believe natural tea in general is good for you and combining lots of great teas together in one is great so it comes down to cost for me.
Hi Maryann, Thanks for your comment. Stick with the healthy lifestyle and use these types of products sparingly. If you’re keeping active and eating healthy, that will work best in the long run. Kind regards, Bill
I was thinking of trying the skinny fit tea, I want to lose a little weight, but after reading this I am hesitant since I already have digestive problems , have had them ever since I had my gall bladder taken out. I am just needing something to help me suoress ny appetite. I gave Garnicia pills is that any better ?
Hi Paula, If you have underlying medical issues, I would strongly discourage you from these types of products and instead seek guidance from a clinical dietitian. I would suggest discussing a healthy eating plan that is along the lines of a Mediterranean style of eating that will help you lose weight in a safe and healthy manner. These types of “detox teas” can make you lose a lot of water and fecal weight since they are potent laxatives and diuretics rolled into one. In short, I’d suggest avoiding these bandaid approaches and look for something that is going to make you healthy inside and out, and help you lose the weight and keep it off long-term. Kind regards, Bill
Thank you, is there anything you would recommend for quick weightloss?
When I give talks and people ask me that question, my usual response is “sure, just cut off an arm or leg!”
But seriously, if you’re talking about “weight loss,” specifically what kind of “weight” are you looking to lose?
Are you looking to just reduce scale weight? If so, this gives no consideration to body composition, meaning you can easily drink these diuretic/laxative “teatox” drinks which will dehydrate you and clean out your intestines. But this is NOT fat loss and should not be confused with fat loss. You will easily gain back all the water and fecal weight you lose on these sorts of “teatoxes.”
If you’re looking to lose body fat, and keep it off, then you need to dig in your heels and be willing to start making lifestyle changes such as eat more fruits and veggies, lean cuts of meat, fish, and poultry, healthy oils like olive oil, get more physical activity in such as walking, biking, swimming, weights. It’s not sexy, but it is scientifically proven to work, unlike detoxes and quick fix “weight loss” diets.
Here’s the bottom line: in the nearly three decades that I’ve been in the health field, I have NEVER met anyone who used a gimmick (like a fad diet, detox, or infomercial ab blaster) that lost weight and kept it off for any meaningful length of time.
You need to understand that when you use these sorts of gimmicks, you are just a number in their sales funnel. The business is money, and the storefront is “health.” But not real health. It’s just the illusion of health. They get richer, you get poorer, and when the hype and excitement of the next gimmick wears off, you’re straight back to where you were, and often times even worse off. All these gimmicks have physiological effects that, in some cases, can make your body a more efficient fat storing machine to protect against further weight loss attempts.
If you want to believe in the tooth fairy detox and the golden unicorn diet, then I can assure you with reasonable confidence, you’ll come out worse in the long-run. If you want to come out much better in the long-run, forget the quick weight loss gimmicks and work on strategies for living a healthy lifestyle. Sorry to be so blunt, but I’m really tired of watching marketers who know little to nothing about health continue to rip off consumers and harm their health. Kind regards
Hi,
When I saw this skinnyfit tea advertisement in Facebook, I said to myself ok I want to try. If I don’t like it then I will stop. My first bag ordered until the last piece of bag. It was really good, it really works on me, the taste it was really good I’m tea drinker and I said this taste is really good. I drink it twice a day and it really work on me, I felt I lost weight, until I finished it. So I can’t wait for the next order. Then here comes the 2nd order, I was so excited, so when I made my first tea bag. I’ve noticed the taste was really different. It wasn’t taste like the first one I ordered. My husband knows about it, he tried my first one too. So I asked him for this second order to taste it. I told him its tasteless it wasn’t really like the first one. So when asked my husband to try it too, he said yes its tasteless. And he said you have to stop the subscription maybe this is fake. I send an e-mail a week ago, and I told but no response yet. I want to send it back and get a refund. This is so disappointing.
Sorry to hear you’re getting jerked around. I’ve seen this sort of thing happen many times with those sorts of auto-payment subscriptions. Buyer beware.
Hi Dr Bill,
I read your teatox article with great interest as I have numerous friends trying to “detox” using tea concoctions. Have you considered writing a SkinnyMe Teatox review? They appear to be Australia-based and copying the same business model as all these other scam teatox products on the market. All the usual dodgy testimonials about weight loss, bloating, and increasing energy, but then you read the disclaimer on their website: For maximum health benefits, it should be consumed in conjunction with a healthy balanced diet and exercise. Just like with Skinny Teatox, SkinnyMe is misleading people by fooling them into thinking they can just use a tea for weight loss instead of putting in the hard yards through a healthy lifestyle. Anyway, it would be great if you could write a review on SkinnyMe too. It just upsets me that so many people are fooled by these idiotic products.
Very insightful; thank you for taking the time to do and post the research. I was thinking of trying this product. I have IBS and after reading this, I won’t put my health at risk. I regularly exercise, but don’t consistently practice healthy eating habits. Mostly because I’m very structured and need a plan. I have no idea what plan or where to look for a plan; so I simply eat salads everyday and try to limit fried foods and red meat. Even with doing this I’m struggling to maintain my current weight; which is already over my recommended body weight and body fat.
Hello Dr. Bill,
I cannot thank you enough for breaking everything down to the real ‘nuts and bolts’ of the product. I had a hysterectomy a year ago(I’m 41) and it seems I bloat much more, my bowels don’t move with a little help from senna(every week) and weight is packing on in my midsection. I’m in the healthcare field and I know the hype…Detox tea’s, shakes, you name it! We all want a ‘quick fix’…but, it is just that…a Quick Fix, not lasting. As we age our bodies change, and whether we like it or not, we need to change also, if we want to be healthy. Even being in healthcare, I admit, I’ve done the diet pills, weight loss drinks, ate healthy. Lost weight yes, until I stopped taking the pills, and shakes. Hello pounds right back on.
As You’ve Said, the only thing that REALLY WORKS is – A Healthy diet, not restrictive(all things in moderation), exercise (even 10 min. a day; dance while you vacuum, fold clothes, make the bed, just move) is the way to shed pounds. Won’t happen quick but will happen for the long run. I’m heeding your advice
Thank you for your breakdown of this product! I was thinking about a ‘quick-fix’, until I read your review and kicked my own @ss.
You Are Appreciated!
Hi Leena,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Yeah, there are lots of quickfixes and marketing sleights of hand to sell them. But, as you know being a health professional, as much as we all want the quick fix (me included!), anything that is worthwhile and lasting is going to take some time and effort. If they could create a quick-fix for long-term habit change, then that would be a good thing! Keep up the good work and stay the course! Kind regards, Bill
Hello Dr Bill
I too am so grateful to have read your article before purchasing.
My question to you is: I read somewhere that drinking a gallon of water every day will definitely help you loose weight, (of course along with a healthy diet and exercise), is that true and beneficial? My goal is to lose 20-25 pounds in the next 3 months. I would appreciate any advice you have.
Linda
Hi Linda,
The internet is loaded with theories about the best way to lose weight. Some are extreme, some are ridiculous, and a few are sensible. When it comes to drinking a gallon of water per day, I would say this falls somewhere between the extreme and ridiculous categories. To be fair, replacing food with lots of water will definitely help you lose weight, but you’ll probably spend 3/4 of your day running back and forth to the toilet. However, you’d ultimately be starving yourself just the same. There is nothing wrong with having a bit more water but, as a general rule, any sort of extreme program is usually unsustainable and not realistic. You mentioned healthy eating and exercise in your comment. I would agree that making healthy food choices (a Mediterranean style of eating is very healthy and sustainable), watching your portions, and sticking with it over the long term will serve you well. Add in exercise and you are well on your way not to just “losing weight,” but losing stored body fat. “Losing weight” is a phrase that makes me cringe because it pays no attention to body composition. In other words, if I starve you on some fad diet, yes, you will “lose weight,” but most of it will be in the form of lost muscle, water weight, and stored carbohydrate. The second you go back to your normal eating habits, you’ll pack on the body fat and then some, and your body will make physiological changes that will protect against future weight loss attempts. I’d recommend having a read of my article on permanent fat loss: https://drbillsukala.com/permanent-fat-loss-principles-secret-is-no-secret/ I’m hopeful that some of these suggestions will help put you on a path of just trying to focus on being healthy first, and then reducing body fat (and scale weight) as a secondary benefit. Bottom line: be smart and think long-term. Don’t fall victim to all these scammers selling their quick weight loss teas and infomercial gadgets. Their business is money and their storefront is health/nutrition. Never trust a marketer for health and nutrition information! Cheers, Bill
Hello Doctor. I want to ask you that can I use green tea in during pregnancy.
Hi Riya,
Products like “skinny teas” are best avoided while you’re pregnant. Normal supermarket green teas are highly unlikely to be harmful, but your best bet is to speak with your doctor for specific advice related to your individual health. Kind regards
Hi Dr. Bill.. I am a bariatric patient. My gastric bypass surgery took place in December 2014. I have lost a total of 100lbs. I hit a plateau… and found myself feeling depressed. However, I am not discouraged. Thank you for your breakdown. I have learned so much throughout my journey… I became better educated and informed on healthier eating habits, proper hydration, balancing my nutritional choices and safe/proper protein intake. I know that I can recharge myself into continuing my weightloss goals and healthy lifestyle journey. I was soooo influenced by the advertisment of the skinny detox teas… I mean, how can natural and herbal ingredients harm me? I understnd that I cannot only rely on the use of the teas… rather I can add them to my menu as a another tool for my journey. I will certainly keep in mind the need for proper hydration and moderation.
Dr. Sakula ,
Would you consider researching and reviewing their Youth Collagen Product ?
~m
Hi Martha,
I’ll take a look into it. Thanks for the tip.
Kind regards
I have tried to cancel my monthly subscription to Red Tea teabags. No luck yet. Not happy.
Hi Pearl, yes, that can be a problem with these types of companies. Easy to take your credit card details but extremely difficult to stop the payments other than notifying your bank and putting in a block ahead of time. You’re not the first person to say this (sadly). Good luck.
They have on the website that the tea is 100% senna free
Hi Brittner,
Actually, Skinny Teatox explicitly states on their website as of today that the product contains senna leaves which are known to be a laxative.
There are a lot of “skinny tea” knock-offs on the market so perhaps you were looking at a different product/brand. If you can post the link here, that would be helpful to review.
Kind regards,
Bill
I can’t thank you enough for bucking the trend and giving a knowledgeable and honest review. I hve suckered into the reparative marketing on FB a couple of times. Thank you thank you thank you for saving another costly disappointment!
Hi AS, thanks for taking the time to share your views. Yes indeed, there are lots of things on the market and not all of them are safe and effective. In the health space, you must always remain aware and in self defense mode. Stick to healthy eating and regular activity. That’s what we know works and doesn’t cost you a fortune.
So what detox would you recommend?
Hi Cathy, The word “detox” in the context of teas and supplements is just a marketing term. There is no actual detox going on in your body. Sometimes these sorts of companies tell you to eat healthier, which is good general advice anyway, but giving up sodas and chips in favour of more fruits and veggies is not “detoxing” either, but is simply adopting a healthier lifestyle. If you’ve got a normal working liver and pair of kidneys, then your body is detoxing just fine. I recommend saving your money and never spending it on any product which uses “detox” in their name or marketing materials.
Thank you so much for this information. I was about to order it but your research has convinced me not too. Especially because I didn’t know that it reduces the effectiveness of birth control!
Hi Katelynn
Glad you found it helpful. Can’t be too careful when it comes to supplements, teas, powders, and the like. It’s often not what you’re told but what you’re NOT told.
I love that I just did a search on this and our very own Dr. Bill’s review popped up! Thank you for the insightful analysis and hope you’re doing well!
-Rachelle
Ah the legendary Rachelle! What a pleasant surprise! Thanks for stopping by the site 🙂
I’ve been 200 lbs for decades. I started with detox skinny tea a month ago and lost ten pounds. I couldn’t believe I was 190 . It was good to see it. But what I have read here really explains a lot. I’m not going to get this tea anymore unless it gets real cheap.
Thank you Dr. Bill, I was just about to call them and order the trial sample. I’m 54.5 and because of menopause I’ve gained over 50 pounds. I gained 40 pounds in 4 months at the age of 42. Then when I was 50, I saw a horomone acpunturist ..she put me on a tea to regulate my hormones, in 9 monts I lost 30 pounds…then as I got further into menopause, the tea stopped working. I went back a year later to the same dr, tried the tea again for 2 months and didn’t lose one ounce. 2 weeks ago the scale said I gain 5 pounds in 3 days! Seriously! I am a vegetarian, eat pretty healthy, require a lot of protein, have cut out bread greatly and my food hasn’t changed greatly in 30 years. Menopause has ruined my life…and I’m the only person I know that has gained so much weight. I’m miserable and looking for a meal, diet, food service delivery plan to help me get this weight off. I’ve tried bio-identicals with no luck and yet at this point I’m about to look into HCG, that’s how desperate I am. Any suggestions?
Hi Carolyn,
Thank you for your comment. I can understand how frustrated you must be having gone through all that. First thing I’ll say is, be careful not to let fear and frustration take control and push you into making some bad decisions. All these teas, potions, and HCG are hot air with no real scientific basis. Just because you “lose weight” doesn’t mean that it’s working for you and to your advantage. Anyone can “lose weight” by starving themselves. In the case of these weight loss teas, they are simply loaded with diuretics and laxatives which, if you’re taking them and eating less, you will lose weight mostly in the form of pee and feces, and maybe a little fat, but not as much fat as you were expecting. I know this because I’ve run thousands of DEXA body composition scans on people doing all kinds of wacky regimens. In many cases, it’s like trying to fix a leaky pipe by wrapping plastic tape around the leak. It might “work” for the short term, but you can be guaranteed it’ll start leaking/gushing again. In the case of gaining 5 pounds in 3 days, I can assure you that you didn’t not gain 5 pounds of fat in three days. That is physiologically impossible. You are experiencing “weight gain” but not fat gain. Usually this is due to changes in body fluid more than anything.
As for HCG, please read my article on this topic here: https://drbillsukala.com/hcg-diet-review-does-it-work/
Solutions:
If you’re serious about getting things back on track, I would strongly encourage you to look into two practitioners:
1) an endocrinologist
2) a registered dietitian (ideally a clinical dietitian)
The endocrinologist can do a proper consultation and evaluation to determine what the heck is going on on the inside. I would say steer clear of the hormone acupuncturist. Maybe her intentions are good, but giving you a tea isn’t a solution. If anything, it’s only going to pull you backwards in the long-run.
The dietitian can help you get a handle on the food side of things and give you an evidence-based perspective on how best to proceed, particularly if armed with the information from the endocrinologist.
You’re dealing with some serious life changes that come with menopause and I can guarantee you that nothing you buy on the internet, particularly from websites loaded with marketing hype and bluster, will serve you for your best in the long-term.
I would also warn against anyone who is offering you simple solutions to complex issues (i.e., teatoxes and that crap). Having worked in the hospital with people dealing with life or death cardiac issues, I can tell you that sometimes this can take its toll on your head space. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by it all, I would suggest reaching out to a counselor or psychologist who can help you navigate though this time and get a healthy perspective on things. Please know, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, NOT a sign of weakness. Life is friggin’ hard sometimes and we get knocked around a bit, so there’s no shame in saying, “hey, this is a tough time for me, and I need to acknowledge that I need some help.” It’s like trying push a Mack truck uphill all by yourself, You can push and push, but eventually you get tired and collapse, at which point the truck runs you over.
So in wrapping up, stay away from the woo pushers and marketers. Get a proper evaluation/consultation with an endocrinologist, dietitian, and maybe a psychologist to help you with reframing some of your thinking. I won’t give you any oversimplistic “here-do-this” sort of advice because I am not familiar with your entire medical history and it would be irresponsible for me to do so. Of course the golden rules like getting out and exercising, eating lots of veggies (which you seem to be doing) are all good advice, but I suspect you might be dealing with some medical issues on the inside where you may need the advice of qualified and experienced medical professionals.
Hope this helps,
Bill
Hello Dr. Sukala,
Well I’m simply blown away at your kindness and your response. Thank you so much! should have mentioned that I’ve had my blood work done several times over the past 10 years and have seen several endocrinologists and my test results come back as perfect. Go figure. I have had several doctors look at my food plan and they all agree; the weight gain isn’t my food and that it’s my hormones. So, what is a woman to do? Since I don’t cook for myself anymore…I’ve been looking into a meal delivery service. Do you think a vegetarian or vegan keto, paleo, whole 30 or Eat fat, get thin idea or any other plan might work for me? It’s all so confusing…all the information out there makes my head spin. I’ve contacted a clinical dietician per your suggestion – maybe that’ll help. But when I’ve been told this all due to menopause and my hormones and there’s nothing I can do, it’s all depressing. Also, I have no shame in going to therapy…having done so most of my life. I will look into that as well. Thank you again so much!
Dr. Sukala, are you familiar with the MTHFR Gene mutations, Lyme disease, EBV, CMV, fungal infections, Candida, parasites and intestinal worms, heavy metal toxins from vaccines and antiperspirants, and just all the environmental toxins? If you are, then you are familiar with the fact that our bodies do not detox or cleanse itself from these things the way that God intended for it to do. Yes I have been tested for everything I mentioned except the parasites and intestinal worms only because it’s a fact that we all have them, yes I have passed many and still are trying desperately to remove all of them. Lyme disease in itself has caused much damage to my body including messed up my hormones, I have extremely low testosterone and progesterone levels, very high levels of estrogen (2000) I told my GYN that I had ZERO sex drive and he outright told me I was too young and I asked him to test my hormones, he said again I was too young and because I was bleeding for over 4 months he wanted to do a hysterectomy, I refused so he put me on a low dose estrogen pill that I never took and I found another Dr who did a complete hormone panel and that was when I found out about the low T and progesterone, high estrogen and also low cortisol that was done by a 24 hour saliva test. So if you personally are not doing an actual study on people by testing them and doing measurements for weight and body size, then how could you possibly give an expert opinion of whether or not it works? I use to have trust in the medical field, I believed in vaccines, I believed in pharmacuticals, not so much anymore. I believe that God gave us plants to heal our bodies with that no man could ever replace with pills.
Thanks for your comment.
SkinnyFit’s customer service is terrible. Their product does not work and to try to get a refund is difficult. I do not recommend this product.
You’re not the first person that has said that.
I recently purchased SkinnyFit’s detox and the Collagen powder. I didn’t realize it at first but every time I drank the tea I had the worst stomach pains, got really bloated, and lost energy. I was wanting to detox my body because I’m so tired all the time, and getting headaches. I’ve stopped all SkinnyFit products and would like to try to get a refund. Wish me luck. Thank you for all of the great information.
Hi Dawn, I’m sorry to hear you had such a rough time. When you take a product stuffed with laxatives and diuretics, that sort of thing can tend to happen. Sadly, this is not really detoxing (as people expect) so much as it is just forcing your kidneys and gastrointestinal tract to work overtime.
Hope you’re able to get your money back, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. A lot of companies often say you can have a refund “if you send back the unused product.” But if you’ve opened it to try it, then how could you possibly send back the unopened product? Bit of a catch-22. Good luck!
Thank you, the world needs more people like you who truly want to help people not hurt them just to make a fast dollar.
Thank you for your time and research Dr. Sukala!
Much appreciation ♡
It is so nice to see that finally a certified professional has come forward and has drawn back the curtain for all these quick fixes.
The majority of teas and “fat burning /quick weight loss pills” basically just make you use the bathroom more and suppress bloating.
When people stop taking them, the weight returns and then they quit. Or- they become dependent and so does their body.
I learned the hard way overtime. I’ve leaned out but it’s a slow process. Try portion control, more water intake, increased sleep, less sugars/sodium’s and walk 15 minutes and you’ll see results that will last.
I love how you broke it all down! Thank you
Thanks for your comment Kristana. Some people have to learn the hard way when it comes to getting healthy. If only health came in a pill or tea. If you’ve not seen my article on the Golden Unicorn of Health, you can check it out here: https://drbillsukala.com/golden-unicorn-of-health/. I cover a lot of this in a broader picture. Kind regards, Bill
Dr. Sukala:
I enjoyed reading this article as I was playing tog of war whether or not skinny fit is actually worth investing in. Thanks for your research. I no longer have the desire to buy this product.
Thanks Kimberly,
I’m glad you found it helpful. Health marketing is meant to sell products, not educate. Keep a critical eye because it’s a minefield out there!
I have some skinny tea brought to me from China I haven’t tried it because I was told to stay near a bathroom.Also have you heard of Tru Vision what’s your thoughts
Sorry. Haven’t heard of that one. I see that it’s an MLM sort of company which is often a red flag to steer clear. The business of MLM is money and the store front is “Health.” Buyer beware.
Thanks Dr Bill. I read your articles from start to finish and really got happy that I did. I am skeptical in trying any of these online marketing even though I get tempted to try. I now know the difference between weight lost and fat lost I have been confusing both. What I actually need is a fat lost. I was on tri-monthly depo shots without knowing what I was doing to myself and before I realized it I was off the shape and looks. I accumulated much fats on my thighs, arms, stomach and face. I no longer take full picture because I will end up getting frustrated looking at the image of me. With all those fats, I only gained 10 lbs from my usual weights before pregnancy but the fats deposits are alarming. Reading your article made me realize that I was gaining fat and not weight. I eat healthy and busy at work not to gain any fat but the contraceptive ruined me. I skim and search the internet daily for a help to loose those ugly weights especially on my stomach and arms. Do you have any advice for me? I am really depressed looking at my own pics. It was my first attempt on contraceptives ever and definitely my last.
Hi Destiny,
The short answer to your question would be, most importantly, to avoid any of these sorts of detox teas and supplements. In the nearly three decades I’ve worked in the health field, these sorts of things have proven to be 100% ineffective for any lasting change. They might lighten your wallet but not much else. They’re just quick fixes that only set you up to fail again and again, and this can be quite detrimental to your emotional well-being.
I would strongly suggest working closely with your doctor to address any potential hormonal issues that may be present. Perhaps a referral to an endocrinologist may be warranted.
Regarding food, request a referral to a registered dietitian in your area. People who seek support will fare much better than those who don’t, or those who rely on quick-fixes, supplements, shakes, and infomercial gimmicks. Having a team helps you set realistic goals and monitor your progress in a supportive way.
Also, it’s easy to be your own worst critic and that can also erode your confidence and self-esteem. If you’re feeling particularly stressed out and anxious/depressed about your weight and appearance, then be sure to reach out for a referral to a health psychologist or social worker, a professional who has specific experience in helping people deal with health concerns. Reaching out for psychological support is actually a sign of strength, not weakness. You can learn techniques and methods to help arrest those negative thoughts and feelings before they derail your efforts.
Finally, you might also look into getting a referral to an exercise physiologist for help with your physical activity. They are university-qualified and will have knowledge and experience to help you get active in a safe and supportive way. The barking personal trainer running a military-style boot camp might be a bit inappropriate and over the top.
In summary, start with your doctor. Deal with any underlying medical issues that may be present and then request a referral to other allied health professionals to support you in your efforts. If you have a leaky pipe, don’t wrap tape around it. Replace the pipe. Buying into a teatox is like the tape where getting solid, evidence-based guidelines from qualified health professionals is like replacing the pipe. Also be sure to ready my article on chasing the golden unicorn of health (https://drbillsukala.com/golden-unicorn-of-health/). I think this will also help point you in the right direction.
Kind regards,
Bill
Hello Dr. Would this tea cause a person to have leg cramps??
It’s possible. The tea is loaded with diuretics and laxatives which could possibly cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, the latter of which could contribute to cramps.
I’ve never been so agreeable to someone’s written assessment of something. For once. All truth and nothing but the truth. ?
Keep em honest
I need to cancel any further shipments to me. Getting no weight loss results
You should contact the company that makes the product.
Hi we have full custody of my husbands children 1 is 16 and really skinny the other is 13 and the same well there mum sent them home with the tea tox that is meant to relax and cleanse your body is this a supposed to be a weight loss as well and should they be drinking it please help scared step mum
I do not recommend that any teenager use detox products. It can potentially set in motion a “diet mentality” that can skew their relationship with food and healthy eating principles. Plus if not supervised, they could potentially drink too much of it too often. Bottom line: detoxes do not “detox” anything. They’re just diuretics and laxatives and no teenager should be playing around with them.
Thank you so much! Now, can you get their ads off of my instagram feed? I want to lose 20lb, but not that way. Appreciate your details.
Just keep reporting their ads as spam. Eventually they’ll disappear.
My poo is bright green! Like it contains food coloring!
Its very disturbing. Im on day 6 of using the tea as recommended. I cant get off the toilet today. Believe I will stop the use of the product. Thank you for the article!
Green poo??? That doesn’t sound good!