This 2024 analysis of 6 studies with 339 total participants found that hibiscus extract had essentially no measurable effect on weight loss, BMI, or waist circumference compared to placebo or regular tea. The average weight difference was less than 0.3 kg — basically negligible. The good news: no safety concerns were reported, but the bottom line is hibiscus won't help you lose weight.

Researchers searched three major medical databases for rigorous, randomized controlled trials (the gold standard) that tested hibiscus extract or tea against placebo or control teas and measured weight, BMI, or body measurements. They combined results from 6 qualifying studies to see if hibiscus had any real effect.

Funding not disclosed in abstract