Chinese researchers claim that "the polyphenol compound in tea - especially Wulong or Oolong tea - can help obese people battle the bulge."

The research was part of a 5 year study looking at genetic causes of obesity.

Oolong (or wulong) tea sits somewhere between green and black tea in terms of fermentation. Black tea is fermented, Green Tea is unfermented, Oolong is semi-fermented.

Unfortunately the above research does not appear (yet) in an English medical journal - so we cannot delve into the details.

There is, however, a large body of research surrounding tea, - in particular it's anti-oxidant properties. The Wulong Tea and other tea websites point to various studies showing a possible connection between tea drinking and fat metabolism.

In many ways the health claims are similar to that of Green Tea - a healthy drink to be sure - but no miracle weight loss cure. I suspect that you would also need to be drinking considerable amounts of the tea to obtain any benefit.

Your best bet is to drink tea without milk, especially Wulong, and avoid all the ready-to-drink tea and sugar mixes that are available.

Remember that only proper dieting and regular exercise will help you loss weight and keep you trim, but drinking lots of Wulong will assist!

More Facts About Wulong Tea:

* Wulong Tea Burns 2.5 Times MORE Calories Than Authentic Green Tea: In a new study published in the Journal of Medical Investigation, scientists from Japan's University of Tokushima School of Medicine found that people who regularly consumed this tea experienced over TWICE the calorie-burning results of those who drank the same amount of authentic Japanese green tea. Remarkable!

* Wulong Tea Reduces the Fattening Effects of Carbs: Eating too many carbohydrates causes weight gain by increasing insulin levels. (Insulin is your body's "fat-storing" hormone.) But a new study from scientists at the Suntory Research Center in Osaka, Japan, shows that drinking our premium Wu-Long 15 minutes before eating carbohydrates helps "blunt" the rise in insulin you normally get after eating carbs. This means that by drinking Wu-Long, you can have your cake and eat it, too!

* Wulong Tea Clarifies Skin; Gives Your Face a Clear, Healthy Glow: In a new study published in the academic journal Archives of Dermatology, researchers from Japan's Shiga University of Medical Science found that drinking Wu-Long daily dramatically clears up skin within just one month.

* Wulong Tea Reverses Signs of Aging: Free radicals are damaging substances in your body caused by ultra-violet rays, chemical food additives, pollution and stress. As you grow older, the amount of free radicals within your body increases naturally. Unfortunately, research links these damaging substances to many signs of aging, including wrinkles, dark spots and certain diseases. In one 2004 study by Dr. Kenichi Yanagimoto and colleagues from the University of California, Davis, people who drank Wu-Long daily experienced a remarkable 50 percent reduction in free radicals within just 15 days!

* Wulong Tea Promotes Strong, Healthy Teeth: A new study from the Department of Dentistry at Japan's Osaka University shows the regular consumption of Wu-Long strengthens teeth and helps prevent tooth decay by significantly inhibiting plaque deposition.

* Wulong Tea Strengthens Your Immune System: According to a new 2004 study published in the scientific journal Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, test subjects who consumed Wu-Long were found to have a stronger immune system and a significantly lower risk for infections such as the common cold.

* Wulong Tea Enhances Mind-Body Wellness: Perhaps the most notable testament to the power of Wu-Long comes from the esteemed Chinese pharmaceutical book Bencao Shiyi (The Compendium of Materia Medica), which says the tea "will make one live long and stay in good shape." It contains the amino acid L-theanine which enhances alpha brain wave activity and promotes the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, thereby conteracting the jittery effects of caffeine.

* Wulong Tea is 100% Natural & Nourishing: Unlike artificial "fat burners," Wu-Long is natural and nourishing to your health. Many users report feelings of increased focus and well-being. Keep in mind, Wu-Long does contain some caffeine, about as much as a cup of green tea but less than a cup of coffee.